Peace-building: ‘Religious leaders have been covered for too long’ – Most Revd Idowu-Fearon

…Tasks media practitioners to refrain from embellishing reports

By: Mayen Etim

KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – Chairman, Kaduna State Peace Commission, (KSPC), Most Revd Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has said religious leaders in the country have been covered for too long, hence some of them seized this as an opportunity to tell their congregants whatever it is.

He asserted this during an interactive discussions, opinions sharing with media practitioners on peace-building in Kaduna state on Monday, November 27.

He said it’s about time we begin to call our religious leaders to account and ask questions, “This thing you are talking about is this what the Qu’ran says? Or is this what the Bible tells us about this thing?

“We need to because some of us used the pulpits for campaigns. We are all under the law and if you are doing this for the sake of the state for promotion of peace, build cordial relationships so that we can develop, you will definitely get our support,” he said.

The chairman who spoke on the use of inflammatory speeches in sermons by religious leaders in the state, noted that culturally, Nigerians respect their elders and sees religious leaders as honest men, but the Journalism profession does not give practitioners the liberty not to challenge anybody.

“It’s even moreso in Islam, you know me I speak my mind … ‘mallam ya ce’. But for the salvation of Kaduna state and Nigeria we honestly can’t believe on that. Most of us are educated, you can read the Qu’ran or Bible, study the commentaries and the various sermons and know exactly what’s happening,” he said.

He urged the media to equally highlight some of the Muslim and Christian religious leaders whom they know are being honest, not just the fake ones, because there are lots of fake ones. “There are some who have not become political religious leaders. Just as there are too many politics who wear the garb of religion, it is the responsibility of the media to help expose them.”

He however expressed sadness that “our people do not read. This is where television is important, they listen, the radio is also important particularly in Arewa. What we see, drama, and voice are important. So, please help us for the salvation of Kaduna state, Arewa and Nigeria,” he appealed.

Most Revd Dr. Idowu-Fearon who noted that the role of the media in peace-building can never be overemphasized, said journalists can contribute their quota positively in reducing tension, curb conflicts by first recognizing that during conflicts all parties would like to use the media to further their agenda which most of the time such agenda is inimical to the welfare of the society.

According to him, just as when there is peace in Kaduna state, the glory goes to the media, but when there is no peace in the state, the blame will also go to the media.

He averred that making peace is everyone’s business, hence he was happy to know that there is a group, Network of Peace Journalists, (NPJ) on ground in the state working on peace-building and urged them to synergize with the Commission for the salvation of Kaduna state.

“Yes, it’s a fact that Nigerians are dying, banditry, kidnappings, various political protests, no doubt despite these, we have peace going on. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim or do not believe in God through the two religions you are a human being. We know people have been killed but to now focus on one because you want support, and sympathy from the western world…

“So, when those of us who have the opportunity and privilege to work outside Nigeria we are confronted by this type of thing. What do you say? So, my sisters and brothers when you write inflammatory, unproven, and unverifiable reports you have just added fuel to the fire thereby creating internal crisis in the society.

“Please if you are covering a story don’t embellish it, tell the truth. Even where you tell the truth there are people who would want to manipulate that truth, how much more when you tell lies simply because you want sympathy,  financial reward. I think we must all agree that whether it’s from a Christian or Muslim journalist if you are doing something that is not meant to unite the society, we would definitely be against you.

“The KSPC as you all know has a mandate which includes, to help reduce tension, promote the culture of understanding. As for  difference, there would always be because that is the mind of God. Christianity talks about it so also Islam. God has created us even though from the same member, yet He has made us into nations and tribes. It’s deliberate. Why? That we may learn to understand each other. This is the world.

“We’ve had too many problems in Kaduna. We’ve had too many problems in Arewa. We need to begin to get focus now. Let’s bring our religious commitments or discipline to the center. Neither Qu’ran or Hadith nor the Bible scriptures discourage working together. This is what is called ‘Social Capital’ in peace-building. Put it, and let’s use it together for the benefits of our society,” he urged.

The chairman further commended journalists in the state on investigative journalism, saying it is “better but not good yet” and that they needed to do more. He urged them to refrain from embellishing their reports whenever they cover events, rather they should tell the truth to help reduced tension instead of escalating them.