Stakeholders identify absence justice, equity causes religious crisis in the country
By Ahmed Ahmed
Stakeholders have identified that absence of justice and equity have contributed to the persistent ethno religious crisis in the country.
They made the assertion at a town hall meeting to celebrate the 2021 World Dialogue Day, known more fully as “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development,” with the theme National integration and the imperative of Dialogue on Friday
In Abuja
The meeting was organized by an NGO the Network and Advocacy Group of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation aimed at advocating for justice and equity, as well as promoting conflict management, peace and national integration.
They identified the absence of justice and equity in the present political dispensation, and the widespread sense of exclusion, among the factors fuelling the ongoing ethno-religious tension.
Fr George Ehsani, the Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation said the importance of dialogue for Nigerians cannot be overemphasized,
“As it provides an opportunity for citizens to deepen their understanding of the importance of dialogue as an ongoing engagement in a culturally.
“Religiously and politically diverse society such as our own, and at such a crisis moment as we are presently going through,” he said.
Ehsani said there is the need to listen to each other, and to genuinely seek to understand each other’s feelings and perspectives.
He added that where there are serious differences of opinion, to respect the right of the other person or group to express such opinions.
Other panelists at the meeting include Dr. Goke Adegoroye, Uju Obuekwe and Hauwa Abbas. They expressed serious concern over the manner in which Nigeria is today so thoroughly divided, quickly descending into anarchy.
They expressed the view that our diversities can be better managed for the benefit of all, rather than being seen as the cause of so much tension, division and violence in the land.
They identified the absence of justice and equity in the present political dispensation, and the widespread sense of exclusion, among the factors fuelling the ongoing ethno-religious tension.
They called on the government to quickly change its present grandstanding posture and listen to the complaints about the demands of the people.
They also call on all Nigerians to always choose the path of dialogue when there is any misunderstanding, so as to avoid violent escalation of such misunderstandings.
The stakeholders emphasised the critical role religious, traditional and community leaders can and should always play in the enormous task of promoting peaceful coexistence and national integration.
Stakeholders identify absence justice, equity causes religious crisis in the country
