Is President Olusegun Obasanjo's proposed National Dialogue the way forward for Nigeria?
Shagari Decries Political, Ethnic Intolerance
From Ahmed Oyerinde in Sokoto, 12.15.2004
Former President Shehu Shagari, has described the political, Ethnic and religious intolerance in the country today as very � alarming�. In his address at the opening ceremony of a three-day National conference on peaceful co-existence, pluralism and Nation-building held at the Giginya Hotel Sokoto, yesterday, Shagari said this period of our development poses more security challenges than ever before. The former president who chaired the occasion told the conference organised by the Usman Danfodiyo University that it should examine the situation critically and remind every one of his or her responsibility in the task of building a great nation where no one should be oppressed. It appears as if the cultural, religious, ethnic and other differencies which had always been with us are now rapidly overwhelming our usual sense of accommodation. The trend, if not checked with renewed determination and vigour, would lead us into confusion and chaos�, he said. He noted we all have a bounding desire and duty to carefully and intelligently examine the situation to find lasting solution. According to Shagari � it appears as if we are marching backwards into the pre-colonial era when numerous little kingdoms were at daggers end and the battle cries every where have overcome the sound of reason. The Ex-president however said he was confident that the calibre of the participants at the conference would come out with useful suggestions capable of making us face the issue with objectivity, integrity and the patriotism. He prayed for Nigeria and true patriotism of our fatherland to redirect her to the path of peace, Unity and greatness. Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido promised that traditional rulers would join hand with all relevant stakeholders to make Nigeria, a more peaceful and united nation. While praising the foresight of the organiser of the conference, Maccido urged them to publish the proceedings of the conference soonest to enable the society benefit from their knowledge. Vice-chancellor of Usman Danfidyo University, who is also the host, Professor Tijjani Muhammed Beinde said about forty four papers were expected to be presented at the conference. The papers, according to him, would deal with a variety of important issues such as origin, native and implications of conflicts in Nigeria, muslim-christian relations, inter-ethnic relations, building bridge across religious and cultural divides and alternative framework for peaceful co-existence and nation building. While thanking Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and Sultan Muhammadu Marcido for their support in making the conference a reality, professor Ba�nde promised that the proceeding of the conference would be published and circulated.
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