It was suggested that de-emphasising religion, ethnicity, and tribalism would promote rapid social and political growth across all spheres of human endeavour in the country.
These are the submissions from the stakeholders at a two-day Peace, Security, and Unity Colloquium, theme: “Peace and Security Question – Agenda Setting for a New Nigeria.”
The colloquium was organised by the Office of the Niger State Inter-Tribal Relations and the International Peace Foundation, with support from the Association of United Nations Ambassadors for Peace and Gregory University, to engage key stakeholders in peace building and security management within a democratic setting.
The event held in Minna over the weekend attracted the leadership of all the ethnic nationalities in the state, including representatives from the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, and some voluntary organisations.
Stakeholders, in their various submissions, believed that the main cause of insecurity in most parts of the country is mutual suspicion and a lack of trust and confidence in each other, especially among the leaderships of the groups, which then permeates to their members and followers.
In his remarks,the Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Inter-Tribal Relations,Chief George Dike, stated that until political leaders see the people as one and involve them in daily affairs,peace and unity may continue to elude the country.
Chief George also urged state governors to emulate Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago by appointing those often referred to as non-indigenes into their cabinets, emphasising that such a stand would go a long way for the people to contribute wholeheartedly to the development of the states and the country at large.
The colloquium Coordinator, Professor Casmia Obialom, attributed the conflicts in many communities to mutual suspicion and a refusal to accept everyone as members of the same family.
Professor Obialom added, “Nigeria deserves such gatherings that promote peace, unity, and security, maintaining that when we dialogue with each other in different communities, we will understand ourselves better.”
Professor Casmia had earlier urged the political leaders, leaders of each state, to reward those who pursue peace and work selflessly for the development of their respective states. He noted that this would promote healthy competition among the people, regardless of their differences.
An autobiography of Retired Colonel Sani Bello, the father of former Niger State Governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, was presented at the forum by the Director General of the Sani Bello Foundation, Dr. Zakari Ikaani. He described the former military Governor to journalists as a peace lover and philanthropist.
The event witnessed an unprecedented turnout of personalities from all walks of life.
