Ugar Ukandi Odey, Jos
The North Central Muslim Peace Initiative (NCMPI) said it has expanded its peace initiatives to ensure that wider aspects that would stimulate peace in the region are taken into consideration and consolidated accordingly.
The resolution of NCMPI was reached after its emergency meeting in Jos which was convened to address the ethno-religious, political, security, farmers-herdsmen clashes and other challenges threatening the North Central.
Speaking after the meeting, the Kogi State Coordinator of NCMPI, Malam Sani Muhammed Lokoja, said the time has come for the North Central region to come together irrespective of the ethno-religious divide, political affiliation, and other class differences.
He said they are now partnering with other non-Muslim groups and socio-cultural associations to boost peace and understanding not only in the region, but the nation at large.
Lokoja said the way things are currently in the region and the nation, it is no longer prudent for a particular religious, cultural, organizational or private body to advance peace Initiative on its own without synergizing with other relevant groups.
In his remarks on their resolutions, NCMPI National President, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said it is imperative for leaders in the region to do what will stimulate unity than causing division.
He called on Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to check his inflammatory utterances that will rather heat up the polity than building bridges of unity and understanding.
Zazzaga called on Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, to keep on speaking up for the good of not only the Northern region but the entire nation.
He stressed that His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto should also be emulated in working towards the progress of the nation and the good of mankind.
According to him, the Federal Government should reconsider the jail terms of former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, and release him, saying that Dariye remains one of the foremost bridge builders among the diverse segments of not only Plateau State but the region at large.
He stressed that if amnesty can be granted to some offenders in the country, Dariye can also be granted amnesty, and that his would be for peace, national development and unity.
The President pointed out that another key move to restore peace and boost development is the zoning or emergence of a North Central President in 2023, saying that the region with all its key assets, influence, national contribution and strategic position is lagging behind over the decades in the producing the presidency of the nation.
Meanwhile, he called on groups, religious and private bodies, to meaningfully and uprightly involve themselves in politics.
He said without such they cannot contribute to decision and policy making in the nation, no matter their focus and good intensions, adding that it is no longer the time to entirely leave politics in the hands of politicians if progress must be made.
