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NIREC Urges Governments to Hold Perpetrators of Terror and Hardship Accountable

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has urged federal and state governments to identify and prosecute those responsible for terror and suffering inflicted by armed non-state actors. The council emphasized that accountability must be enforced regardless of perpetrators’ status or connections.

This call was made during NIREC’s fourth quarterly meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. Both leaders decried the widespread devastation caused by years of terrorism, which have displaced communities and destroyed livelihoods.

The Sultan of Sokoto called on Nigerians to seek divine mercy and warned politicians against greed and corruption. “God placed what you have in your hands temporarily so you can use it to improve others’ lives,” he said, while praising NIREC’s efforts in fostering harmony despite 2024’s challenges.

Archbishop Okoh lamented the mismanagement of Nigeria’s natural resources, which he said had turned blessings like oil and minerals into sources of conflict. He advocated for justice, equitable resource distribution, and accountability to address impunity and insecurity undermining the nation’s progress.

NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, echoed these concerns, citing insecurity in the North and environmental damage in the South as key issues. He highlighted the plight of Niger Delta communities affected by oil exploration and the rising banditry in Zamfara, triggered by gold discoveries.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commended NIREC’s contributions to fostering tolerance and assured them of government efforts to tackle insecurity and revive the economy. He called for collective action to maintain peace and unity while outlining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives for economic recovery.

Despite the challenges of 2024, NIREC leaders expressed hope for a brighter 2025, emphasizing the need for faith, unity, and mutual support to move Nigeria forward.

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