Shagari, Maccido hinge growth on stability
From Eric Meya, Sokoto
FOR Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, there is an urgent need to tackle insecurity as the nation's development is dependent on peace and stability.
They spoke yesterday at the opening of a two-day national conference on "Peaceful co-existence, pluralism and national building", organised by Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto.
The former President, who was the chairman of the opening ceremony, charged participants to seriously look at the social, political and economic situations in the country, especially in the area of security.
"I believe that this period of our development poses more security challenges than ever before", he stated.
He continued: "It appears as if the cultural, religious, ethnic and other differences which had always been with us are now rapidly overwhelming our usual sense of accommodation, which if not checked with renewed determination and vigour would lead us into confusion and chaos".
He was hopeful that the participants would examine the issues with objectivity, integrity and true patriotism to save the country and redirect it to the path of peace, unity and progress.
According to him, the rate of political, ethnic and religious intolerance in the country is now alarming.
He said that it appears as if we are marching backwards into the pre-colonial era when numerous little kingdoms were at daggers drawn, adding that the conference should examine the situation critically and remind everyone of his or her duty to build a great nation where no one is oppressed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the conference chairman, called on the government to tackle the growing insecurity and check threats to the nation's corporate existence.
"This can best be done by addressing the root causes of conflicts such as poverty and ignorance as well as dealing decisively with those who cause the breach of the peace", he said.
The monarch said that the conference had drawn stakeholders from across the country to brainstorm and help to fashion out a system of governance that would promote peace, justice and equity.
He pledged the support of traditional institutions for the maintenance of peace and stability.
"In this regard, we shall join hands with different stakeholders such as the government, security agencies and the wider society to make Nigeria more peaceful and united entity", he assured.
He said the communique of the conference should be published without delay for the benefit of members of the public.
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