By Eric Teniola

If we assume that kidnapping, insurgency and other security problems are politically motivated, then the solution is political not military and we must tackle these challenges through dialogue.

As Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister once said, “to jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war.”  The phrase simply means that it is always better to negotiate and talk things out than to result to conflict. But then the initiative must come from the government itself especially the President.

I am not referring to dialogue between the people and the kidnappers, the terrorists and the militants, I am referring to a dialogue between the government and the opposition leaders.

Every effort must be made by our leaders to bring about peace in this country. Like every other society, we need peace and our leaders must show example that they too want peace.

At present we have three bodies that must be encouraged to bring about the desired peace. We have the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the National Peace Committee (NPC) and the National Council of State (NCS).

The National Council of State is an organ created by the Constitution. Its functions include advising the executive on policy making. The Council has no executive power, however plays an important advice and consent role in government operations.

The idea of the National Council of State was first introduced by General Murtala Muhammed GCFR  (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) on 30 July 1975 in a broadcast to the nation after deposing General Yakubu Gowon GCFR (92):

“The structure of government has been re-organised. There will now be three organs of Government, at the Federal level namely: The Supreme Military Council, The National Council of State, and the Federal Executive Council.”

The council has responsibilities in advising the President in the exercise of his/her powers with respect to the following: national population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records, prerogative of mercy, awarding of national honours, the appointment of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the appointment of members of the National Judicial Council (other than ex-officio members of that Council), and the appointment of members of the National Population Commission.

It also advises the President whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order within the Federation or any part thereof and on such other matters as the President may direct.

The most recent National Council of State (NCS) meeting was held on October 9, last year presided over by President Bola Tinubu GCFR. It was the second council meeting since he assumed office in May 2023.

The members of the council at present are—President Bola Tinubu GCFR, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Godswill Akpabio GCON, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas GCON, Chief Justice of the Federation, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN GCON, former President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, former President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, former head of state, General (rtd.) Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, former head of state, General (rtd.) Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida GCFR and former head of state, General (rtd.) Yakubu Gowon GCFR. Other members of the Council are all former Chief Justices of the Federation and all the Governors of the 36 states of the Federation.

The National Peace Committee (NPC) is a non-governmental initiative conceptualised in 2014 in response to emerging threats occasioned by the 2015 general elections. It is an initiative made up of eminent elder statesmen who undertake efforts to support free, fair and credible elections as well as intervene in critical issues of national concern through high-level mediated and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. At inception, the NPC had an urgent, broad-based mandate to make modest contributions towards a smooth and peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections, devoid of any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the electioneering process.

Members of the committee are Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), GCFR – Chairman, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe(rtd.)—Vice Chairman, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III – The Sultan of Sokoto, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. Ameze Guobadia, Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Honourable Justice Roseline Ukeje (rtd.),  Mr John Momoh, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – NPC Convener, Ms Idayat Hassan, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Gen. Martins Agwai (rtd), Fr Atta Barkindo – Head, NPC Secretariat and Mr Femi Otedola.

Members of the Committee met last in Ado-Ekiti for the last gubernatorial election in Ekiti state.

The third body is the inter-religious council. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) is a voluntary Association that was made up of fifty (50) Members, (25 Christians and 25 Muslims) formed by the representatives of the two principal Religions – that is Christianity and Islam in Nigeria, on the 11th day of September, 1999. This figure was however reviewed in March 2019 to give room to accommodate more women and youth. The membership now stands at thirty (30) Christians and thirty (30) Muslims, making a total number of sixty (60).

The establishment of NIREC was occasioned by the incessant ethno-religious crisis which punctuated the sociopolitical landscape of Nigeria as a country. NIREC, also known as a Council, is a permanent and independent Body established to provide Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers with a variable forum to promote greater interaction and understanding among the leadership and their followers as well as lay foundations for sustainable peace and religious harmony in the country.

The council was co-ordinated by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufott Ekaette (17 April 1939- September 25, 2019), my then boss. Till today, the council is under the office of the SGF. I remember in August1999, when we had communication problem, Chief Ekaette instructed me to fly to Sokoto to meet with the late Sultan, Alhaji Muhammad Maccido Abubakar III (20 April 1928 – 29 October 2006, CFR, with a letter, on the details of the establishment of the council.

The Council from inception was Co-Chaired by their Eminences, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, CFR, and the then President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Dr. Sunday Mbang, CON, the then Primate of Methodist Church of Nigeria/Archbishop J. Akinola, CON, who were one-time Presidents of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) respectively.

Supported and encouraged by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, who saw the Body as a wonderful Project emanating from the Leadership of both major Faiths. NIREC was inaugurated on the September 29, 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR. The foundation National Coordinator/Executive Secretary of the Council was the then Villa Chaplain, Rev. Professor Yusuf A. Obaje.

To be continued tomorrow.

Teniola, a former Director in the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.