He also referred to a recent controversy involving a Muslim vice-chancellor in Plateau State, saying, “Just recently, a mere Muslim VC in Plateau State is stirring controversy.” Gumi, however, said the use of religion for political purposes was not limited to one side of the political divide. He urged political actors to avoid dragging religion into partisan political battles, stressing that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be respected. “In a multi-religious entity, religion should not be dragged into the quagmire of dirty politics,” Gumi said. In a statement, JNI Plateau Publicity Secretary, Gambo Hamza, described the report as fake and misleading.