Finding Peace in Nigeria: A Political Solution

If we think that kidnapping, insurgency, and other security issues are driven by politics, then the answer is political, not military. We need to face these challenges through dialogue.

As Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister, once said, "to jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war." This means it is better to talk and negotiate than to fight. But the government, especially the President, must take the lead in this dialogue.

I do not mean talking between the people and the kidnappers, terrorists, or militants. I mean a conversation between the government and opposition leaders.

Our leaders must make every effort to bring peace to the country. Like any society, we need peace, and our leaders should show they also desire it.

Encouraging Peace Bodies

Currently, we have three groups that should be encouraged to promote peace. First, there is the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). Second, we have the National Peace Committee (NPC), and third, the National Council of State (NCS).

The National Council of State is a body created by the Constitution. Its job is to advise the executive on making policies. While it has no executive power, it plays an important advisory role in government functions.

General Murtala Muhammed introduced the idea of the National Council of State on July 30, 1975, after he took over from General Yakubu Gowon. He said, "The structure of government has been re-organised. There will now be three organs of Government, at the Federal level namely: The Supreme Military Council, The National Council of State, and the Federal Executive Council."

After President Shehu Shagari was removed on December 31, 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari announced Decree No 1, which stated that the National Council of State would include:

(a) The Head of the Federal Military Government who will be the President of the National Council of State;

(b) The Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters;

(c) The Minister responsible for defence;

(d) The Chief of Army Staff;

(e) The Chief of Naval Staff;

(f) The Chief of Air Staff;

(g) The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice;

(h) The Inspector-General of Police;

(i) The Military Governors of the States; and

(j) Other members as appointed by the Supreme Military Council.

According to the 1999 Constitution, the council advises the President on national issues, including the census, national honours, and appointments to various bodies.

The last meeting of the National Council of State was on October 9 last year, led by President Bola Tinubu. This was only the second meeting since he took office in May 2023. Holding just two meetings in three years is not enough. Why the delay?

The Council's Membership

The current members of the council include President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Chief Goodwill Akpabio, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, and former heads of state like General Abdulsalami Abubakar and General Ibrahim Babangida. All former Chief Justices and governors of the 36 states are also members.

The National Peace Committee (NPC) is a non-governmental group formed in 2014 due to threats before the 2015 elections. It consists of respected elder statesmen who work to ensure free, fair elections and resolve national issues through mediation. When it started, the NPC aimed to help in the peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections.

The NPC's members include General Abdulsalami A Abubakar (retired), Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retired), the Sultan of Sokoto, and several prominent individuals like Aliko Dangote and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

They last gathered in Ado-Ekiti during the recent gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

The Role of NIREC

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) was formed on September 11, 1999. It includes 50 members, 25 Christians and 25 Muslims. This number changed in March 2019 to include more women and youth, now totaling 60 members.

NIREC was set up to address the frequent religious conflicts in Nigeria. It is a permanent body that helps promote understanding and peace among different religious groups.

Inaugurated by President Olusegun Obasanjo on September 29, 1999, NIREC was supported by him as a project for leaders of both major faiths. The founding Coordinator was Rev. Professor Yusuf A. Obaje.

Since then, NIREC has continued to receive support from the government. Currently, it is co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto and the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The council rotates its meetings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones every quarter. This is to encourage dialogue between religious leaders and traditional rulers, promoting peace and good governance.

In his inauguration speech, President Obasanjo highlighted Nigeria's diversity as a strength that should foster harmony, not conflict. He stated that various faiths should work together for peace and moral responsibility among citizens.

Despite these bodies, the President can still call a meeting with all presidential candidates before or after the upcoming elections. This could help ease tensions. Peace is worth any effort.

In 1979, President Shehu Shagari faced similar issues after a controversial election. He sought peace and reached out to other parties, resulting in a more inclusive government. This is a lesson for today.

I believe we need each other to build a peaceful Nigeria. Let’s work together for the peace we all deserve.