Nigeria, which is expected to hold general elections next year, has been experiencing insecurity since 2009 when Boko Haram insurgency began with the aim of turning the country into an Islamic state.
Since then, the group, one of largest Islamist groups in Africa, has been orchestrating indiscriminate terrorist attacks on various targets, including religious and political groups as well as civilians.
The situation of insecurity in the West African nation has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia, who have been clashing frequently with Christian farmers reportedly over grazing land.
Reflecting on the upcoming polls during the May17 press conference, the National Coordinator of SAC said, “We need a government that understands that the actions of terrorists undermine and destabilize our unity in diversity, and who have the courage and political will to take them out.”
“It is up to us to help rebuild the system of government that will set our priorities, our unique strength as a nation, our optimism and spirit of discovery, our diversity and commitment to rebuild our nation,” Mrs. Gonsum said, adding, “This is for our common good.”
She further said, “To get the right leadership, Nigerians must strive for the common good of all.”
“The future we want, opportunity and security for our families, a rising standard of living, a sustainable and peaceful environment for our children, will only happen if we work together,” the Nigerian Catholic leader said.
She continued, “Nigerians must learn from the current happenings, register to get their voter’s cards and take a vote that will rebuild every fallen wall in our country.”
The SAC Coordinator underscored the need for religious leaders in Nigeria to guide their respective followers properly and root out misguided ideas that lead to radicalism and discrimination.
“You should reject any form of fundamentalism or a belief in ethnic superiority that makes our traditional identities irreconcilable with modernity,” she said, and added in reference to religious leaders, “You need to embrace the tolerance that results from respect for all human beings.”
