Daily Independent Online.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2004.
Turaki condemns religious crises, sues for peace
By Rotimi Durojaiye
Aviation
Correspondent,
Lagos
Jigawa State
Governor, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, has called on adherents of Islam and
Christianity to resolve to work for peace and unity to advance the progress of
the country.
He regretted that
in spite of Nigerians religious zealousness, the society was highly prone to
unacceptable behaviour of various shades and colouration.
The governor who spoke with Aviation
Correspondents in Lagos after paying a courtesy call on the Catholic Archbishop
of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, lamented, “our zealousness is
devoid of genuine spirituality.”
He said:
“Nigeria, indeed, is a country of diversity not only of diversity of
religion but also of culture and even of natural resources. However, this
diversity is not and should not be a disservice but one that can be judiciously
explored and exploited to promote national harmony, progress and
prosperity.”
Turaki, who told
newsmen that he had embarked on a peace initiative across the country, added
that religion, to any individual within a society, was an instrument for
inspiring the quality of life and consequently “promote the wholesomeness
of the society.” He urged Nigerians to promote peaceful co-existence
amongst followers of different faiths and denominations.
“Although
Jigawa State is peaceful, but I want to give back to the system what I have
benefited. I want to use my initiative to provide a vehicle for mutual
co-operation to promote the welfare of adherents of our respective religions
while allowing for the peaceful resolution of any friction or misunderstandings
that may arise from time to time.”
On socio-economic
development in Jigawa State, Turaki said his administration has provided 90 per
cent potable water coverage in the state.
According to him,
“there is water in all parts of the state today.”
He also added that
he has constructed more roads than any government before the advent of his
administration in 1999.
“What brings
immediate benefits to the people is motorable roads connecting communities,
especially tarred roads,” he stressed.
Turaki also said
his administration was laying emphasis on Information Technology (IT), which he
described as the bedrock of the society.
