By Amos Tauna
Determined to ensure peaceful and harmonious relationship among the citizenry, an international organization which promotes interreligious and cultural coexistence globally , KAICIID, Dialogue Centre has organized a one day sensitization programme.
The programme brought together religious and traditional leaders, political parties, youth and women in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria to fashion out a common ground of understanding.
It had resource persons chosen from both the Christian and Islamic scholars to educate participants on the teachings from the two Holy books and for enhanced interreligious and cultural coexistence in the various communities.
The convener, Samaila Yahaya, said as a member who had been trained by the KAICIID Dialogue Centre for the promotion of peace among diverse nationalities ,the programme was to pass the message of peace, love and unity to the people in the local government towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people.
He noted that though the 2015 general elections was peaceful, there was still the need to further educate the people not to allow politicians use them for their selfish desires to kill and destroy in the name of politics.
Yahaya stated that peace and unity is the only weapon that could fight enemies of progress that have nothing to offer the people but to devise their selfish means of actualising their evil schemes.
Earlier, an Imam, Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-Executive Director interfaith mediation centre enjoined the people to be aware of politicians that have nothing to offer but come in the name of religion to cause disaffection among the electorates.
He explained that Nigeria is the most religious nation, but the most corrupt country in the world, stressing that there was no practical adherence to the Holy books.
“We will continue to deceive ourselves with all that we are doing until we come to our senses of the reality of life. In every street in Nigeria, you find Churches and Mosques with people calling unto God but yet our attitudes to one another does not portray what we are learning in our various places of worship,” he wondered.
“Until such time that we practically apply what the Holy books demand from us, we will continue having problems as a people in all spheres of life because we lack knowledge and understanding of the Holy books.”
On his part, Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, who spoke on the role of dialogue in the electioneering process, noted that the only way for Nigerians to get it right, is through dialogue with one another, adding that until we come to a round table in accordance with the Holy scripture, there would be no better understanding and way forward for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Imam Sani Isah Mohammed who spoke on dialogue , emphasises on respect and understanding for one another irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliations as the only panacea for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Other speakers enjoined Nigerians to always be mindful of politicians have nothing to offer the people and advised that the electorate should always vote people of integrity that could be held accountable.