Former President of Court of Appeal, Justice Umar Abdullahi, has stressed the need for unity and cohesion among different Muslim organisations in the country.

He made the call in Abuja at the Annual Independence Lecture titled “ Islam and Muslims in Nigeria: Our story’’, organised by the FCT chapter of the Muslim Congress.

Abdullahi identified the lack of unity of purpose among diverse Muslim organisation as major factor militating against the progress and development of Islam in the country.

He said that all over the world, Muslims used the same Holy Qur’an and believed in the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

“Therefore, there is no basis for ideological difference or division between Muslims. We should always see ourselves as one as stated in the Holy Qur’an.’’

The former Court of Appeal president appealed to Muslims to shun all forms discrimination and division and embrace peace and unity.

He also urged the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to come up with strategy or strategies on how to unite Muslim organisations in the country “so that we all would be under one umbrella and speak with one voice.’’

The Guest Lecturer, Imam Nuraen Hassan, who spoke earlier, called for attitudinal change on the part of Muslims, saying “the fear of Allah and good moral conduct are very essential to the progress of Islam.’’

Hassan also urged Islamic scholars in the country to avoid provocative preaching that could disrupt peaceful coexistence in the society.

NAN