The need for tolerance and forgiveness have been described as panacea for unwarranted killings of innocent lives and destruction of properties across the country which has turned the country into a theater of war.
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, made this known today in Abuja while hosting members of Honourable Aliyu Akuh Support Group (HAASG).
Ibro, as he is fondly called, condemned the recent violent abduction of Serikin Hausawa in Bagana, Omala Local Government of Kogi state. He called for his unconditional release to pave way for peace and harmonious living.
The former governor noted that the nation is passing through a harsh phase in its history as result of the inability of the people to eschew bitterness, embrace peace and work hard to forgive each other.
He added that experience has shown that most of the differences resulting into unimaginable violence was as a result of lack of tolerance and forgiveness, advising Nigerians to adhere strictly to the tenet of their religion which preaches peaceful coexistence.
He unequally stressed the need to be the brother’s keepers and to ensure that the culture of community help is embedded in the lives of every Nigerians so as to remove acrimony and distrust adding that, the great nations of the world became great on this premise.
“While I was growing up, my father used to teach us the benefits of helping people. If you help one person and the person help others there would be a healthy multiplier effect.
“When I was contesting for the position of governor in 2003, I would not forget the kind of support my people of Omala LGA gave to me which made me to win the election, but if your people reject you then it will be disastrous for you.
While lamenting the violent abduction of the Serikin Hausawan Bagana, Alhaji Awudi Musa, he advised both the chiefs and the people of the area to work hard to restore peace and order to the area describing the abduction as a setback for the community.
The former governor urged the Commissioner of Police in Kogi state, the Inspector General of Police and all other security agents to ensure that the victim is rescued alive and all those who aided the kidnap brought to book.
Idris however advised his supporters on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to accept the economic and political reality of this time as the act of God even as those things that led to the defeat of the party be blocked to ensure its recovery for the next election.
“From my experience, what led to the defeat of our party is this syndrome of “we don’t agree again. We shall not agree again and that was what gave us out.
“What is happening in the country today is a lesson for all of us. We should learn to tolerate and forgive. When in position of responsibility, do your best to uplift your people and the community. That will guarantee your success in politics. I urged you all to go back to the drawing board for the 2019 elections”, he admonished.
