By Gbegbe Sunday in Jos.
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, has called on religious leaders in Plateau State to do all they could to avert a Rwanda experience.
Rev. Pam was speaking when he paid the leadership of the Jamatu Nasir Islam, JNI, a courtesy visit on Friday at the Jos Central Mosque.
Our Correspondent reports that Rev. Pam, who was there to empathize with the Muslim community over the sad event that took place along Rukuba Road following the killing of some Muslim commuters on their way back to Akure, Ondo state, said he received the news with deep pains.
“I was pained over the violence that took place recently that almost destroyed the peace we have enjoyed in the last six years.
“All over the world, people were shocked by what happened. We must know the importance of spoken words. Preachers of both religions must learn to deliver messages that will build not destroy. We must build strong friendships and bonds.
“Our people are ignorant about their holy books. We must not be tired but continue to dialogue between Muslim and Christian leaders to stop this carnage.
” I was not at home when the incident took place. The devil wanted to take advantage of our loose situation to cause havoc in Plateau state after a long break of violence,” he said.
Rev. Pam called on religious leaders to teach our children tolerance and we should be forgiven in our daily relationship with others.
“Vengeance is not good but an opening or a recipe for violence. Plateau people, let’s forgive and be tolerant of each other or we shall later regret our actions.
” In Rwanda, genocide took place because of hate speeches. As ministers and Preachers of God, we must seek cooperation in a joint session with both Muslim and Christian leaders to discuss and ventilate amongst ourselves.
“We must learn to tame our tongues and we should know that the power of life and death lies in the tongue. God has a purpose for us to be together and we should embrace one another where we have found ourselves.
“God has never made a mistake and we as humans can not fight for God.
” I was in Jordan, Muslims are in majority, more than Christians (10%), but in their government administration you can’t spot any differences as they work to promote the ideals of their country”.
He urged the people to be tolerant and plan to bring leaders of the two faith in plateau State to a round table discussion where they shall discuss and foster solutions.
According to him, religious intolerance will bring down the country except we stop fighting for God, adding that, “we should not allow religious war in the country and if this happens, we will all be consumed.
He said we need to provide good leadership by carrying everyone along and lack of given honor to whom is due brings about conflict.
The Reverend urged them to be patient over what has happened and promised to organize a peace meeting where all the two sides will come together to continue the dialogue.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman of JNI, HRH of Wase, Sheik Garba Abdulkadir, leader of the Hausa Community in Jos, said they knew the Executive Secretary to be a man of peace and are happy with him for leaving everything in Abuja to come and identify with them over the ugly incident that took place at Rukuba Road.
Abdulkadir thanked him for coming, adding that he would brief the Emir of Wase about the visit.
Also in their various separate responses, Alhaji Shehu Massala, President, Jasawa Community Development Association, JCDA, Mallam Muhammad Nura, Chairman Plateau State Chapter of MACBAN, Sheik Nusiru Falazi, and Sheik Abdulaziz Yusuf, Admin secretary of JNI, all spoke glowingly of Rev Pam.
They described him as a man of peace, who has been going all. across the country to preach peace amongst warring communities.
They pledged commitment to be a part of the proposed peace meeting he is planning to put together between the Muslim and Christian leaders anytime soon to continue with the dialogue on harmonious living.
In his closing remarks, Executive Secretary, Plateau State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Barr. Awal, expressed readiness to partner with the NCPC boss on peace dialogue while calling for the “no-go” areas to be completely dismantled in Plateau State.
