The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called on Southern Kaduna leaders, legal practitioners and citizens to work together to overcome divisions and build a peaceful, united and prosperous region for the benefits of the next generation.
Speaking on the theme, “Division to Cohesion: Role of Lawyers, Leaders and Citizens in Southern Kaduna,” at a roundtable organized by the Southern Kaduna Lawyers, the Minister sees the initiative as timely and hailed the organisers for creating a platform for dialogue and reconciliation among the various ethnic groups in the area.
While Southern Kaduna had experienced challenges that strained relationships among its people, Musa believed that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust among the people.
According to him, “Lawyers have a critical responsibility beyond litigation. l urge members of the Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum to use their expertise to promote justice, encourage dialogue and strengthen institutions as foundations for lasting peace.”
The minister also challenged political, traditional, religious and community leaders to place the welfare of the people above personal interests, believing that true leadership is about building consensus, fostering tolerance and finding solutions rather than deepening divisions in a diverse area like Southern Kaduna.
Musa urged young people to reject violence, criminality, hate speech and divisive narratives and calling on religious leaders to continue preaching peace and mutual respect in all facet of life for the peaceful and development of the area.
He added that communities should embrace lawful conduct and resolve disputes through peaceful means in order to achieve the divine will of God for bringing the various groups together in Southern Kaduna.
The Defence Minister explained that security is not solely the responsibility of the military but all Nigerians, calling on all to ensure lasting peace through strong communities, effective institutions, social justice and active citizen participation.
He said, “The armed forces and other security agencies can create the conditions for peace, but lasting peace must ultimately be built and sustained by the people themselves.”
He urged participants to focus on shared aspirations rather than differences that have no place in human existence.
Musa expressed confidence that the recommendations from the roundtable would strengthen unity, promote peaceful coexistence and support sustainable development in Southern Kaduna.
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