The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Ameh Akoh has said bad governance and poor resource control are largely responsible for the insecurity ravaging the nooks and crannies of the country.
He, however, pleaded with aggrieved restless youths and groups in the country to drop arms and embrace peace to restore the nation to the path of meaningful development.
Ambassador Akoh specifically asked youths to cooperate with authorities in the country to end banditry, kidnapping, cultism and other social vices impeding the general development of the country.
The Peace Corps boss spoke in Abuja on the occasion of this year’s United Nations International Day of Peace with the theme
“Actions for Peace; Our Ambition for the Global Goals”.
Akoh challenged Nigerians to leverage this year’s International Day of Peace to deeply reflect on the challenges of the nation and collectively work towards a more peaceful and harmonious society for the future generation.
He said the significance of the day should remind everyone of the need to work towards safeguarding human rights, with a view to building peaceful and inclusive societies without recourse to ethnic or religious sentiments.
He said “We are being confronted with a profound singular enemy, which is insecurity. The causes of insecurity in Nigeria today are mainly caused by bad governance, poor resource control, ethno-religious fanatism, unemployment, human rights violations, and inordinate ambition by egocentric politicians.
“Regardless of our political, ethnic, religious and social affiliations, it is imperative for us to come together and build stronger connections, both locally and internationally, with a view to foster enduring peace, security and stability
“Let us not just make peace our passion but our priority. Also, let our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those on the frontline in the fight against all forms of insecurity while praying for the repose of the souls of our gallant troops, whose lives have been tragically cut short in the frontline of the battle to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria”.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth, Ismaila Abubakar said no meaningful development is achievable in the absence of peace and tranquillity.
According to him, vandalism, banditry, restiveness and kidnapping are a clear testimony of under-development and are synonymous with lack of peace.
The Permanent Secretary challenged Nigerians to use churches and mosques to propagate peace messages, maintain peace and be peace ambassadors so as to achieve a Nigeria nation devoid of violence.