Ganduje explains why Kano is yet to experience religious crisis since 2015

Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has disclosed why the state has been very peaceful, without religious crises since he came into assumed office in 2015.

Ganduje spoke when he declared open the National Inter-Religious Conference held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

He said the series of the interfaith dialogues, through the National Inter-Religious Conference, have helped to foster unity and harmonious relationship between the various faiths and ethnic groups in Kano State.

“Kano State government organised this conference in order to ensure greater interaction and lay the foundation for sustainable development and peace in the country.

“The enduring peace we’re witnessing in Kano State today is a positive testimony of the achievements of this initiative (National Inter-Religious Conference),” he stated.

“The aim of this conference is, therefore to promote religious understanding in the society and enhance peace and unity in Nigeria. Sometimes, religion is used to instigate crisis and division. This is contrary to the tenets of both faiths.

“This is the reason why leaderships of various religions should ensure mutual understanding and dialogue to prevent trouble before it escalates. We have to use the power of faith to deepen our unity and prevent those intended to be used for selfish interest.”

In their paper presentations, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who was represented by Bishop Paul Namaza, spoke on Religious Tolerance as a Tool for National Unity. Prof. Salisu Shehu, who is the Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, spoke on Unity is Power. Another thematic paper: ‘Language and Communication as Tools for Religious Tolerance’ was presented by Dr. John Ngamsa of the University of Technology, Yola, while Prof. Juwairiyya Badamasi Esq of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, spoke on Religious Tolerance and Unity: The Legal and Constitutional Framework.

Participants at the inter-religious conference brainstormed on the theme: ‘Harnessing Nigeria’s Religious Diversity for Sustainable Peace and National Development,’ and came up with workable solutions in ensuring peace and development in the country.

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The gathering submitted that the plurality, ethnic-cum religious heterogeneity of Nigeria are a blessing and not a curse, and Nigerians should harness the enormous human and natural resources the country is endowed with to make the country great.

The participants lamented the several ethnic, communal, and religious conflicts since the birth of the country and advised that Nigerians must co-exist peacefully in the spirit of good neighborliness.

“There is need for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of Learning To Live Together (LTLT) as unity and peace are priceless commodities crucial for the country to forge ahead.

“Nigerians must be tolerant, respectful and humble for sustainable peaceful co-existence to be realized in the country,” the communiqué said.

The communique, signed by the National Chairman I of the conference and Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, National Chairman II Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the Secretary Malam Muhammad Garba, advised Nigerians not to elect leaders on the basis of religion, but solely on the basis of capacity, competence and ability to deliver for the overall good of the country.

The conference recommended the proper implementation of all constitutional provisions for peace and harmony to reign supreme in the country.