The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commented that Nigeria is gradually healing from tensions built up during the last general election.
Kayode Egbetokun urged Nigerians to be advocates for justice, facilitators of forgiveness and champions of reconciliation in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.
Egbetokun said this at the opening of the Forgiveness, Justice, and Reconciliation Course 2, convened by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Development Consult, on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Community Policing, Mohammed Ari, the IGP said there was a need for Nigerians to take drastic steps to reconcile differences and focus on building great future.
“We must be advocates for justice, facilitators of forgiveness, and champions of reconciliation.
“The country is gradually healing from some tensions that escalated during the last election cycle.
“There is a need for us as a people to take drastic steps to reconcile our differences and focus on the future by bringing together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from various fields.
“We can share insights, learn from each other, and develop comprehensive strategies to address the complexities of conflict resolution,” Ari said.
Ari added that the overall essence of government remained to guarantee the welfare of the citizens. He said with the challenges facing the world and country, every citizen should uphold the principles of forgiveness and justice.
Ari said, “The overall essence of any government is to guarantee the welfare of its people, justice, and security and of course shelter to the people.
“As we are gathered here today, we are reminded of the profound challenges that our country and the world at large are faced with that often manifest in the form of conflicts, grievances, and injustices.
“These challenges test our resolve, our humanity, and our commitment to building a better future. It is in such times that the principles of forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation become not only imperative but germane.”
