By Abdulaziz Mala
The Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Dr. Muhammad Abali Ibn Mohammed Idrissa, has called on religious and traditional leaders to actively promote peace, unity, and tolerance among their followers.
The Emir made the call at the conclusion of a two-day interfaith dialogue focused on peace and reconciliation in Yobe State.
The dialogue was organized by the Yobe State Hisbah Commission in collaboration with the Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) Yobe PCU.
Represented by Alh. Ali Baka who is also the La’ama of Fika, the Emir emphasized the leaders’ crucial role in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and unity.
He urged youths to avoid drug abuse and corruption, which he said lead to immoral and dubious acts.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Hisbah Commission, Alh. Dr. Yahuza Hamza Abubakar, outlined the commission’s responsibilities, including public sensitization on important issues, addressing immoral acts among youths, and promoting peace, unity, respect, reconciliation, and tolerance among all citizens.
Represented by Mal. Bashir Muhammad Suleiman, Director of Peace and Reconciliation, Dr. Abubakar emphasized that peace and unity are central to both the Qur’an and the Bible, highlighting the need for continuous learning.
He noted that the Hisbah Commission, in its first year, has achieved significant success.
Dr. Abubakar welcomed advice, opinions, and contributions to the development of the commission and its policies.
Rev. Ibrahim Kure Abali of ECWA Church Damaturu, presenting on “Exploring Shared Teachings and Values for Improving Interpersonal and Intercommunal Relations between Muslims and Christians,” quoted Premier of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello’s call for Nigerians to love and tolerate one another across religious and ethnic lines.
Rev. Abali emphasized that love, tolerance, forgiveness, honor, respect, and peace are core tenets of all religions and called on media outlets to promote these values.
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Bedu of the University of Maiduguri, in another presentation, highlighted the negative impact of fake news and misinformation on community stability.
He urged leaders to prioritize people-oriented policies to prevent social unrest.
The Event was attended by representatives of security agencies, religious leaders from Potiskum, Nangare, Fika and Fune Local government areas amongst others.
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