Nigerian FM urges Muslim unity in combatting extremism

Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has reffered to the activities of Takfiri terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and said, “Islamic countries and all Muslims must unite to eradicate the extremist Takifiri ideology.”

In a meeting with the Governor of Iran’s Qom Province Mohammad-Taghi Shahcheraghi on Friday, Zubairu Dada pointed to the Boko Haram Takfiri terrorist group's attacks in Nigeria and noted the group will be eliminated through the efforts of the Abuja government and neighboring countries.

He added that it is not possible to confront the Takfiri ideology, which is a ‘dreadful dragon’, without the unity of Muslims.

Dada also expressed satisfaction with his trip to Iran and pointing to significance of his visit to Qom he said, "I thought that without visiting Qom, my trip to Iran will not bring the necessary results and achievements, because I have heard a lot about Qom, so the trip to this city is very important to me."

The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs added that, "As a Muslim, we must seize the opportunities and learn more about Islam and even Shiism."

He also referred to the existence of Shias in Nigeria and said, "There are misunderstandings and deviations about the situation of Shias in Nigeria. Our constitution respects all opinions, even those who do not believe in God at all, but live in peace."

"Nigerian religious sects each have their own beliefs, and Islam itself emphasizes that we must learn to live in solidarity," Dada added.

He continued: "In Nigeria no sect is favored and no one is above the law.”

The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also noted that, "In Iran, too, everyone lives together in peace and friendship, and I am happy to have visited the shrine of Lady Masoumeh and learnt a lot."

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs arrived in Tehran earlier this week to participate in the Sixth Iran-Nigeria Joint Commission. The joint commission that was held after a 7-year hiatus is aimed at further improving bilateral ties and paving the way for boosting trade between Iran and Nigeria.