Religious leaders, politicians, and stakeholders have been tasked with ensuring peace during the 2023 general elections and increasing participation to entrench good governance in Nigeria.
Imam Fuad Adeyemi, the National Chief Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society and organiser of the Interfaith Peace Summit (TIPS), emphasised the role of faith communities in Ibadan on Thursday.
The summit was themed “Prosecuting Peaceful Elections: Role of Faith Communities.”
According to him, ignorance between the two religions, Christianity and Islam, have led to unnecessary conflict, and the only way out is education.
Adeyemi, also the founder of Abrahamic Vision, said, “All the major stakeholders are coming together to see what we can do to ensure peace during the 2023 elections.
“We know that Nigeria is a highly religious country, and if you want to achieve anything, pass through the religious houses; that is why we are bringing Interfaith, Muslims and Christians.
“Let us look into our books. What did our God say about living together and doing things in a peaceful manner and disrupting things?
“Also, other stakeholders will talk about things put in place to ensure peaceful elections in 2023.”
In his remarks, Rev’d Kayode Kolawole, the 2nd Vice Chairman of The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), appreciated the organisers of TIPS and added that the timing was apt.
According to him, the past election periods were periods of violence in Nigeria because everybody wanted to get there at all costs.
“But with a programme like this we are being sensitised, the youth, the adult, male and female and it will help prepare the hearts of people to have peaceful and violence-free elections come 2023,” Kolawole said.
Also, Prof. Koyejo Olosho, the Chief of Staff of Oyo State Muslims, said the group is known for engendering programmes that foster peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
“The stakeholders are being sensitised on the importance of conducting the next general elections peacefully and without any rancour.
“My advice for Nigeria is the theme of this summit, that all of us see ourselves as brothers irrespective of our political leanings, tribal affiliation or religious differences,” Olosho said.
In her address, the Head of Voter Education, INEC, Mrs Rosemary Adeniyi, enjoined stakeholders to trust in the commission’s integrity and be assured that everybody’s vote will count, as technology will play a key role in ensuring this.
She said additional polling units have been created in Oyo State, for a total of 6,390, up from the previous 4,783, to increase access and participation.
Adeniyi reiterated the mantra of the INEC boss: “Our loyalty and allegiance must be to Nigeria, and only votes should determine the winner.”
