The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has described dialogue as the best tool to end conflicts in communities across the nation.

He stated this at the celebration of Plateau Day and Forgiveness Day on Tuesday at Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos, the state capital.

The sultan, in his charge of peace and reconciliation, stressed that dialogue was a necessity for peaceful coexistence.

“Dialogue is the best option in whatever crisis we find ourselves in,” he said. “To understand one another is better than to tolerate one another.”

He commended Governor Simon Lalong for initiating the day and described him as a peace builder who has initiated inclusive programmes to ensure a sense of belonging in the state.

He also urged the political leaders to engage traditional institutions as partners in peace-building processes in the state.

The religious leader urged politicians to carry out their campaign activities in a respectable manner, devoid of insulting their opponents.

Similarly, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, thanked Mr Lalong for his peace initiatives, saying that the state is similar to Plateau as a miniature Nigeria “which requires peaceful coexistence as it hosts people of different ethnic religious groups.”

In his remarks, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, the Gbong Gwom Jos, appealed to political, traditional and religious leaders to desist from causing tension in society with hate speeches.

He appealed to the state government to enforce the laws it enacted, particularly the 2020 anti-land grabbing law, to address such issues. 

(NAN)