Justice Critical to Lasting Peace in Nigeria – Alia – National Accord Newspaper

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has said justice is critical to the restoration of lasting peace and stability in Nigeria.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Samuel Ode, made this known on Monday during the Mercy Corps Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) national lockdown and dispersal event in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-year CIPP program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in six states has come to an end.

The states were Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Kogi and Plateau.

The intervention was implemented in 24 LGAs in these states.

Alia said there is a close relationship between a peaceful society and justice in countries around the world.

“The Benue government is aware of the fact that CIPP intervention is a conduit and we cannot continue to rely on this intervention alone to maintain peace within our communities.

“I would like to pay special tribute through USAID to the Government of the United States of America for its peace building efforts and in general for helping this great country Nigeria in deepening democracy and other aspects of our national life.

“I think there is a close connection between peace in our society and justice. Conversations about peace around the world have shown that there is a link between a peaceful society and the delivery of justice,” he said.

He commended the Chief Judge of Katsina State and his colleagues across the country for the extensive work they are doing to ensure speedy delivery of justice.

The USAID Mission Director, Mrs. Melissa Jones, commended Mercy Corps for being at the forefront of promoting peace in Nigerian communities.

She said USAID played a small role in achieving peace in some communities in Nigeria.

Jones said politicians, religious leaders and traditional leaders should strive to deepen peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria.

“It is in your hands that peace is possible. The U.S. government is pleased to be a small part of this incredible journey,” the director added.

She said peacebuilding was important for the progress and development of any country.

“Let me reflect on the reality of violence. Violence destroys lives, children, marriages and our communities, and violence has in many cases destroyed many countries, but peace heals, and is eternal, as all the great prophets speak of peace.

“The greatest politicians are known and remembered for peace.

“Martin’s Luther King said that the ark of morality is long and bends toward righteousness; Ultimately, we all strive for peace, so why is it so difficult to obtain it or to come together to cross borders to be close?”

She said the CIPP intervention had demonstrated “something extraordinary”.

“It shows that a small and final peace can yield remarkable results and individual training in conflict mediation skills has helped resolve 100 of the disputes before they escalate further,” Jones added.

Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, Mercy Corps Country Director, said while CIPP was in the process of finalization, it has brought hope to a region grappling with complex challenges.

“We all know the story; violence fueled by competition for dwindling resources, climate change and political tensions.

“These conflicts have devastated communities in the north-western states of Kano, Kaduna and Katsina and the north-central states of Plateau, Benue and Kogi.

“Villages burned, livelihoods destroyed, lives tragically lost – the human damage has been enormous,” he added.

Anyawu said the intervention was aimed at empowering communities to become architects of their own peace.

“Together with our partners, we have embarked on a transformative journey. We have empowered communities to become architects of their peace and resilience.

“CIPP was not about imposing solutions. It was about equipping community leaders, religious leaders, women, youth and government officials with the tools they needed to resolve disputes peacefully.

“We provide training in conflict management, negotiation, mediation and early warning systems and responses.

“We have promoted dialogue, reconciliation and economic interdependence,” he said.

NAN reports that the USAID-funded CIPP program has been working with communities to address the root causes of conflict and build sustainable peace structures.

Mercy Corps, a leading global organization, works in more than 40 countries around the world, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. (NAN)