Jonathan seeks Closer Ties with Muslim Missions

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the diplomatic missions of Muslim countries in Nigeria to establish cordial relations between them and Nigeria.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Islamic Affairs and State House Mosque Barrister Tahir Umar Tahir said this while delivering the message of the president to the missions in Abuja.

The presidential aide who visited Iran, Egypt and Algeria Embassies for the start of tour of Islamic missions in the country said the creation of religious affairs office by the president further demonstrated the willingness of the present administration to carry everyone along.

He said: “Mr. President has created this office and given me mandate on how to improve peaceful co-existence between Muslims and other faith in Nigeria and the world. He has directed that I reach out to embassies like yours to solicit support in achieving peaceful co-existence.”

At the Egyptian Embassy, Tahir said:”Mr. President is very committed to religious issues and religion is the only way to addressing social problems.”

The Iranian Ambassador, Saeed Koozechi in his remarks said: “We believe that Nigeria has a big role to play in Africa, especially in the Islamic world. I think there are lots of issues and challenges bedeviling the Muslims and Islamic countries, we must cooperate to surmount these challenges.”