Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has enjoined religious leaders in the country to preach the gospel of love, peaceful co-existence and inter-religious harmony.

The gospel of tolerance for one another's beliefs, Tambuwal said, would eliminate religious tension among the people.

He stated this weekend during the Thanksgiving Mass and 60th birthday anniversary of the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The ceremony organised by the Catholic Community in honor of the cleric held at Anchuna Catholic Church in Kafanchan Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam,Tambuwal urged religious leaders to emulate the exemplary conducts of Bishop Kukah and described the honouree as a humble and committed religious leader who uses his God-given talent and energy in building bridges across religious divides.

"Bishop Kukah is one religious leader who believes in the universality of the world and therefore dedicates himself to the service of humanity and unity of our country. I therefore call on religious leaders to emulate the Bishop's efforts at promoting inter-religious harmony," Tambuwal stated.

Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Lamaran Yero, represented by his deputy, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, called for continued intercession of religious leaders for Nigeria to overcome its security and other challenges.

Bishop Kukah had earlier called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness and continue to live in unity and peace with one another.