By Usman Abubakar Maiduguri
The Borno State government, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have forged a strategic alliance to uphold religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence among Borno residents and combat the lingering insecurity troubling the state.
The alliance was forged in Maiduguri, Monday, December 1, at a high-level consultative meeting convened by Governor Babagana Zulum with the leadership of the two leading religious organizations.
Under this alliance, Governor Babagana Zulum is to hold at least a quarterly meeting with the leaderships of the two religious organizations to review religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence among the state residents, majority of whom are Muslims and Christians.
Clerics of the two religions are to, on their parts, upscale preaching the promotes harmony and peaceful coexistence among the faithful of the two religions.
The governor, while addressing the leaders, underscored the critical role of religious leaders in promoting tolerance, unity and peace in society.
“Borno is not only strategically positioned geographically but also has unique and beautiful family composition dynamics. It is common to find under one roof, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, who profess different faiths,” he observed.
“We share meals, we celebrate festivities and milestones, we grieve losses together, as one family, bound by blood and love that transcends religious labels,” Zulum observed further, stating, “This is our reality. This is our strength.”
He charged: “We must protect this sacred bond within our homes and allow it to define our individual, as well as intra- and cross-community engagements.”
Zulum charged further: “It is absolutely crucial that we collectively dispel all false narratives that seek to portray our security crisis in religious colouration,” arguing “Religious conflict is alien to us. Boko Haram conflict is not a religious crisis. It is an assault on our civilisation, humanity, and all that we hold dear, irrespective of creed.”
He pointed out: “The perpetrators of violence have killed, maimed, and displaced Muslims and Christians alike. They have destroyed mosques and churches with equal impunity.”
The governor said the statistics of Boko Haram victimhood are stark and heart-breaking,” arguing, “While every single life lost is regrettable, the data clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of those that suffered death, abduction, and displacements are our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
He stated: “The number of Muslim victims is, tragically, more than that of our Christian compatriots,” observing, “This tragedy binds us in a common grief and demands a united response, Suffering knows no sect,” and charging “Therefore, our solidarity must know no bounds.”
Governor Zulum vowed: “My assurances are unequivocal today: Borno State Government is committed to the welfare, security, and protection of every citizen. Your safety is of great concern to our administration. Your right to worship, according to your faith, without fear or hindrance, is sacrosanct. We will continue to work with security agencies and with you, our community leaders, to ensure this protection.”
He pleaded: “Therefore, I call upon you, our revered faith leaders, to preach peace: from your Minbars during Juma’at prayers and pulpits on church service days. Let your messages be that of unity, tolerance, and our shared values of love, compassion, and justice.”
Zulum charged clerics to actively speak against any voice, within or without, that seeks to divide the people along religious lines,” pleading”Let us encourage dialogue among our congregations and build bridges at every opportunity.”
In his response, the State Director of Administration of JNI, represented by Mal. Sa’adu Ngamdu, praised Governor Zulum’s proactive leadership in facilitating the dialogue. He affirmed the Islamic body’s unwavering commitment to peace and its readiness to partner with the government and other faiths.
On his part, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, CAN Chairman Borno State & Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, echoed that the problem facing Nigeria is internal and can only be solved locally.
“Nobody can solve our problem from outside, we are the ones that can solve our problem, America, UK, nobody. If we take what the governor said and implement it justifiably, we are going to have a peaceful society,” he said. ENDS
