By Chimezie Godfrey
The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has reiterated its commitment to one indivisible Nigeria bounded in truth and love despite various ethnic and religious tensions across the country.
The forum’s co-chairman, Bishop Sunday Onuoha made this pronouncement during a press briefing Friday on the outcome of the Communique of the First General Assembly of IDFP, at the Ladi kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
Bishop Onuoha said, “IDFP, religious and traditional institutions, among others, across the country who were all part of the General Assembly, unanimously agreed on the Forum’s commitment to one indivisible Nigeria despite various ethnic and religious tensions bedeviling the nation.
“We resolved that the Federal Government must put a stop to the indiscriminate killings and destruction of properties by scaling up its security apparatus. They frowned at the politicization of killings of Nigerians using religious and tribal identities.
“We condemn the use of hate Speech and drug addictions by our youths. The government should provide employment for the youths, while religious leaders and institutions should condemn any evil act committed without putting into consideration identities of perpetrators or victims. Parents and guardians should take seriously the issue of child/ward’s upbringing.”
On whether we Nigerians have really agreed to be together, Bishop Onuoha said,” Our interactions from the level of the grass-root indicates that they are willing to live together, but the elites is taking a different dimension may be because of their vested interests.
“That is where we are having problem. The elites are the ones bringing various dimensions to various issues as to protect their various interests. IDFP, including the religious leaders will continue to appeal to the conscience of every Nigerian, also the politicians because they are the cause of all these problems”
On their effort to sensitize the people of the grass root, Imam Yahaya said,” We have resolved to carry out our activities to the grassroot so as to foster integration and understanding among Nigerians. We are taking off this year to sensitize the grassroot by the grace of the Almighty God.”
Bishop Onuoah appreciated the support of KAICIID International Dialogue Centre, His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Christian Association of Nigeria, President, Rev. Samuel Ayokunle, John Cardinal Onaiyekan among other religious leaders, for the success of the General Assembly.
