Nigeria’s woes multiplied under Tinubu – Interfaith dialogue

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has highlighted the significant increase in several socioeconomic and political challenges in Nigeria, thus pushing more Nigerians into frustration and poverty.

In a statement jointly signed by the co-chairmen of IDFP, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman (Christian) and Dr Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu (Muslim), the IDFP leaders expressed deep concern over the emerging peace and security challenges in Nigeria, resulting in deep poverty, alarming rise in cybercrime, cultism and youth restiveness. They called for proactive leadership, inclusive dialogue, and urgent action on insecurity, ending the growing culture of politicisation and social decay.

They commended the government for the recent arrest of the leaders of Islamic State in West-African Province (ISWAP) by the security apparatus.

“However, insecurity is no longer about armed groups or weapons; it is about the weaponisation of Nigeria’s most vulnerable population which has become a silent enabler of violence, fuelling crime, communal clashes, and extremist recruitment.

“Peace cannot thrive when citizens, particularly the most vulnerable are robbed of dignity, livelihoods, and hope. Behind insecurity lies a deeper socio-economic crisis, rising unemployment, inflation, and unequal opportunities that continue to push millions into despair.

“Unless addressed holistically, these hardships will remain fertile ground for radicalisation, violent extremism, and violent conflicts. The IDFP emphasises that peace cannot be sustained without economic justice, social inclusion, and good governance,” the statement emphasised. The religious leaders thus suggested that Nigeria’s diversity, notably, religious, cultural, and ethnic, should be a source of strength, not division.

The statement further noted that: “Faith leaders and traditional rulers remain uniquely positioned to heal divides, provide moral guidance, and foster resilience within communities.

“Religion must not be politicised or manipulated for narrow gains. Instead, it should serve as a unifying force, reminding all Nigerians of our shared destiny and responsibility for peace.”