Clergyman Identifies Causes Of Insecurity In Nigeria

By Kissinger Bukar

The executive director centre for peace Advancement in Nigeria CEPAN, Reverend Samuel Goro says religious and ethnic polarization is responsible for insecurity, injustice, discrimination, and impunity bedeviling the society.

He stated this at a one-day workshop on Inter-Religious and Ethnic Dialogue which was facilitated by Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation For Peace in Collaboration with The Righthand International Foundation held at Primary Healthcare Hall in Gombi.

According to him, the workshop is timely considering the impact of the current situation, adding that people are divided along religious and ethnic lines which makes social cohesion, resilience, and community development a bit difficult.

Reverend Goro noted that inter-religious and ethnic dialogue would play a vital role in promoting peaceful coexistence and harmony among the people.

He added that the workshop is aimed at building a community with people who are creative, compassionate, patient, and care for the vulnerable in society.

Contributing, the Executive Director of Center for Peace and Dialogue, Mallam Sa’ad Adamu noted that conflict is inevitable and advocated for legislation that will ensure constant dialogue among ethnic and religious groups in the area.

He enumerated some ways of ending constant conflict among people in the area including sensitization, advocacy, provision of infrastructure, preservation of grazing reserves, and provision of earth dams among others.

The Organiser of the workshop, Right Reverend Dimga Jones Kadabiyu, who is the Bishop of Shallholma Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria LCCN, noted that the workshop will accord participants to dialogue towards peaceful coexistence for peaceful elections.

Executive Director of Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation For Peace, Reverend Sister Agata Chikeduwe, who was represented by the Communication and Media Director of the organization, Mr. Tope Bello said the organization had trained leaders from thirteen countries in different areas including peace and dialogue, and charged them to step down the training to others.

On election, the Executive Director called for free and fair elections in the country, and should be free from corruption, bribery, rigging, intimidation, and cheating.

In a remark, the Chairman of Gombi local government, represented by his Vice Mr. Mark Ishaya, called on the participants to take the message to their subjects, and assured that the council will continue to support any efforts geared towards ensuring peaceful coexistence.