Date: 2012-04-16

Christian and Muslim leaders in Kwara have resolved to continue to live together in peace and clarify any misunderstanding between them through dialogue. The assurance was given by Chairman of the Kwara State Inter-Religious Committee, Alhaji Mohammed Shaaba Koro at a meeting with Kwara state government officials in Ilorin on Sunday evening.

The meeting which was chaired by the Secretary to State Government, SSG, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, was convened by the state government following a petition to the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, by Christian Association of Nigeria (Kwara State Chapter) over alleged destruction of the property of Living Faith Church, Sango, Ilorin, by yet unidentified youths.

Also at the meeting were Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Toyin Sanusi, former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Alhaji M. Ambali, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Bode Olayemi, DG, Bureau of Lands, Mr.Tope Daramola, former Head of Service, Chief Ezekiel Oyeyipo, Mr. Peter Olorunisola (SAN), the State Commissioner of Police, Chiwike Asadu and a Director of the State Security Service.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Koro said Christian and Muslims in the state will continue to live together in peace and harmony as both Islam and Christianity advocate peaceful coexistence. Koro advised all parties to the dispute over the construction of a Church on the piece of land in question to maintain the peace as all petitions on the issue have been referred to the committee by the state government for an amicable resolution.

Also speaking at the meeting, Chief Oyeyipo said adherents of both religions were peace loving and expressed the confidence that the committee will work out a mutually acceptable solution.

Responding, Alhaji Gold stressed the state government's determination to promote and defend the religious harmony in the state as development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace. He expressed confidence in the capability of the committee, which he said comprises respected religious figures and people of integrity from both religions, to come up with an enduring solution to the dispute. The dispute, Gold said, was caused by a misunderstanding.

The SSG called on all parties to the dispute to embrace peace and allow the judicial process to take its course as the case is currently in court. He therefore warned that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any group or persons who disturb the peace or otherwise take the law into their hands under any guise, stressing that government will do all it in its power to promote religious tolerance and harmony for which the state is traditionally renowned.

By Femi Akorede