Nigerian Peace Corps: Group Calls For Support; Condemns Zaria Killings
The Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative (BBLLI) is pro-democracy non-governmental organization that is committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development through good leadership with capacity to engage government policy systems in African states in the interest of citizens.
We are calling on Nigerians to support the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps as deliberate steps must be taken by government to consolidate on the fragile peace which is currently prevailing in Nigeria. It is therefore in the best interest of Nigeria that a Peace Corps is eventually emerging at this material point in our history as a country.
There's no better time for this development to occur than now, considering the employment opportunities it will create for Nigerians. We therefore congratulate Nigeria on this milestone development under President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
We consider it expedient to commend Hon. Abdullahi Umar Faruk (Member, representing Kalgo/Bunza/Birnin-Kebbi Federal Constituency) for leading the debate and considering it essential to sponsor the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, 2015 and it goes with also acknowledging the role of Amb. (Dr.) Dickson A.O. Akoh, FCITr, FCPA, the current National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria for remaining at the forefront of peaceful integration among Nigerians irrespective of tribal, religious and economic dichotomies.
The global role of peace in sustainable development is without rival, we therefore rise as a body to throw our weight behind and mobilize support for the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps. We laud the House of Representatives for treating the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, 2015 with the required seriousness and call on Nigerians to welcome and see the development as a step towards the right direction.
However, we wish to strongly condemn the recent killings of Shiite Muslim faithfuls in Zaria by the Nigerian Army. While we sympathize with the family of the victims, it is paramount for President Muhammadu Buhari to conduct a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution of anyone found wanting.
We hereby commit to contribute our quota within our sphere of influence to compliment the activities of the Security Agencies at every point in time as no price is too steep to be paid that peace may continue to prevail in Nigeria and amongst Nigerians.
Comrade Omaga Elachi Daniel, is the Executive Director of Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative, Abuja.