www.unilorin.edu.ng
Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin
[email protected] Being a lecture delivered at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Programme for Nigerian Army School of Education Sobi, Ilorin on Wednesday, 18th May, 2011
OUTLINE • • • • • • •
The concepts of religion and conflict Causes of religious conflicts NIREC and its structure Objectives/functions Standing committees Peace building efforts of NIREC Conclusion
THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION
Religion can be explained as any specific system of beliefs about a divine being, often involving a set of rituals, a code of ethics and a philosophy of life which adherents/ followers must accept without question.
THE DEFINITION OF CONFLICT
Conflict on the other hand can be described as a situation of true or perceived disagreement through which the parties involved identify a threat to their interests, values/ethics or concerns.
MAP OF NIGERIA
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA Religious conflicts in Nigeria have been traced to the under listed causes. These are:
Poverty Religious fanaticism Land issues Vengeance
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS CONTINUED • Unemployment/under employment especially of youths • Wrong interpretation and/or understanding of the tenets of the holy books • Misinformation/ignorance • Perceived feelings of marginalisation
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS CONTINUED • • • •
Relative insecurity Increased politicisation of religion Ethno-religious reasons Other conflicts clothed in religious “garments”
NIREC AND ITS STRUCTURE Why NIREC ?
The devastation and other negative consequences of religious conflicts over the years informed the formation of NIREC in 1999 by Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with the active support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo
NIREC FATHERS
WHAT IS NIREC ? • It is the acronym for: Nigeria Inter Religious Council • It is a product of series of discussions between the leadership of the two main religious bodies in Nigeria i.e. The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) It is not a government parastatal but it is supported by government
NIREC FORMATION
COMPOSITION OF NIREC • NIREC, is an inter-religious body of fifty (50) equal number of Christians and Muslims. (25 each) • Membership consists of : Traditional rulers Religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity Opinion leaders
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS OF NIREC 1. To honestly and sincerely endeavour, by themselves, to understand the true teachings of the two religions – Christianity and Islam including their peculiarities and personal mannerisms through dialogue, discussions, workshops, seminars, conferences, pamphleteering, etc.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 2. To create a permanent and sustainable channel of communication and interaction thereby promoting dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria so that members of both faiths may have mutual understanding of each other’s religious position; to achieve a co-existense among all people of Nigeria irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 3. To promote and inculcate moral, ethical, social and cultural values of the two faiths for the rebirth and rebuilding of a better society. 4. To provide a forum for mutual co-operation and promotion of the welfare of all citizens in the nation.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 5. To create fora and channels for the peaceful resolution of any friction or misunderstanding that may arise from time to time 6. To serve as an avenue for articulating cordial relationships amongst the various religious groups and between them and the government.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 7. To assist the federal, state and local governments of Nigeria and the populace by emphasizing and accentuating the positive roles religion should play in nation-building and development. 8. To serve as a forum to achieve national goals, economic growth, national unity and promotion of political stability.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 9. To consider and make recommendations to the federal and other levels of government on matters that may assist in fostering integral and spiritual development of Nigerians. 10.To make recommendations on such matters as the federal and other levels of government from time to time refer to the council
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 11.
To network with organisations of similar aims at home and internationally, for the furtherance of the objectives of the council
STRUCTURE OF NIREC The following structure has been put in place: 1. The Board of Trustees (BOT). members are:
His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR MNI the Sultan of Sokoto His Grace, Arcbishop John Onaiyekan, CON, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, National Co-ordinator/Executive Secretary Prof. Yusuf Obaje
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED 2. The Co-chairmen are the heads of NSCIA and CAN His Eminence , the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and National President of Christian Association of Nigeria – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED 3. The National Co-ordinator/ Executive Secretary • HE/SHE HEADS THE SECRETARIAT AND LIASES WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT PARTNERS
4. The 50 members are made up of: • 25 MUSLIMS AND • 25 CHRISTIANS
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED 5. THE SECRETARIAT: CO-ORDINATES ALL CORRESPONDENCE PREPARES FOR QUARTERLY MEETINGS & DOCUMENTATION OF THE COUNCIL
6. ARMS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDE: THE YOUTH WING THE NATIONAL INTER FAITH ACTION AGAINST MALARIA (NIFAA)
STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC • TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF NIREC, A TOTAL OF NINE (9) STANDING COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE. THESE ARE:
i) ii) iii) iv)
GENERAL PURPOSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES EDUCATION COMMITTEE
STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC v) vi) vii) viii) ix)
INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT PEACE BUILDING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION FINANCE COMMITTEE PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC • SINCE INCEPTION, NIREC HAS BEEN IN THE FOREFRONT OF STEMMING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS THROUGH ITS OPERATIONS. THESE INCLUDE: 1. ROTATING NIREC QUARTERLY MEETINGS AMONGST THE SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA. SO FAR MEETINGS HAVE BEEN HELD IN ENUGU, MAIDUGURI, LAGOS, KANO, JOS,PORTHARCOURT,ABUJA AND RECENTLY IN BAUCHI
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 2. HOLDING INTERACTIVE SESSIONS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF QUARTERLY MEETINGS BETWEEN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE ZONE. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NIREC AT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVELS. SOME STATES HAVE ESTABLISHED WHILE OTHERS ARE YET, NIREC KEEPS ENCOURAGING THEM TO DO SO.
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 4. ORGANISATION OF A YOUTH SUMMIT INVOLVING YOUTHS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH WING OF NIREC
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 6. PROMPT INTERVENTION IN CRISIS AREAS TO PREVENT SPREAD AND ESCALATION. 7. RESPOND TO BURNING NATIONAL ISSUES ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT CAN THREATEN THE CORPORATE EXISTENCE OF NIGERIA. 8. FOSTERING RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF DIALOGUE AMONG RELIGIOUS GROUPS .
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 9.
PARTICIPATION OF NSCIA AND CAN LEADERSHIP AND MEMBERS IN SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY EACH OTHER TO FURTHER PROMOTE RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN NIGERIA.
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 10.
PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ON RELIGIOUS MATTERS E.G. • • • •
NIGERIA WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK AFRICAN COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS (ACRL) INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF WEST AFRICA WEST AFRICA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL COOORDINATING COMMITTEE (IRCL)
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED 11.
COLLABORATING AND INTERACTING WITH OTHER SIMILAR GROUPS IN AFRICA, EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. FOR EXAMPLE, • AFRICAN UNION • UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON FREEDOM (USCIRF) • TONY BLAIR FAITH FOUNDATION, UK
INTER
RELIGIOUS
AN INTER-FAITH WORLD
GLOBAL
WORLD CONFERENCE FOR RELIGIONS FOR PEACE
CONTINENTAL
AFRICAN COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS (ACRL)
REGIONAL
INTER RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF WEST AFRICA
NATION`AL
NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL (NIREC)
DIALOGUE OF ACTION NIREC CONTINUES TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR A BETTER SOCIETY. THESE INCLUDE:
NIFAA (MALARIA) INTER-FAITH COMMITTEE ON HIV/AIDS INTER-FAITH ANTI-CORRUPTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (IAAC) (A BODY UNDER MY HUMBLE SELF TO COMBAT FINANCIAL CORRUPTION CRIME)
THE NIGERIA INTER-FAITH ACTION ASSOCIATION AGAINST MALARIA (NIFAA) NIFAAM WAS ESTABLISHED BY NIREC TO MAXIMISE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST MALARIA IN NIGERIA IT HAS COLLABORATED WITH THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA AND OTHER DISEASES NIFAA HAS ALSO WORKED WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH THE ERADICATION OF MALARIA
WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK THE NIGERIA WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK COLLABORATED WITH NIREC AND THE VARIOUS ARMS OF GOVERNMENT ON THE THEME “ERADICATION OF HIV/AIDS AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE”
- INTER-FAITH ACTION
NACA – HIV/AIDS COMMITTEE
MANUALS PROJECTS
EFCC INTER-FAITH BOARD ESTABLISHMENT OF INTER-FAITH ANTI- CORRUPTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (IAAC) THE EFCC AS PART OF ITS MANDATE TO PREVENT AND REGULATE ACTIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES ESTABLISHED THE IAAC
THE COMMITTEE WAS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONBILITY OF COORDINATING THE INTERFACE WITH THE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES BY ADOPTING A FAITH- BASED COMMUNITY TO DISSEMINATE THE ANTICORRUPTION MESSAGES TO NIGERIANS
MEMBERSHIP OF IAAC PROF. IS-HAQ OLOYEDE BISHOP JOHN PRAISE
CHAIRMAN MEMBER / EXEC. SECRETARY
IMAM AHMED ABDULRAHMAN
MEMBER
PASTOR CLETUS ALU
MEMBER
UZTAZ AMIN IGBWEBE
MEMBER
BISHOP CHRISTIAN IDE
MEMBER
SHEIK YUSUF HUSSEIN MAIBERA
MEMBER
ACTIVITIES OF IAAC THE INTER-FAITH ANTI CORRUPTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS SET TO:
START A THIRTEEN (13) WEEK TV MEDIA OUT REACH PROGRAMME ON ANTI CORRUPTION IN WHICH RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND EMINENT PERSONS WITHIN THE FAITH COMMUNITY WILL COME ON AIR TO DISCUSS ALL FORMS OF CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES THAT REVOLVE AROUND THE MANDATE OF EFCC FROM RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES.
DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING AND PREACHING MANUALS FOR USE BY THE MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS WITH THEIR CONGREGATIONS. THE MANUALS ARE BELIEVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION TOOL
NIREC SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FROM 2009 TO JUNE 2011 DATE
ZONE
VENUE
May, 2009
North Central
Jos, Plateau State
August, 2009
South South
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
December, 2009
FCT
Abuja
April, 2010
North East
Bauchi, Bauchi State
July, 2010
South East
Owerri, Imo State
October, 2010
North West
Sokoto, Sokoto State
January, 2011
South West
Ibadan, Oyo State
Sept., 2011
North Central
Ilorin, Kwara State
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS 1. HIS EMINENCE, MUHAMMAD SA’AD ABUBAKAR , CFR,MNI THE SULTAN OF SOKOTO, CO-CHAIRMAN 2. HIS GRACE, PASTOR AYO ORITSEJAFOR, OFR, CAN PRESIDENT, CO-CHAIRMAN 3. PROF. IS-HAQ O. OLOYEDE, NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR/ EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
H.R.H. ALHAJI YAHAYA ABUBAKAR, CFR MR. J.A. ACHIMUGU H.R.H. NAJIB HUSSAINI ADAMU DR. ABDULATEEF ADEGBITE, CON, COSECRETARY REV. (DR.) CALEB AHIMA FITCN IMAM ABDUR-RAHMAN AHMAD
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
PASTOR (DR.) S.O. AKINSULURE OBA RILWAN AKIOLU, CFR, MNI AL HAJI MURTALA AMINU, OFR RT. HON. (ALHAJI) MUKAIL ASUQUO HRH. ALH. (DR.) MUHAMMAD ILIYASU BASHAR, REV. NOEL BATURE H.R.H. ALHAJI (DR.) ADO BAYERO ALHAJI FALALU BELLO, OFR H.R.M. EDMOND DAUKORU
OFR, MNI
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
H.R.H. ALHAJI KYARI UMAR EL-KANEMI, CFR H.R.H. ALHAJI MUSTAFA UMAR EL-KANEMI, CFR PROPHET (DR.) GABRIEL O. FAKEYE REV. (DR.) ANTHONY FARINTO H.R.H. IBRAHIM SULU GAMBARI, CFR SHEIKH ADAM A. IDOKO H.R.H. ALHAJI SHEHU IDRIS MRS. DAME PRISCILLA KUYE SHEIKH AHMED LEMU, OFR
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.
HIS EMINENCE, S. OLA MAKINDE H.R.H. ALHAJI M.S. MOMODU H.R.H. OBA AKADIRI MOMOH IV MOST REV. DR. JOHN NIYIRING ARCHIBISHOP DANIEL OKOH THE MOST REV. NICOLAS OKOH BISHOP MIKE OKONKWO ALHAJA LATEEFAH OKUNNU, OFR APOSTLE G. OLA OLUTOLA
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45.
REV. FR. DR. CORNELIUS OMONOKHUA HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP JOHN ONAIYEKAN CON JUSTICE ABDULKADIR ORIRE, CON HIS EMINENCE, THE MOST. REV. DR. RUFUS OSITELU PROFESSOR JOSEPH A.M. OTUBU SHEIKH I. SALEH ENGR. S.L.S. SALIFU, CO-SECRETARY ALHAJI IS-HAQ KUNLE SANNI JUSTICE GABRIEL ADAMU SHA
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.
H.R.H. HUBERT SHALDAS, OON MOST REV. EMMANUEL JOSIAH UDOFIA BARR. ALBERT UKO SNR. APOSTLE S.O. USU HAJIYA BILKISU YUSUF, MNI
EXCERPTS OF NIREC COMMUNIQUES OVER THE YEARS OVER THE YEARS, NIREC HAS COMMENTED AND ADVISED GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES OF NATIONAL CONCERN. SOME OF THESE ARE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW: THAT THE NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL’S MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN NIGERIA; NIREC CALLS UPON OUR RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND INDEED ALL NIGERIANS TO REDEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THE NOBLE CAUSE OF PEACE-BUILDING AND MUTUAL CO-EXISTENCE OF OUR PEOPLE.
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
TO PROMOTE PEACE AND HARMONY, OUR POLITICIANS, OPINION LEADERS AND THOSE CHARGED WITH AUTHORITY AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNANCE SHOULD ALSO ENDEAVOUR TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN THEIR UTTERANCES, AND SHOULD AT ALL TIMES PROMOTE EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
NIREC NOTES WITH DELIGHT THE COMMITMENT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW, WHICH WILL CHECK IMPUNITY IN THE SOCIETY, AN IDEAL SHARED BY NIREC
CONCERNED ABOUT THE STATE OF EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY AND URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME
CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS AT VARIOUS LEVELS TO GRANT COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OF RELIGIOUS DISTURBANCES TO ENABLE THEM MITIGATE THE EFEFCTS OF HUMAN AND MATERIAL LOSSES CAUSED BY UNWHOLESOME ACTICITIES OF A FEW MISGUIDED ELEMENTS
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CAUTIONS RECKLESS RELIGIOUS PREACHERS WHO CONDUCT INCITING SERMONS WITHOUT REGARDS TO THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS AND THEREFORE FAN THE EMBERS OF RELIGIOUS MISUNDERSTANDING AND DISTURBANCES
CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS, GROUPS AND ALL NIGERIANS, PARTICULARLY THE FAITH-BASED ORGANISATIONS TO BUILD A SYSTEMATIC PLATFORM FOR PEACE AND RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF SOCIO ECONOMIC JUSTICE,TRANSPARENCY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO TAKE URGENT MEASURES AT CURBING THE PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS IN OUR SOCIETY WHICH TENDS TO CREATE A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE AND IS A MAJOR SOURCE OF RISING VIOLENT CRIMES IN OUR SOCIETY
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE TEMPO OF SUSTAINABLE MEASURES FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY THROUGH JOB AND WEALTH CREATION WHICH WILL CHANNEL THE ENERGIES OF OUR YOUTHS THROUGH PRODUCTIVE VENTURES
CALLS ON THE MEDIA TO ABIDE BY THE ETHICS OF THEIR PROFESSION WHICH PROMOTE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DEMANDS FACTUAL AND ACCURATE REPORTING OF EVENTS
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
NIREC ABHORS AND CONDEMNS THE DISTURBING TREND OF HOMOSEXUALITY, LESBIANISM AND INCEST THAT IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING PERVASIVE IN THE COUNTRY. THE PRACTICES ARE ILLEGAL AND REPUGNANT TO THE NORMS OF OUR RELIGIONS, TRADITIONS AND CULTURE. DETERMINED EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE BY GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO CHECK THE PROBLEMS TO PROTECT THE MORAL WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A HINDRANCE TO OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OR ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSION OF CRIME
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS APPROPRIATE LAW TO FINALLY SETTLE THE PERENNIAL PROBLEMS OF SETTLERS VERSUS INDIGENES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY
URGES GOVERNMENT TO CONVENE A DIALOGUE OF NATIONAL CONTENTIOUS ISSUES AFFECTING THE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA
PEACE EDUCATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM FROM PRIMARY TO TERTIARY LEVELS AND ALSO ADMINISTERED ON EVERY CITIZEN
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA AREA MORE SERIOUSLY AND BE COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE PEACE
CALLS ON LABOUR UNIONS TO MAKE DIALOGUE THE MAJOR TOOL IN THE PURSUIT OF MEMBERS’ WELFARE AND ESCHEW QUICK RECOURSE TO STRIKE
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS ON THE FEDERAL, STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TO NIP IN THE BUD ALL ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD PORTRAY NIGERIA AS A TERRORIST COUNTRY
ENDORSES THE POLIO ERADICATION EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND URGES ALL TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE SO THAT EVERY CHILD IS VACCINATED
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS FOR THE INTENSIFICATION OF THE INTERVENTIONS TO MITIGATE THE SCOURGE OF HIV/AIDS, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS AGAINST STIGMATISATION AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THOSE AFFECTED AND INFECTED
URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE NIGER DELTA AMNESTY PROGRAMME TO ENSURE THAT THE POST AMNESTY PHASE REMAINS ON COURSE
EXCERPTS CONTINUED CALLS ON POLITICIANS TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNTRY IS POLITICALLY STABLE TO ENCOURAGE FOREIGN INVESTMENT GOVERNMENTS AT ALL LEVELS AND THE SECURITY AGENCIES MUST JOIN HANDS WITH TRADITIONAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND OTHER WELL MEANING NIGERIANS TO ENSURE THAT NATIONAL CRISES ARE TACKLED URGENTLY AND DECISIVELY
CONCLUSION • NIREC SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, NO DOUBT HAS CONTRIBUTED IMMENSELY TO THE RESOLUTION OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA AS IT STEADILY ACHIEVES THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS • NIREC HAS ALSO COLLABORATED WITH OTHER AGENCIES TO COMBAT MALARIA, HIV/AIDS ETC. • IT IS HOPED THAT WHEN NIREC AT BOTH THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNEMNT LEVELS BECOME FUNCTIONAL, RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY REDUCED IN OUR POLITY.
