Leaderships of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigeria Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have challenged the federal and State governments to fish out the people, group or organisations that have unleashed terror and hardship on Nigerians through armed non-state actors for punishment not minding how highly placed they are and how big their network may be.
The religious leaders gave the charge in Abuja, yesterday, in separate remarks delivered at the fourth quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) under the co-chairmanship of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh and President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
They acknowledged the fact that years of terrorists’ activities have made life unbearable for the affected people, destroying their communities, sources of livelihoods, and in some cases, displacing them from their ancestral lands, forcing them into Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
Archbishop Okoh, submitted that Nigeria was blessed with abundant natural resources ranging from oil and gas, solid minerals and arable lands that have the potential to serve as a powerful engine for national development, create jobs, alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
However, he said: “Sadly, the reality we face is starkly different. Instead of being a blessing, our natural resources have, in many instances, become a source of conflict and insecurity. The mode of exploitation and greed in managing of the resources have often led to strife, not only between different ethnic and regional groups but also within communities that vie for control over these resources.
“The resulting insecurity has had devastating effects on our social fabric, leading to displacement, loss of lives, and a pervasive sense of fear among our citizens. As religious leaders, we have a unique and vital role to play in addressing these issues.
“Our faith teaches us the values of stewardship, sanctity of human life, compassion, and justice. We are called to be the voice for the voiceless, to advocate for equitable resource distribution, and to promote peace and reconciliation among our communities.
“It is imperative that we use our positions to address the level of wickedness that manifests in lack of transparency and accountability, impunity and outright organised theft of our common wealth, by calling for accountability and the strengthening of the justice system in Nigeria to punish all criminal acts that undermine our national security, peace, unity and development,” he said.
Sultan of Sokoto, in his submissions, said there was a need for Nigerians to return to God and plead for mercy so that peace and progress can return to the society.
He cautioned politicians against fraudulently accumulating wealth they may not need and would not be useful to them.
“Let’s continue to remind ourselves that no matter what you have in this world, it doesn’t belong to you. God placed it in your hands momentarily so that you can use it to better the lives of people around you. Reach out to the needy in your communities and neighbourhood.”
He thanked all the members of NIREC, and stakeholders, particularly the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for their commitment and dedication to religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria in the outgoing year, 2024, assuring them of better days ahead.
“Undoubtedly, 2024 has been a tortuous year for Nigerians. It hasn’t been easy for people, financially and otherwise. Nevertheless, we must continue to keep our faith alive hoping that 2025 will be a better year.”
Executive Secretary, NIREC, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, in his address, re-echoed the fact that Nigeria is richly blessed with natural and human resources but unfortunately, the treasures, instead of being a blessing to the nation, have been a source of pain that is caused by various forms of insecurity.
“In the Southern part of Nigeria, palm oil and crude oil appears to be manipulated by foreign powers to the extent the inhabitant of the Niger-Delta wished that they never had oil because of the disaster the oil exploration has caused to their waters for fishing and land for farming.
“In the Northern part of Nigeria, one would have expected serious development with solid minerals and agriculture. Today, the Northern farmers are afraid to go to the farm in a region that once produced the groundnut pyramid.
“Zamfara is supposed to be a land of religious purity that is guided by religious laws and ethics. Unfortunately, the alleged discovery of gold has turned the land into a home of banditry. The entire nation has become so insecure that banditry has become a lucrative business even for some traditional rulers and security agents.”
Senator Akume, in his remarks, recognised the role NIREC has played in strengthening the religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria, which has resulted in socioeconomic growth and development over the years
He reassured that the government was working assiduously on some of the issues identified to be militating against growth and development of Nigeria and appealed to them to use their influence to maintain peace and unity in the country.
He highlighted some of the steps being taken by President Bola Tinubu to boost the economy, and create wealth for the people and solicited their support.
@The Sun
