The world is experiencing profound and complex challenges, including the rise of radicalization and violent extremism, against a backdrop of identity-based conflicts, political conflicts, cultural and religious tensions.
Countering these challenges and the threat they pose to populations around the world call for the use of a wide range of approaches to promote tolerance and reconciliation, respect for cultural diversity and freedom of belief, thought and expression. Among these approaches, dialogue – including among religious and political leaders – is a critical tool for fostering peaceful, inclusive societies that reinforce shared human values and a sense of common humanity.
Global efforts to promote tolerance, reconciliation and the values of diversity benefit immensely from collective and inclusive approaches built on trust, dialogue and collaboration and complemented by relevant national and regional efforts.
Addressing the drivers of violent extremism calls for a renewed focus on good governance, rule of law, sustainable development, respect for human rights, accountable institutions, the equitable delivery of services, the role of youth, women and marginalized and disenfranchised communities, education and inclusivity in the political process as well as economic and social marginalization.
Leaders across the world are seen as role-models to citizens in the country they lead, their character traits are oftentimes emulated by the public either good nor bad, that is why emphases are placed on leaders with good character traits that promotes unity rather than violence in a nation.
But most Nigerian politicians cannot be vouched for to possess characters worthy of emulation, their characters can only be emulated by their sycophants who will kill and die for their god-fathers for stipends thrown off the table at them. That leadership is the major setback most African nation is facing is a known fact. Not because there are no capable minds who can steer the wheel of the country to greatness, but these minds never make it to limelight as they become the subjects of political assassination
Nigeria’s political landscape has always been a tensed one, a sort of survival of the fittest, especially during election periods. Politicians, who want to get hold of power by all means, go to the extent of annihilating their opponents and whoever they deem as threats to their ambitions.
Some, through their actions and words, have instigated violence between their followers and followers of their opponents. Last year, during a rally, former first lady, Patient Jonathan, said openly that people in the opposition party should be stoned to death, a very unfortunate utterance from an influential figure. The violence that occurred during the last election can directly or indirectly be linked to inciting statements made by people like her. Also recently, governor of Rivers state, Nyensom Wike said at a rally, telling the people to attack the former governor of the state.
These violent gestures and inciting statements by Nigerian politicians further buttress the known fact that leadership is the bane of our development.
