22nd May, 2013
MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano
The Emir of Kano, northwest Nigeria, Alhaji Ado Bayero on Wednesday offered prayers for peace and stability to return to the North, while urging the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North to remain committed in their assignment to engage members of the Islamic Boko Haram sect in reasonable dialogue.
He also urged members of the Committee who were on a courtesy call at his Palace to offer wise and sincere advice to the Federal Government as regards to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Kano monarch who was early this year a victim of terrorist attack noted that the sponsors and collaborators of terrorism could be prominent individuals living within and outside Nigeria, pointing out that without peace in the country, there will be no meaningful development.
He said only prayers and concerted efforts by government and good citizens can bring an end to the spate of insecurity in the country.
He also hoped that the Federal Government will ensure full implementation of the final recommendations and reports of the Committee, adding that the inability of the government to implement reports of similar Committees over the years, has not in any way helped matters.
Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) commended the Emir for his love and concern for the country, pointing out that his team has been in, “a deliberate act of consultation with all stakeholders with a view to tapping from their wisdom and wealth of experiences.
“We are in your Palace to interact with you; and to take ideas from you. We want to understand it from your own perspective. We need your prayers and words of wisdom because the society holds you in high esteem.”
Turaki who doubles as the Minister for Special Duties noted that, “any good Muslim likes peace and will always do everything to ensure peace. Kano is one of the places that were attacked during this insurgency and we commend the state government and traditional institution for restoring peace and stability in the state.”
The Committee later held Town Hall meeting with Kano elders, political leaders and the Ulamas at the Africa House, Government House.
The chairman of Kano Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Magaji Dambatta described the Committee’s assignment as Herculean, stating that, “we recognize the importance of your (Committee) duty because through it lies the chance of gaining peace, economic growth and respect for human life.
“Within the past years, the nation has witnessed wanton killings and destruction of property and we hope that this effort of yours will bring lasting solution to all these problems.”
The Committee also took time to visit some of the scenes of Boko Haram attacks in Kano, including the New Road Luxury Park, Sabon Gari.