The Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most. Rev. Ignatius Kaigama have called on Nigerians to embrace social cohesion amidst ethnic divisive lines, frustrating peaceful coexistence.
The revered traditional and religious leaders harped on the need to sustain social cohesion and avoid the promotion of ethnic chauvinism, which divides Nigerians along tribal lines.
Both of them spoke at the launch of the “Nigeria Social Cohesion Report” survey by the African Polling Institute (API), launched in Abuja on Thursday.
In his remarks, the Archbishop represented by Rev. Fr Emmanuel Unamba, said communitarian living must be encouraged, noting that society has a longer life span than individuals.
Further in his speech titled, “We all bleed red,” the Archbishop noted that every human being bleeds red blood, which signposts ‘common humanity’
He stressed the need for everyone to come together and embrace social cohesion and “facing the common enemy together”
“Failure to come together and fight the common enemy prolongs the agony,” the Archbishop added.
The Emir of Kano, represented by Muktar Bello said both traditional and religious leaders must encourage dialogue along ethnic and religious lines.
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“Our cultures, traditions and religion must enrich us rather than divide us,” he added.
He further said that the dialogue and unveiling offer opportunities to review the bonds and public trust that foster cohesion.
Earlier in his address, the executive director of API, Ben Ihua, said the dialogue offers opportunities for social cohesion.
He stressed that the API, as an opinion research ‘Think tank’, would keep championing good governance with data and opinion research studies for prosperity in Africa.
He said that Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience in social cohesion, with many identifying as Nigerians despite the numerous challenges.
