Yemi Kosoko in Jos
Former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, conventional rulers, spiritual leaders and coverage specialists have known as for pressing motion to counter rising polarisation and rebuild civic cohesion in North-central Nigeria, warning that injustice, impunity and divisive narratives proceed to gasoline battle throughout the area.
The leaders spoke at a nationwide dialogue organised by the Justice Research Institute (JRI) in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) beneath the theme, ‘Countering Polarisation and Rebuilding Civic Cohesion in North Central Nigeria: Beyond Tribe and Faith, Reclaiming Our Shared Stories.’
Osinbajo pressured that lasting peace can’t be achieved with out justice, accountability and intentional reconciliation, drawing classes from South Africa and Rwanda.
He mentioned communities affected by violence and displacement have to be helped to heal by truth-telling, restitution and institutional reforms that restore confidence in the justice system.
He warned that impunity undermines social stability, insisting that justice should embody restitution and restoration.
“People cannot simply be told to forget. Where land has been taken unjustly, it must be returned. Where people have suffered losses, appropriate compensation and justice are necessary for healing,” he mentioned.
Speaking on the occasion, NIPSS Director-General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described storytelling as a strong instrument for nationwide reconciliation, noting that societies are held collectively not solely by legal guidelines and establishments but in addition by the tales residents inform about each other.
He warned that distorted narratives, misinformation and inherited prejudices can deepen divisions and undermine nationwide improvement.
Also addressing individuals, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), mentioned battle begins when justice, id and belonging are denied.
He urged Nigerians to reject collective blame, ethnic profiling and spiritual stereotyping, emphasizing that dialogue, lively listening and mutual respect are important for peaceable coexistence.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, warned towards exploiting ethnic and spiritual variations for political or social acquire.
He known as for stronger accountability, accountable communication and better funding in youth employment, arguing that widespread poverty and joblessness stay main drivers of insecurity.
Participants agreed that no neighborhood can obtain lasting peace by selling the insecurity of one other and known as for inclusive governance, stronger conflict-resolution mechanisms, assist for displaced individuals and better involvement of girls and younger individuals in peacebuilding efforts.
The dialogue ended with a renewed dedication to promote justice, reality, accountable management and shared citizenship as foundations for peace, unity and improvement in North-central Nigeria and past.
