By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi has said there is no alternative to peace and peaceful coexistence in Borno state.
The royal father, who is also the Chairman of Borno State Council of Emirs and Chiefs stated this when he received the joint World Bank and North East Development Commission (NEDC) Team at his palace led by the Senior Social Development Specialist of the World Bank Hajiya Zara Binta Goni with Olufunmilola Temitayo Ayoola, Maryam Maina Ma’aji Lawan as well as Hamza Muhammad and Dr. Francis of the NEDC in Maiduguri Friday.
The traditional ruler assured the team of the readiness of all traditional and religious leaders to any noble cause with the objective of building peace and social cohesion among the people.
He also also described the Multi Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project ( MCRP) Peace Group members working in communities across Borno State as catalysts for peaceful co-existence, social cohesion and reintegration.
He said: “Kanem Borno Empire has witnessed many trials and tribulations in its over 1400 years of existence but Borno always comes out stronger. Boko Haram Insurgency will not be an exception.
“I have been personally targeted and attacked by a suicide bomber, but Allah saved me and that does not in any way mean that we cannot forgive those who genuinely regretted their actions and utterances, renounced the group and repented for the good of all”, Shehu of Borno added
While commending the World Bank and MCRP for coming to the aid of Borno people in many positive ways, the royal father commended the courage, resilience and developmental strides of the governor in rebuilding the state, destroyed communities and resettling the people.
Speaking earlier, the World Bank Team Leader, who is also the Senior Social Development Specialist of the Bank, Zara Binta Goni said the visit is part of the strategic level engagement towards peace building and social cohesion.
She pointed out that the importance of traditional and religious leaders in peace building, conflict management and resolution at the grass root as custodian of the peoples culture can not be overemphasized.
Hajiya Zara noted that traditional rulers play a vital role in societal transformation and development especially at this early resettlement and recovery state of the returnee IDPs in various communities across the state and North east .
She also outlined the formation, structure, functions and composition of the peace group members in the 9 strategically selected LGAs of Bama, Chibok, Damboa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Kala Balge, Mobbar, Monguno and Ngala.
“Now that the communities are going back to their homes she said, the peace group members will be restructured and strengthened to make them effective and efficient having been trained on Amicable dispute resolution and transitional justice,” Zara said.
She, however, solicited for active support of the Shehu being the father and custodian of the people and their culture as well as other traditional and community leaders to support the move in the interest of peaceful coexistence, equity and fairness. She noted that the group will be trained further as vanguards of peace and gate keepers in their respective communities for optimum benefit.
The team also visited the Emirs of Gwoza and Biu as well as the Chief Imam of Borno and the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Borno State chapter on a similar mission.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply