News - Kuffour, Atiku, Mark chart Africa’s development

[TGD]

 THE development of Nigeria and African continent is dependent on the abilities of the governments to ensure a secured and economically viable continent, a collection of eminent African leaders averred Tuesday in Abuja.

For Nigeria in particular, it was the collective views that the current security challenges could only be overcome and a path for development could be charted if path of religion must be separated from politics.

Speaking at the Sun Newspapers 10th anniversary lecture in Abuja, Former President of Ghana, John Kuffour, Senate President, David Mark and former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar who made the recommendations were united in accusing those they described as failed politicians of fueling violence and mistrust among adherents of different religions by promoting unhealthy religious sentiments.

The former Ghanaian leader was the guest speaker and he spoke on the theme: "Religion, Strife and the Future of Democracy in Africa."

In his lecture, Kuffour who was a guest lecturer noted that democratic rights and that of religion were inseparable but however cautioned that politicians should not take advantage of it to cause strife among the people.

The Senate President who chaired the occasion stressed that religious fundamentalism posed great threat to democracy both in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

He advocated continuous inter-faith dialogue to address some issues that were causing religious misunderstanding in the country.

According to him, such dialogue would help erase misgivings about different religions.

He counselled " all religions must relate with one another with respect. All must include sovereignty and respect for human rights in their messages."

He lamented that conflicts arising from religious differences were holding sway in some parts of Africa, thus distracting the leaders from focusing on developmental challenges facing the continent.

He said, "as of now, however, there is no gainsaying the reality that conflicts based on religion are still with us.

"In Africa, the pursuit of freedom and self determination has caused so much civil strife, decimated entire population and caused a lot of misery to our peoples."

He continued, "throw in the intolerance that has characterised religious differences and you have the recipe for the cause of confusion that has retarded the development of an otherwise resource rich continent."

The former Ghanaian president cited the example of Sudan where "religion sometimes appeared to be on a collision course with the state, or the state, using religion, appeared to be on a collision course with its people."

Kuffour stressed that religion should strengthen democracy not endangering it. "Religion should rather reinforce democracy," he said.

He identified dogmatism and extremism as the cause of religious strife, recommending that efforts should be made to stop promoters of these styles of religion.

To tame the activities of extremists and religious bigots, Kuffor charged the media to downplay issues that were capable of inflaming passion among people. He advised them to emphasis moves and actions that would promote peace, harmony and development.

He said: "In considering the huge influence the media wields in human affairs around the world of today, we should not lose sight of the fact that some media outlets wield their influence not too positively for the social good.

"It bears stating that it should be part of your professional ethics to exercise a high sense of social responsibility in the practice of your profession, so as not to become agents of destabilisation in society.

"The media, as a mirror of society, has a bounding role to play in ensuring that the positive, and not the negative aspects of humanity, are portrayed. The impact and power of the media in shaping the minds of the people make it imperative that they continuously emphasise what will bring peace, harmony and development instead of what will bring fear, anger and civil strife."

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Sun Publishing Ltd, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu praised the pioneer management of the company for putting the Sun titles on a sound footing.

He pledged that the newspaper would continue to strive to meet the aspirations and expectations of Nigeria. He said that the motto of the newspaper, which is to serve as the "Voice of the Nation" would remain the focus of the management.



The Guardian