Nigerian Committee Proves Ineffective to Stop Violence

ICC Note:
A lopsided committee set up to address the violence in Nigeria’s central states has proven ineffective. Out of the 41 members only 11 are Christians, who have been the victims of most of the violence in Nigeria’s “Middle Belt”. This past Sunday, members of St. John’s Catholic Cathedral were the victims of a suicide bombing as the left the morning service. Is there any suprise that such a lop
09/26/2012 Nigeria (AllAfrica) – Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Tuesday alleged lopsidedness in the composition of the peace committee set up in the region.
CAN said of the 41 members of the committee, only 11 are Christians.
The committee was set up by the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) to address reconciliation, the ethno-religious crises and security problems facing the North.
The religious body maintained that if the committee was meant to reconcile people, then there should be an equitable representation so that its findings and recommendations will be accepted to all concerned.
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The communiqué which was signed by the Public Relations Officer of Northern CAN, Mr, Sunday Oibe, also condemned the recent assassination of the Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zannah Malam Gana, as well as the killing of innocent Christians in Bauchi “by the enemies of the Nigerian nation.”
It also lamented the high level of corruption in the country, especially among public office holders and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to demonstrate enough political will in stamping out the malaise.
According to the communiqué, massive corruption “has hindered the development and sustenance of many promised projects which would have provided gainful employment for our teeming youths.”
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The communique commended the leadership of the President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritseajafor, and prayed God to continue guide him and give him wisdom.
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