Pulse.ng : Good governance, mutual respect bedrock to peaceful coexistence -Rev. Hayab

By Muhammad Tijjani

The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation of Nigeria(GPF), Rev. John Hayab says good governance and mutual respect are critical elements for a peaceful coexistence in a society.

Hayab stated this on Tuesday in Kaduna at a one-day Interfaith Harmony Week organised by the foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme was: “Celebrating Religious Diversity, Promoting Dialogue and Respect Among Faith”.

He said the event was to celebrate the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which begins from 1st to 7th of February every year as instituted by the UN in 2010.

Hayab said that the essence was for faith leaders to come together and discuss the importance of harmony, tolerance and response for one another.
He, therefore, said that in commemoration of the day, the foundation gathered faith leaders to remind them of the importance of the day.

“As faith leaders, we will make friends from other religions in the gathering, not only that, but will build a relationship that will extend to our families.

“Doing so, our followers will learn and see examples of tolerance, harmony, respect and togetherness. This will change the story of why we are leaving as enemies,”he said.

Hayab also said that poverty and bad governance, among other sufferings that affect the people, adding, ” they are being faced in general irrespective of religion.”

He wondered why in spite of the general sufferings, the people chose to be divided instead of coming together to confront corruption, poverty and promote development for a better country.

Hayab called on those in political or other forms of power to remember that the nation belongs to everybody and therefore should not be divided in any form of identity.

He also called for justice, fairness and equity, adding ensuring them would make the citizens to be more patriotic.

Also Rev. Fr. Anthony Shawuya, Deputy Director, Bureau of Interfaith, Kaduna State, said one of their mandate was to ensure religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking further, the deputy director said the bureau brings together a lot of people who were working for peace.

Shawuya frowned at conflict entrepreneurs, who in various ways benefit from violence.
He also chided some politicians who use religion in achieving their selfish interests against the path for peace.

Sheikh Halliru Maraya, the Northern Coordinator of the foundation, said the meeting would impact positively to the society, adding, ”it also projects peaceful coexistence.”

Maraya said that the essence of the gathering was to promote peaceful coexistence.

He called on the political class in the society to concentrate on their primary responsibility, which entails the protection of lives and properties of the people.