Buhari congratulates 83-yr-old Imam Abubakar on his US award

President Muhammadu Buhari has praised and congratulated Imam Abdullahi Abubakar on the award conferred on him by the United States’ International Religious Freedom Award.

The 83-yr-old Imam was celebrated for his heroic act of saving the lives of 300 Christians during last year’s killings in Plateau State.

During the ward ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, Abubakar was praised for putting his life at risk to give refuge to his Christian neighbours.

Reacting to this development in a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesman President Muhammadu Buhari urged Nigerian clerics and citizens to emulate the Imam.

He said, “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari heartily congratulates Imam Abubakar on the well-deserved honour by no less a credible and formidable government agency of the United States.

“The president believes the recognition bestowed on the 83-year-old Muslim cleric is towering and befitting for the patriot who risked his own life and that of his family on June 23, 2018 to save the lives of hundreds of Christians, fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gidin Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“Like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said, on May 30, 2019 at the State House Abuja when he received the Imam, the Village Head, Damafulul Mangai; community leaders and a delegation from the US, UK and European Union, the cleric ‘has done so much to promote peace by his singular act than most politicians could do and deserve all the commendation and high honour.

“President Buhari is, therefore, elated that a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena and his deeds will resonate wherever and whenever there are discussions on religious tolerance, cordiality between Christians and Muslims in the country and around the world.

“The president recommends the sterling virtues of Imam Abdullahi to all clerics, in particular, and Nigerians in general.

“He also strongly affirms the commitment of this administration to freedom of religion and worship for all Nigerians, as guaranteed by the Constitution, stressing that under no circumstance will any religion or faith be imposed on the nation.”

During the award ceremony, Abdullahi was not present at the ceremony to share the stage with fellow recipients: Ivanir dos Santos (Brazil), Salpy Eskidjian Weiderud (Cyprus), Mohamed Yosaif Abdalrahan(Sudan), Pascal Warda and William Warda (Iraq).

While speaking, U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, praised the recipients of the award for their contributions to humanity.