ON THE PEACE PACT IN SOUTHERN KADUNA

A day or two days ago, we witnessed what is supposedly a great step towards achieving peaceful coexistence between the Atyap, Hausa & Fulani tribes or southern Kaduna. However, there were rumours that the troublesome SOKAPU left the meeting

before it was concluded. The Southern Kaduna Progressive Union (SOKAPU) a union that at present is nothing Progressive, has always been a key player in almost every ethnoreligious crisis in the region for many years now. This last move calls for a serious concern.

When I heard the rumour that SOKAPU representatives left the meeting few minutes after they arrived, I decided to make contact with people I know have attended the meeting. My first contact told me he could not attend due to some personal engagements, however he gave me a contact

whom was actually my second contact. Luckily he has attended and he narrated to me how the meeting started, with introductions of members in attendance, either as individuals or those that come as s group. However, SOKAPU was absent at the beginning of the meeting.

Upon arrival, they were given the floor to introduce themselves, where the spokesman allegedly introduced them as representatives of SOKAPU, representing the Christians. This was countered by a Fulani man, who happens to be also a member of SOKAPU, and therefore he explained to

them that SOKAPU was not registered as a Christian association representing only Christians from Southern Kaduna, but one representing the entire people of southern Kaduna. He then referred them to the documents that carry the vision, mission & byelaws or the association for

more details. This didn't augur well with the SOKAPU representatives, thus they walked out of the very very important meeting. It is important to bring to the notice of the world that the walking out of SOKAPU from such a meeting portrays a danger, & obviously they chose not to

be part of the history peace agreement in the region. Other minority tribes, including those of Non Muslims have signed the agreement, which is a welcome development. However, SOKAPU refusing to stay and sign the agreement simply means they are not ready for peace.

We call on the executive governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir Ahmed @elrufai not to relent on his efforts in seeking an everlasting peace in southern Kaduna. Similarly, the world should know that SOKAPU assuming itself to be the Christian representatives of southern Kaduna

and refusing to sign a peace agreement is as good as saying, "we are not ready for peace & we want the bloodshed to continue."

We call on the @NigeriaGov @PoliceNG @HQNigerianArmy to hole Jonathan Asake, the President of SOKAPU responsible in the event of another breakdown of

peace and order in the region.

We must not allow a few blood thirsty individuals refuse to give peace a chance. Every life must count, and every life must be protected.

#iamforpeaceinkaduna