The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful dialogue and forgiveness as the most religious and civilized means of addressing grievances, rather than engage in hate speeches, threats and intimidation which are capable of degenerating into avoidable conflicts and conflagration that do no one or group any good.
The forum gave the charge in its Sallah message to Nigerians signed by its National Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Specifically, ACF appeals to those beating the drums of succession, separation and balkanization of Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines to have a rethink, “as we are all better in a united larger Nigeria than in small confederation of regions.”
It also urged Nigerians “to continue to pray, worship and work for our unity, peaceful coexistence and harmony in the polity.”
The forum noted that the killings of innocent souls by insurgents, armed bandits, by clashes between herders and farmers as well as cult and militia groups and kidnapping in parts of the North and Nigeria are inconsistent with the tenets of all religions.
ACF, while commending the efforts of the security agencies, also urged them to redouble their efforts in combating the crimes which have continued to become worrisome to Nigerians.
It also called on all elected public officers in both executive and legislative positions to hit the ground running for the express purpose of delivering on their campaign promises as the only ways they can justify the trust and confidence reposed on them by Nigerians.
“It is worthy to note that the political mandates given to our leaders at all levels are meant for bringing about rapid socio-economic development through good governance that comes with justice, liberty and common decency,” it stated.
ACF therefore wishes the Muslim Ummah a peaceful and Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and hopes that the spirit of Ramadan will continue to influence their deeds and words for the good of humanity.
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