SEGUN BABATUNDE, Bauchi
Bauchi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been advised to play the role of a mediator between the feuding parties in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas, which led to the recent crisis in the area.
Recall that the 21st memorial anniversary, book launch and foundation institution of the late leader and crusader of the Sayawa nation, Baba Peter Gonto, witnessed violence, which claimed lives just as properties were destroyed by hoodlums believed to have been sponsored by yet to be identified politicians.
The advice was given by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, when CAN leadership paid him a sympathy visit over the attack on him while going to Bogoro to honour the invitation.
The Emir stressed that when brothers take up arms against each other for a minor issue, the outcome is always devastating, urging CAN to immediately intervene before the situation gets out of hands.
The monarch added that no meaningful development can be made in a chaotic environment, stressing the importance of peace and peaceful co-existence which will translate to development and progress of the community.
Adamu then thanked CAN for coming to sympathise with him and the Emirate, declaring that, “as father of all, irrespective of ethno-religious differences, I have forgiven all those who participated in the attack on me.”
In same vein, Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, has appealed for calm in the areas affected by the violence, stressing that it is only when there is peace that things can be done.
The Emir, who granted audience to CAN leaders in his Palace in Dass, commended the role CAN is playing in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony across the state.
He assured that he would continue to promote peace and unity in his domain, saying, “In spite of our religious differences, we are one people, created together by God; we must therefore continue to live harmoniously with each other and tolerate each other.”
Earlier at the two palaces, Chairman of CAN in Bauchi State, Rev Abraham Damina Dimeus, told the Emirs that CAN was at their palaces to sympathise with the two of them over the attack on their convoys by hoodlums.
The CAN chairman condemned the attack in strong terms, saying that it was unfortunate and uncalled for at a time when all efforts were geared towards maintaining relative peace in the state.
Abraham Dimeus on behalf of CAN and the Christian community in the state, commended the two Emirs for the fatherly way they handled the situation, saying that it actually doused tension that was building up in the state since the incident.
He then appealed to the two Emirs to, as fathers, forgive those who took part in the attack, praying that God will continue to protect them and grant them the wisdom of Solomon as they rule their subjects.