By Ibrahim Usman
Leader
of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqub Zakzaky was
the centre of attraction at the just concluded innaugural ceremony of an
NGO, Christian/Muslim Alternative to Conflict at Arewa House, Kaduna,
as he was among the special guests of honour at the occasion.
The
innaugural ceremony which was attended by both Muslim and Christian
clergies, as well as many of followers of the faiths, discussed roots of
conflicts, its management and resolution among other things.
Sheikh
Zakzaky in his goodwill message, explained that having many ethnic and
religious groups in a country is not a problem. “It is not a problem at
all, for that is natural and that is how God want us to be, there is no
avoinding it. If one views this as a problem, then is there a problem
that has no solution? Tell me no, then any “problem” that has no
solution is not a problem at all”.
He
pointed out that having different ethnic and religious groups becomes a
problem only when people perceived it to be, adding that the society
should reap from the blessing of the diversity through understanding and
respect for each other’s culture and beliefs. “There can never be a
society with one religion or ethnic group. Dialogue is used when it
comes to religion,” he said. He also cautioned against engaging in
violent conflicts, and laterlook for resolution. “Why fight in the first
place?”, he asked.
Sheikh
Zakzaky also said, to get to the root of a problem, the society must
find out beneficiaries of the conflict, who he said are the perpetrators
of the conflict. He called on both Muslims and Christians not to be
used by perpetrators of conflict as agents of destruction. He also
warned perpetrators of conflicts: “One day you will be devoured by the
same conflict you instigate”.
Sheikh
Zakzaky commended the organization for the innitiative worthy of
emulation and pledged co-operation of the Isamic Movement in Nigeria to
achieve the set objectives.
Earlier
in his presentation, the chief host, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Musa
Gashash (Sardaunan Matasan Nijeriya), identified the many categories of
conflicts in the Nigerian context and the trauma within.
He
pointed out that part of the objectives of the organization was to curb
these violent traits and trauma in all shades and colors, and “to
examine our own lives and to make our own commitment to live peacefully
with all around us and to accept one another as brothers and sisters.
He
extended invitation to all religious bodies, individual and groups to
share experiences and find alternative to conflicts in Nigeria.
Chairman
of the occasion, Comrade Sheuhu Sani of the Civil Rights Congress,
represented by Mohammed Lawal Salisu, innaugurated officials to run
affairs of the organization, and called on them to discharge their
duties without fear or favour.
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