NAN-H-32
Peace
Yola, Dec. 8, 2017 (NAN) Stakeholders in areas affected by insurgency in Adamawa have commended Victims Support Fund (VSF) for embarking on a peace building project in the affected areas.
The stakeholders who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the development, said the project, launched in Mubi, would go a long way in addressing the existing suspicion and lack of trust created by the insurgency among various ethno-religious groups in the area.
“It is a welcome development at the right time and I think the involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders and women groups will help in realising the project,” Danladi Chamber, an activist said.
Chamber, however condemned the lukewarm attitude of politicians in the area to the project.
“It is sad that I did not see any politician at the launch of this project; no council chairmen from the affected local governments, no councillors nor representation from them.
“This is in spite of the fact that politicians are always fond of using ethno-religious sentiments and hate speeches during campaigns.”
An Islamic Cleric, Malam Hamid Ahmed, who declared support for the VSF peace project, said that any Muslim or Christian engaged in violence does not really know his or her religion as both religions preach peace and forgiveness.
Ahmed, who reiterated the commitment of religious leaders to the peace building process, said Islam always encouraged its followers not only to live in peace with non-Muslims, but to always be good.
“A good Muslim is one who the public always speak of his or her good conduct; he does not segregate or discriminate based on religion, tribe or race,” Ahmed said.
On his part, Pastor Amos Drambi, who urged VSF to sustain the tempo of promoting peace among other interventions, described those using religion to foment trouble as ignorant of the teachings of the Holy Books.
Drambi said that all Christians were expected to be peace makers and to live exemplary lives.
“Every Christian is a peace-maker and you are expected to love your neigbour as you love yourself.
“I want to commend VSF for this peace project and to urge it to sustain the inter-faith dialogue,” Drambi said.
A lecturer, Dr S.T. Umar, who also lauded the VSF initiative to rebuild peace in the area, urged Nigerians to emulate Indonesia where there are over 200 tribes living peacefully.
“We need to change our attitude and values; we need to revive our African values of collective sharing,” Umar said.
He charged leaders to be just and fair to all and to embrace dialogue and community-based approach in resolving conflicts.
NAN reports that VSF had on Thursday launched the peace building project for communities in areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa.
The pilot project involving indigenous Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) will start in Mubi North, Mubi South and Michika Local Government Areas before expanding to the remaining affected local governments. (NAN)
YMU/NKO/NKO
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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo