By Fatima Idris, Zaria
A peace advocate in Kaduna State, Comrade Idris Umar Samaru, has urged Governor Uba Sani to ensure that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly known as Shi’ites, are included in his administration’s programmes and development initiatives.
Samaru made the appeal during the week, urging the governor to adopt an inclusive approach that promotes peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and development among the state’s diverse religious communities.
He said the governor should consider involving members of the Shi’a community in government engagement and development initiatives, stressing that responsible leadership requires reaching out to people with diverse religious beliefs and perspectives.
According to Samaru, the governor’s ability to unite people with differing views provides an opportunity to foster a peaceful and constructive relationship between the government and the Shi’a community.
He described members of the community as knowledgeable individuals who could contribute meaningfully to discussions on peace, development and social cohesion.
Samaru argued that if individuals who have committed offences could be given opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, there should also be room for constructive engagement with the Shi’a community to promote mutual understanding and collective progress.
He further noted that the governor has people with considerable experience and knowledge of contemporary issues within his political circle, including Sheikh Halliru Maraya and Senator Shehu Sani, whom he said could offer useful advice on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and citizens’ rights.
The peace advocate also expressed concern that members of the Shi’a community could feel excluded if government resources and development opportunities were distributed without adequate consideration of their needs.
He stressed that members of the community were citizens with families, children and vulnerable persons who deserved access to public services and government support.
Samaru therefore appealed to Uba Sani to extend government assistance to members of the Shi’a community, particularly in healthcare and education, as provided to other religious communities across the state.
He maintained that inadequate engagement and a perceived lack of attention to the community’s needs could contribute to misunderstandings between its members and the government.
According to him, closer engagement through dialogue and consultation would create opportunities for mutual understanding and constructive contributions to peace and development in Kaduna State.
Samaru also called on the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other stakeholders in religious and political affairs to approach the issue with wisdom and understanding and identify practical ways to promote inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
He emphasised that his appeal reflected his personal opinion and was motivated by his concern for Kaduna State’s development, as well as his respect for Governor Uba Sani and other influential leaders in the state.
He concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon Nigeria and the Kaduna State Government.
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