Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal has denied inciting religious violence in the country and threatened to sue those behind the report.
Lawal, in a statement in Abuja on Monday said he abhors religious violence and would never be involved in or promote inhuman acts in the name of religion.
He added that his lawyers would identify those behind the false claim and initiate court action against them.
Part of the statement reads: “There is a voice note being circulated in the social media purported to have been made by me inciting Christians to retaliate the recuring violence repeatedly unleashed on christian individuals , their communities and their properties as epitomised by the recent burning to death of Miss Deborah Samuel and Church property in Sokoto.
“While I rightly feel indignant about these killings, it is not in my character to incite people to retaliate.
“Besides, the voice on the voice note is not mine neither is it in my character to incite revenge.
“The Bible clearly urges believers to leave vengeance to God and I have always urged all victims of religious bigotry and violence to obey this injunction.
“And I am particularly heartened that the parents of Deborah Samuel have chosen this path.
“For those whose interest is best served by this wicked and cowardly act of trying to sully my name, I wish them well. But certainly it was not done by me neither did I say such.
“Certainly, the voice is not mine, the sentiment is not mine and the grammer is not mine.
“I, therefore, urge all my friends and family to ignore this malicious act. It will backfire on the evil men.
“Meanwhile, I am prepared for court action against those trying to malign my name through this spurious voice note and they will be made to have their field day in court.”
