From Ardo Abdul
In an effort to bring about a lasting solution to Ethno Religious crises in Bauchi, Governor Bala Muhammad the Kauran Daular Usmaniyya has inaugurated a Committee of Imams and Clergies to forestall a lasting solution.
The Governor in his opening remarks says
‘It is with immense gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you all today to the inauguration of the Inter-Faith Committee of Imams & Clergymen on the Sensitization of Citizens on the need for Peaceful Co-Existence, Religious and Ethnic Tolerance in Tafawa Balewa & Bogoro Local Government Areas of the State’.
This action is necessitated by the need for us to consolidate on the peace that we have built and sustained over the last six (6) years that has recently been threatened by the actions of unpatriotic elements within us who do not wish us well and are bent on hiding under the cover of farmers-herders clashes to reverse the gains we have made in that respect.
3- While acknowledging that minor incidences are common, especially during the farming season, the dimension the recent threats have taken is indicative of a deliberate attempt to cause disharmony and portray the State in bad light in order to take away the recognition we have attained as the most peaceful, in not just the North East Sub-Region but among the most peaceful in the Country.
4- We will not allow that to happen by the special grace of Almighty God. We have invested massively over the last six years in security and peace-building measures and will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to scuttle the serenity and harmony we have attained upon which our development and growth lies and will deal decisively with all shenanigans fueling these threats. I want to assure the citizens of the State that we are working very hard and continuously with the security agencies to contain every situation around the State.
5- To build up on the efforts we are making, Government had found it expedient and timely to leverage on the influence and standing of our religious leaders to sensitize our citizens on the need for harmony and peaceful co-existence as a panacea for our collective growth as a people.
6- There is no doubt that Imams and clergymen are vital in resolving ethno-religious conflicts because they hold trusted authority, can access large audiences to promote peace, serve as credible mediators, and are well-positioned to facilitate interfaith dialogue using religious frameworks to inspire non-violent resolutions.
7- Their ability to foster trust, influence followers positively, and advocate for understanding helps de-escalate tensions and build lasting harmony. Their efforts, we acknowledge, are most effective when supported by government efforts towards justice and fair play. We are committed to providing every support to ensure the Committee we are inaugurating today succeeds.
8- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, for the purposes of emphasis, the role of our religious leaders is important in a number of ways that include, but may not be limited to:
a) Trusted Authority:
Religious leaders are often seen as credible figures by their communities, which grants them significant influence and allows them to reach a broad audience effectively.
b) Mediation:
They are crucial in mediating disputes and fostering dialogue between conflicting groups, promoting peaceful co-existence and encouraging intergroup communication.
c) Interfaith Dialogue:
Imams and clergymen can act as bridges between different religious groups by leading initiatives for interfaith dialogue and understanding.
d) Moral and Ethical Guidance:
They can use religious scriptures to inspire followers to embrace values of love, forgiveness, and mutual respect, thereby countering hatred and violence.
e) Community Access:
Their religious institutions provide a platform for community engagement and can mobilize people towards peacebuilding efforts, influencing attitudes and behaviors towards common goals.
9- In acknowledgement of such importance, we have constituted the Committee that will have the following membership:
a) Imam Alaramma Mallam Fa’izu Ado Musa and Rev. Father Benson Bature Chairmen of Council of Imams and Pastors of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Governments respectively as Co-Chairs;
b) Thirty (30) other members who are also Imams and Clergymen on equal basis from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Governments;
c) Representatives of Security Agencies;
d) Representatives of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Administrations.
10- The Terms of Reference of the Committee shall be to:
a) Embark on vigorous and sustained sensitization in order to promote peaceful co-existence and encourage intergroup communication.
b) Mediate disputes and foster dialogue between different groups, where considered necessary;
c) Act as bridges by leading initiatives for interfaith dialogue and understanding.
d) Utilize their religious institutions to provide a platform for community engagement and mobilization people towards peacebuilding efforts, influencing attitudes and behaviors towards common goals.
e) Leverage on the teachings of religious scriptures to inspire adherents to embrace values of love, forgiveness and mutual respect in order to counter hatred and violence.
f) Report situations, that they may come across, that are beyond their capacities to relevant authorities for appropriate action.
11- It is my honour and privilege to inaugurate the Committee to the glory of Almighty God and to the peace, wellbeing and prosperity of our citizens and our dear State. Let me acknowledge that the Council of Imams and Pastors in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro which constituted the membership of the Committee had performed similar roles in the past and will leverage on their knowledge and experience to drive the process.
12- Let me also assure our dear citizens that the sensitization of our citizens on the need to improve on our societal norms and values will be a key focus of our societal reorientation programme as we set to launch it in the very near future. It is my prayer that these initiatives will set us on the course of sustainable progress and development and call on all of us to support the initiative.
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