Nigeria’s Political Leaders Should De-emphasise Religion, Ethnic Considerations in Governance

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Nigeria’s political leaders have been charged to place less emphasis on religion and ethnicity consideration in the implementation of their governance policies and programmes as a means to enthrone peace, progress and cohesion in the country.

In addition, the political leaders were admonished to also accommodate all Nigerians in their decision-making process.

At a one-day symposium themed: “Peace and Security Question- Agenda Setting for A new Nigeria,” participants submitted that deemphasizing religion, ethnicity and tribalism would engender rapid social and political growth of the country.

The symposium was organised by the office of the Niger State Inter Tribal Relations, and the International Peace Foundation to engage critical stakeholders in Peace Building and Security Management in a Democratic Setting.

The forum held at the Haske Luxury Hotel Minna attracted the leadership of all the ethnic nationalities in the state, representatives of the Police, Civil Defence, the Nigerian Army and some voluntary organisations.

Successive speakers believed the major cause of insecurity in most parts of the country “is mutual suspicion and lack of trust and confidence in each other” especially by the leaderships of the ethnic groups which then permeates to their members and followers.

Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Inter Tribal Relations, Chief George Dike, noted that, “until such a time when political leaders view the people as one and carry them along in the day-to-day administration peace and unity will continue to elude the country”.

Charging state governors to emulate Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago by appointing those often referred to as non-indigenes into their cabinet, Chief Dike said such stand would ensure the people contribute wholeheartedly to the development of the states and the country.

The symposium coordinator, Professor Casmia Obialom, JP, speaking in similar vein attributed the conflict in many communities to mutual suspicion and refusal to accept everyone as members of the same family.

According to Professor Obialom, Nigeria deserves such gathering that promotes peace unity and security, stressing that “when we dialogue with each other in different communities we will understand ourselves better.”

Professor Obialom therefore charged the political leadership of each state to reward those that pursue peace and work selflessly for the development of the state where they reside saying this would promote healthy competition among the people.

An autobiography on the life of Colonel Sani Bello, father of former Niger State governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, was presented at the forum where the former military governor was described as “a peace lover and philanthropist.”