Let’s avoid Rwanda experience in Nigeria, NCPC boss tells religious leaders
By Matthew Eloyi
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Reverend Yakubu Pam has charged religious leaders in Plateau State to do all they could to avert a Rwanda experience if they exacerbate hatred toward one another.
According to a statement signed by his media aide, Pam Ayuba, the NCPC boss gave the charge when he paid a visit to the leadership of the Jamatu Nasira Islam (JNI) on Friday, at the Jos Central Mosque.
Pam who was there to empathize with the Muslim community over the sad event that took place along Rukuba Road following the killing of some Muslim commuters on their way back to Akure, Ondo state said he received the news with deep pains.
In his words, “I was pained over the violence that took place recently that almost destroy the peace we have enjoyed the last six years.
“All over the world, people were shocked by what happened. We must know the importance of spoken words. Preachers of both religions must learn to deliver messages that will build, not destroy. We must build strong friendships and bonds.
“Our people are ignorant about their holy books. We must be tired but continue to dialogue between Muslim and Christian leaders to stop this carnage.
“I was not home when the incident took place. The devil wanted to take advantage of our loosed situation to cause havoc to Plateau State after a long break of violence.
“I call on us to teach our children tolerance and we should be forgiven in our daily relationship with others.
“Vengeance is not good but an opening or a recipe for violence. Plateau people let’s be forgiven and must be tolerant of each other or we shall later regret our actions.
“In Rwanda, genocide took place because of hate speeches. As ministers and Preachers of God, we must seek cooperation in a joint session with both Muslim and Christian leaders to discuss and ventilate amongst ourselves.
“We must learn to tame our tongues and we should know that the power of life and death lies in the tongue. God has a purpose for us to be together and we should embrace one another where we have found ourselves.
“God has never made a mistake and we as humans cannot fight for God.
“I was in Jordan, Muslims are many more than Christians (10 per cent), but in their government administration you can’t spot any differences as they work to promote the ideals of their country.”
He urged the people to be tolerant and plan to bring leaders of the two faith in plateau State to a round table discussion where they shall discuss and foster solutions.
According to him, religious intolerance will bring down the country except they stop fighting for God.
Pam added that they all need to provide good leadership by carrying everyone along, adding that lack of giving honor to whom honor is due brings about conflict.
He urged them to be patient over what has happened and promised to organize a peace meeting where all the two sides will come together and continue the dialogue.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman of JNI, who is the Emir of Wase, leader of the Hausa Community in Jos, Sheikh Garba Abdulkadir described Pam as a man of peace.
He thanked the NCPC boss for visiting, promising that he would brief the Emir of Wase about the visit.
Also in their various separate responses, Alh. Shehu Massala, President, Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA); Malam Muhammad Nura, Chairman Plateau State Chapter of MACBAN; Sheik Nusiru Falazi, and Sheik Abdulaziz Yusuf, admin secretary of JNI, all spoke glowingly of Rev Pam, describing him as a man of peace who has been going all across the country to preach peace amongst warring communities.
They pledged commitment to be a part of the proposed peace meeting he is planning to put together between the Muslim and Christian leaders anytime soon to continue with the dialogue on harmonious living.
On his part, Executive Secretary, Plateau State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Barrister Awal expressed readiness to partner with the NCPC boss on peace dialogue while calling for “no-go” areas to be completely dismantled in Plateau State.
Let’s avoid Rwanda experience in Nigeria, NCPC boss tells religious leaders