The Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, has cautioned its members against withdrawing from any form of dialogue geared towards bringing a lasting solution to the intractable killings in Southern Kaduna.
The association noted that it was particularly disturbed, that owing to the ceaseless killings in the State and the country at large, some groups were asking faith leaders to “withdraw from any peace dialogue.”
According to CAN, the contention is that some parties in peace dialogues do not come to the table with genuineness or as equal partners.
However, the Chairman of CAN in Kaduna State, Reverend Joseph Hayab, said that they were not against those with such opinions, noting that the association strongly believed there was no substitute to dialogue.
Hayab, who is also the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation, noted that even husbands and wives dialogued to make peace in the home, so did children, parents, and the community employ dialogue to resolve matters capable of igniting conflict.
Consequently, the cleric, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Northern CAN, said, “dialogue is a conversation between two or more people aimed at resolving a problem. Accordingly, religion and culture teach us to engage in dialogue to make the world and humankind better.”
“While CAN, Kaduna state, does not argue with those who hold the above opinion, CAN calls on the clergy, local government chapters, and unit leaders not to withdraw from any peace dialogue because CAN believes strongly that there is no substitute to dialogue in any subject of difference, be it religious, ethnic, race or creed.
“Therefore, if anyone has compelling evidence against a party, not truthful in peace dialogue, it is time to engage such in further dialogue to support him or her to recognize the implication of their actions but not to end dialogue.
“Every world’s micro and macro conflict always comes back to the table of dialogue to find a lasting solution. For example, those following the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine will attest that despite the wanton destruction, there is an effort for dialogue ongoing by some representatives.
“CAN, therefore, appeals to those who feel that they have had enough of dialogue not to give up yet and should desist from discouraging others from engaging in any opening for dialogue.
“Christians are people of faith and trust that, with God, all things are possible. One day, sooner than later, the evil, killings, and destruction experienced now will be over when more good people continue to dialogue towards finding a lasting solution to our current predicament.”
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
