A viral video of an unnamed Nigerian cleric warning Muslims against participating in Christmas celebrations has reignited debate over religion and national cohesion—just as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, publicly marked the holiday in southeastern Nigeria.
The cleric, in a 20-second video circulated widely on Christmas Day, described Christmas celebrations as sinful for Muslims, claiming participation amounted to denying Allah and would lead to hell. The clip sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the preacher of promoting intolerance in an already polarised country.
In sharp contrast, the Emir of Kano spent Christmas in Abia State, where he attended the 2025 Atani Day celebration in Arochukwu Local Government Area alongside Governor Alex Otti. Sanusi praised Otti’s administration and urged Nigerians to strengthen interethnic and interreligious ties.
Speaking at the event on December 25, Sanusi said Abia’s transformation under Otti had drawn attention well beyond the state and Nigeria.
“Even outside Abia and outside Nigeria, people have taken note of the great transformation of the last two years,” the emir said, congratulating the governor and offering prayers for continued progress. He also disclosed that he serves on Otti’s international economic advisory council.
Sanusi, who arrived in Abia on December 23, commended the cultural displays at the celebration and called for unity across Nigeria’s regional and religious divides.
“I hope we will continue to build bridges across the Niger, hold hands, and remain brothers and sisters—citizens of one great country,” he said, recalling his decades-long friendship with Otti dating back to their banking careers.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, described the emir as a close friend of more than 20 years and praised his resilience amid past political and institutional challenges.
“Sometimes, when people politicise ethnicity and religion, it’s because they have no argument,” Otti said, adding that Sanusi’s personal journey—from former Central Bank governor to emir—offered lessons in courage and steadfastness.
Otti also used the occasion to defend his administration’s record, assuring residents that his government remained focused on service delivery despite criticism and political distractions. He apologised for the disruptions caused by ongoing infrastructure projects and said contractors had been directed to speed up work.
Highlighting investments in health and education, the governor said his administration has consistently allocated between 15 and 20 percent of the state budget to both sectors. He cited the revival of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, noting that long-overdue salaries had been paid and accreditation restored after several years.
The Atani Day celebration featured cultural dances and was attended by traditional rulers, including the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, community leaders, and government officials.
The contrasting moments—one amplifying religious exclusion, the other projecting interfaith harmony—underscored Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance deeply held beliefs with national unity.
