By Awaal Gata
Abuja
Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Prof. Oshita O. Oshita, has urged the Boko Haram sect, Niger Delta Avengers, IPOB, nomadic herders and farmers to ceasefire and embrace dialogue.
Oshita made the call yesterday at an event organised by IPCR in partnership with other organisations for the commemoration of this year’s World Peace Day in Abuja.
According to him, dialogue was the only time-tested method for sustainable resolution of violent conflicts.
He said IPCR would readily proffer reconciliation mechanisms and platforms capable of healing conflict memories.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his focus on security, economy and anti-corruption represent a direct affront on the enemies of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as building blocks for peace in the country.
He said: “Nigerians in the North-east, South-south, South-west, North-central, and North-west are tired of the pains of all shades of disruptive conflict. They all want to feel cool and go about their normal businesses.
“We, therefore, call on all belligerents, Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers IPOB, nomadic herders and farmers to ceasefire and embrace dialogue, which remains the only time-tested method for sustainable resolution of violent conflicts. We must all see wisdom in the cliché that an ‘eye for an eye leaves us all blind.’ The IPCR is ready and able to undertake a structured nationwide programme of reconciliation and healing of memories. Nigeria is our country and we must preserve it together.”
Speaking earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony with one another and also eschew tribalism, religious bigotry and other types of nepotism “because they impede national growth.”
While urging the government should create more programmes that would foster peace and unity in the country, he said “peace is synonymous and directly proportional to good living.”
