By Sadiq Abubakar
Bishop of the Anglican Communion and Leader of the Northern Christian Forum (NOSCEF), Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Kana Mani, has called on the government of Borno state, leaders of thought and traditional institution to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence between the adherents of the two great religions in the country.
He made the call at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, when he led a delegation of the members of the Forum on a courtesy visit to the Shehu at the weekend.
He said they were in the palace to pay homage and condole with the royal father over the death of the Emir of Kano, Sarkin Ado Bayero, the Emir of Gombe and the Emir of Gwoza as well as several other Muslim and Christian clerics who passed away recently.
He also said considering what the Christian body in general had been going through, particularly in the North, Christian Elders of Northern states established the Christian Association by virtue of Sections 38 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and duly registered with the relevant authorities with the aim to serve as a rallying point for its members in an effort to “ensure justice, equity and fair play under the rule of law for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, creed or political affiliations.”
He said: “I recall that you have continued to agitate for the establishment of the Borno state branch of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). We are, therefore, here to also let you know that if we ever needed NIREC in Borno state, we need it now more than ever before. Only recently, I received in office, the co-executive director of the Inter-faith mediation centre, Kaduna, on an advocacy visit at the Bishop’s Court.
“The two directors represent both Islam and Christianity. We understand that they have been working with some selected Muslims and Christians, including clerics and other non-governmental organisations on capacity building in conflict management, mitigation and reconciliation, as well as drawing up an alternative peace road map.”
