The Chief Imam of Dantata Jumma'at Mosque, Abuja, Calipher Muhammad Soro-Suleja, on Thursday cautioned religious leaders against unguarded utterances.

Soro-Suleja told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as part of activities marking Eid-el-Maulud in Abuja that the clergy should rather preach peace and unity.

According to him, the utterances of congregation leaders have direct effect on their followers.

He stressed that clergy were the representatives of God and were not expected to preach hatred against one another but peace as taught by Muhammad.

He called on religious leaders and wealthy individuals to assist the needy in their midst.

He added that Nigeria could only get it right if religious leaders played their role by preaching the true words of the Almighty God.

"Political leaders must also do justice to the citizenry, irrespective of tribe, religion, sex and region one comes from," he said.

He called on Muslims to emulate the good virtues of Prophet Muhammad, while praying "Almighty Allah to bring peace to our nation, guide our leaders and ensure that the eid-el-maulud is celebrated in an atmosphere of peace".