By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Stakeholders from religious, security and other sectors have identified dialogue as key to solving political, religious and security crises in Nigeria and the world.
They stated this in a communiqué presented at the end of a seminar organised by the Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue, Catholic Diocese of Oyo at St Paul’s Pastoral Centre, Awe, on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The seminar has the theme “Towards National Elections in 2023: The Validity of Dialogue for Peaceful Coexistence and Development.”
The communiqué was signed by Alhaji Muibadeen Hammed, Chief Imam, Awe, Dr Kehinde Abimbola, Ifa, Heritage Institute Oyo, and Rev. Fr. Moses Alaba, Acting Director, Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo.
The stakeholders expressed concern at the implication of electoral violence to the society and called on Nigerians to come together to nib it in the bud.
“Killings, kidnappings and all sorts of evils prevalent in our society today destroy the joy of peaceful coexistence.
“We must accept the truth that people with different religious background will continue to exist in the same geographical, political and ethnic environment and so invest in peaceful co-existence.
“The theme of the seminar is apt as it will help to build peace, solidarity and tolerance toward the general election.
“God created human beings for peace and the common good: we belong to one another and we must care for one another.
“With dialogue we are more open to our rights and responsibilities in democracy, as dialogue is the bases for true democracy,” they said.
The communiqué stressed the need for continuous education and sensitisation of the public particularly youths in Churches, Mosques and other gatherings on the importance of participating in political affairs, peaceful existence and good governance.
It recommended that violators of electoral process and thugs be sanctioned irrespective of their religious affiliation.
“We recognise and commend the efforts of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo in organising this annual seminar.
“We also solicit that other institutions of good will in the society do same and get government interested in planning and funding such.
“People especially youths should be responsible in their involvement and participation before, during and after elections while promoting dialogue, experience and respect for life and diversity,” it said.
The communique quoted the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, as encouraging people to be involved in partisan. politics and not be discouraged.
"We may not be involved in partisan politics, but must be concerned.
"Religious leaders should collaborate with the government to promote love, peace, justice and fairness as no meaningful development can take place in a turbulent environment,” he said.
Badejo enjoined the diocese not to relent in organisisng the seminar which he said has been running for the past 10 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the seminar include the Amotekun Corps of Oyo State represented by the Commander, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (Rtd), the Justice, Peace and Development Movement (JDPM) of Oyo Diocese represented by Taiwo Dominic, representatives of the police and traditionalists and other professional stakeholders. (NAN)
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