President Buhari has applauded the International Religious Freedom Award by the U.S. Department of State bestowed on Imam Abdullahi, an 83-year old Muslim cleric 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 Gindin Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau state.
The president commended the recipient on the well-deserved honour by no less a credible and formidable government agency of the United States.
The president said he believes that the recognition bestowed on the 83-year old Muslim cleric is towering and befitting for the patriot.
The president said he was elated that a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena and his deeds would 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 affirmed the commitment of the present administration to freedom of religion and worship for all Nigerians, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, stressing that under no circumstance would any religion or faith be imposed on the nation.