Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, and the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence (Dr.) Samuel Uche, have canvassed for religious tolerance and cautioned against any attempt to use religion to divide the country.

The two leaders made the case when the Prelate paid a courtesy visit on the governor in his office in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The governor stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to leave in peace and harmony despite differences in religion.

He noted that religious sentiment has eaten deep into our society said the new development will not be the way forward for Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country for peace, love and unity as the country was not experiencing such crises until now and has attributed disunity in the country to personal and political gains.

“We really need to pray for our dear country. Years back this country was not like this. Now people for their personal gains or political gains have decided to tour along religious line which is dangerous and really sad. I went to a Catholic school then we never knew differences in religion.

“We were together and play together. Your best friend could be a Christian if you are a Muslim or Muslim if you are a Christian. What I recall is that when it is time for prayers we both go to our various places of worship. Nobody judges anyone. But of recent even within religions you will see that we have factions. These are signs of end time when religions will start disintegrating instead of being united,” Sani-Bello said.

In his remarks, Prelate Uche, who was on a pastoral visit to the church in the state, said religion should not be an instrument of disintegration but of harmony and integrating all the federating units, stressing that religion is given to man by God for our edification and not otherwise.

He expressed concern over cases of religious intolerance some areas in the country and warned that “we should not use religion to divide the country”.

The cleric appealed to political leaders in the country at various levels to keep working for the continued peace, unity and progress of the country, arguing that, “no one can lead without a united and peaceful country”.

He commended the leadership style and achievements of Governor Sani-Bello and called on all Nigerians to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Update news