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By Andrew Haruna
Lokoja, Kogi State – In a heartfelt and thought-provoking interview with The Bureau Newspaper, Retired Admiral Usman Jibrin, former Chief of the Naval Employees and one in every of Igala Land’s most revered elder statesmen, has known as for the rapid institution of a Fact and Reconciliation Committee to handle lingering political grievances and divisions inside the Igala Kingdom.
Admiral Jibrin, who as soon as led Nigeria’s naval forces with distinction and is extensively recognized for his uprightness and dedication to nationwide unity, stated the time has come for Igala stakeholders to put aside variations and start the tough however mandatory journeys towards therapeutic and reconciliation.
“A Fact and Reconciliation Committee needs to be set as much as look into the basis causes of the disunity in Igala Land,” Admiral Jibrin declared. “The political killings, betrayals, and bitterness which have festered because the passing of our nice political icon, Prince Abubakar Audu, have to be brazenly addressed if we’re to maneuver ahead as a united folks.”
Political Divisions and Historic Wounds
The retired naval chief emphasised that the political panorama in Igala Land has grown more and more fragmented lately, with deep-seated distrust amongst leaders, stakeholders, and group teams. Based on him, a lot of this division could be traced again to the premature dying of Prince Audu in 2015, a tragedy that left a vacuum in management and paved the best way for elevated political battle.
He stated that a number of political assassinations, intimidation, and sidelining of key actors had occurred, leading to bitterness, alienation, and a breakdown of belief amongst varied curiosity teams within the kingdom.
“We can’t maintain sweeping these points below the carpet,” he stated. “We have to confront the reality, nevertheless painful, and permit folks to talk their minds in an atmosphere of respect and understanding. Solely then can we start to rebuild the bridges which were damaged.”
The Position of Fact and Reconciliation
Admiral Jibrin defined that fact and reconciliation processes, when correctly executed, are globally acknowledged strategies of addressing previous injustices and creating platforms for inclusive dialogue. He famous that such processes have been profitable in different areas and nations in fostering unity after intervals of turmoil and division.
“A fact and reconciliation course of includes acknowledging the wrongs of the previous, giving voice to the victims, and discovering a typical path ahead,” he stated. “It’s about therapeutic. It’s about restoring dignity. And most significantly, it’s about securing the way forward for the subsequent era of Igalas.”
Based on him, the committee, if arrange, ought to comprise revered conventional leaders, retired civil servants, non secular leaders, youth representatives, ladies leaders, and civil society actors who will hearken to grievances from all sides and assist craft a blueprint for unity, justice, and sustainable peace.
Warning Towards Additional Fragmentation
The retired Admiral issued a robust warning that with out peace and unity, the Igala Kingdom would proceed to endure setbacks in accessing the complete dividends of democracy, together with infrastructure improvement, political illustration, youth empowerment, and academic progress.
“No authorities can totally assist a people who find themselves at conflict with themselves,” he said. “Unity is the muse of energy. Once we converse with one voice, our affect grows. However once we stay divided, we turn out to be straightforward to disregard.”
He additionally cautioned politicians and curiosity teams in opposition to fueling additional divisions by means of propaganda and private ambition, urging all Igala little kids to place the dominion above self.
Name to Motion
Admiral Jibrin concluded by calling on the Attah Igala, political leaders, conventional rulers, non secular establishments, and civil society to assist the creation of the Fact and Reconciliation Committee as a matter of pressing necessity.
“This isn’t about politics; it’s about survival,” he stated. “We owe it to our ancestors, and we owe it to our youngsters. Allow us to not cross on hatred and disunity to the subsequent era. Allow us to come collectively now and rebuild the Igala Kingdom.”
Admiral Usman Jibrin known as on the Igala Cultural Improvement Affiliation [ICDA] by means of the Attah Igala to arrange the Fact and Reconciliation Committee so as restore our dwindling unity.
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