Discussion
Details
on September 25, 2014 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja to deliberate on the roles of religious bodies towards reducing electoral violence.
Amongst the resource persons at the roundtable were Rev.Fr.George Ehusani from Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, who spoke on ‘the Ethical and Moral Imperatives of Credible Elections’ and set the tone for the roundtable. Imam M. Onike Abdul-Azeez, Deputy Chief Imam, NASFAT Headquarters discussed from Islamic perspective on how religious bodies can improve tolerance towards peaceful elections. He mentioned that tolerance is the ability to recognize the differences in individuals, and still be able to co-habit by accepting the others as they are, without conflicts. He reiterates that tolerance is not only needed during elections, but in all human interactions, and he implored all present to be tolerant of others, irrespective of their religions, political affiliation or ethnicity.
Prof. Yusuf Turaki, Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS) on his part spoke on the practical preparations of the political parties and the influence of the religious bodies in their preparations. He first raised a note of caution that the sphere of influence of the religious bodies is limited to the number of devotees, explaining that religious bodies have direct contact to their devotees alone, so their influence will be limited to such devotees. Nonetheless, the religious bodies endeavour to influence the political parties and their members through preaching of moral and ethical values.
Mallam Usman Buhari Sani, DCCNand NACOMYOHeadquarters Sokoto, who represented Malam Maidoki presented the perspective of the youths on the topic, while Dr. Sani Abubakar Lugga, the Waziri of Katsina, raised the issue that insurgency in the country should not be attributed to religions, as this can have a serious effect on the country.
All participants recognized the fact that education of the citizens is the only way to reduce violence before, during, and after elections in Nigeria.
Some of the recommendations are:
-There should be intense Inter-faith dialogue in the country.
-Religious and political leaders should be ready to lead by example.
-FBOs and KAS should organize platforms where Muslim and Christian youth can get to meet each other and learn to live peacefully with one another.
-FBOs should continue to organize Inter-faith meetings between Muslim and Christian leaders.
-Religious leaders should be given windows in the political space.
-Set up election monitoring network in partnership with INEC, security forces etc.
-Other Stakeholders in electoral process should be invited to any of our programs relating to elections (INEC, politicians etc).
-Continuous education, enlightenment and awareness of the public.
-Organize Inter-Faith Service Projects and Forums where youths can interact and discuss.
-KAS should intensify more in organizing roundtables that will play a crucial role in dousing tension as Nigeria approaches the 2015 general elections.
KAS Nigeria will take up some of the suggestions.
