Jesus Christ teaches us to love, even our enemies — Osinbajo

Jesus Christ teaches us to love, even our enemies and those that "despitefully use us". Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo has said on Thursday. 

The Vice president stated this while hosting Abdullahi Abubakar, the 83-year-old Muslim Cleric, who saved hundreds of Christians during the Plateau killings of 2018.

Speaking to the Abubakar, the Imam; Damafulul Mangai, the village head, community leaders, and diplomats from the US, UK and the European Union, the vice-president said President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that anyone who says “Allah Akbar” and kills is insane.

Describing Abubakar’s act as heroic, the vice-president said the Imam had done so much more to promote peace by his singular acts than most politicians could do.

He urged politicians to avoid using religion and tribal sentiment to create division among people, noting that Abubakar has demonstrated to leaders that the way to resolve whatever conflict is not by violence, but a demonstration of love.

“I commend you for your wonderful act, Imam Abubakar. Yours is one of the most courageous acts any man can possibly do, by offering your own life, for others especially those who are not of your tribe or faith,” Osinbajo was quoted by Laolu Akande, to have said.

“This is one of the most compelling stories I have heard. The love an individual can show for others not from their own tribe or religion. Most people in this country do not see the differences in tribe or religion, but it is easy to stoke religious tensions and divisions.

“Like President Muhammadu Buhari said, anyone who says ‘Allah Akbar’, and then goes to kill someone either does not know his faith or is insane. It is the same in the Christian faith.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ says we must first love, even our enemies and those that despitefully use us. And anyone who preaches something different is certainly not speaking from the Bible or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“It is far easier for people to create religious tensions between Christians or Muslims through their acts or words,” he added.

“And in a community where people have lived together in harmony and peace for so long, it shows how much a little of such tension created, in a matter of hours, can destroy harmony and peace built over the years.

“When people have been wronged, it is always easier for people to accept that revenge or vengeance is the right approach. But as you know, vengeance breeds bitterness and hatred, and doesn’t solve the problems created, but causes more deaths and harm.”