NIREC calls for vigorous pursuit of anti-corruption campaign

By Taiwo Olanrewaju - 24.02.2008

THE Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen and vigorously pursue its anti-corruption campaign in various sectors.

Making the call at its first quarter 2008 meeting held at the Protea Hotel, Enugu, from 17th to 20th February, 2008 the body urged the government to create an enabling environment to check the high rate of youth restiveness and protect lives and property.

The meeting, which was co-chaired by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and His Grace, Archbishop Dr. John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archibishop of Abuja and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), advised governments at all levels to invest more in education and the proper upbringing of children and promotion of moral rejuvenation through religious education.

NIREC, which has preached religious tolerance, promoted understanding and co-existence among adherents of different faiths and made dialogue the bedrock of religious harmony in the country, has resolved to sustain and step-up efforts of the leadership of the council aimed at reducing inter-religious tensions, fostering and promoting inter-religious cooperation for the common good of the people of Nigeria.

In a communique made available to Sunday Tribune, the council commended states which have established chapter of NIREC while admonishing states which have not, to do so and also called for the establishment of NIREC clubs which will promote interaction and co-operation between Christians and Muslims at the secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Nigeria, to promote and entrench understanding and mutual respect.

The body noted the plight of Nigerian Pensioners and the efforts being made through the National Assembly to discourage indecent dressing in the country, even as it urged the Federal and State Governments to expedite action on the Pensioners’ plight.

NIREC has, however, commended the Federal Government for establishing the Electoral Reform Panel, which would identify the flaws in the electoral process, while promising to send a memorandum to the committee.

The body also appreciated the President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his team for their support and encouragement to the council.

Among eminent Nigerians who graced the occasions were Governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, Major General A.T. Ibrahim, General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and a host of others.