As sectarian crises ravages the country, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the country’s second military Head of State and Chairman, “Nigeria Prays”, Wednesday in Jos, charged Christians and Muslims to promise never to kill one another again.

“Let us promise one another, no matter what it is, never again kill one another”, he stressed. “I don’t understand what Christians and Muslims were doing to themselves,” describing it as “terrible”.

The Chairman, ‘Nigeria Prays’ programme spoke at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, investigating the Jos sectarian violence of November 28-29, last year. The former Head of State had earlier had about one hour, twenty minutes dialogue session with the Justice Bola Ajibola – led commission of inquiry behind closed doors.

Noting that the sectarian violence was a regular feature in northern states of the federation, Gowon warned on the spiritual consequences of killing. “Do not take life you did not give, from anybody”, referring his audience to the fate of Cain in the Bible, for murdering Abel, his brother.

Nigerians especially Northerners, he insisted must have tolerance for each others religion, while commending the Sultan of Sokoto, the Supreme Spiritual Leader of Islamic faith, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III for his efforts.

According to Gowon, the Sultan was doing everything possible to bring about the need for religious tolerance. General Gowon who thrilled his audience with light jokes, explained how he carried his ‘Nigeria Prays’ programme to the Sultan’s palace, a development, he maintained, would have been impossible during his father’s (Sultan) reign.

Religious leaders, he insisted should be held responsible for future sectarian violence, while however, praying that the November 28, last year, mayhem in Jos, Plateau State would be the last on the Plateau particularly and Nigeria in general. General Gowon, who told his audience that he was in Jos when the violence erupted, advised witnesses to furnish the commission with useful information to enable it proffer solutions to the incessant riots.

Commending Christians and Muslims in the South West (Yorubas) for their high religious tolerance, Gowon said most families have Christians and Muslims. Besides, he explained that they intermarry. The commission had invited General Gowon; Chief Solomon Lar, the first civilian governor of the State and chief Joshua Dariye, the immediate past governor, for dialogue.

The last two were yet to respond to the invitation, just as Justice Ajibola was full of happiness that Gowon responded, describing him as a “gentle man, a generous general, a man of integrity and a devoted Christian”, praying for Nigeria’s peace and unity.

The Managing Director of Afrijet, Captain Willy Noel (left) and the Station Manager, Port Harcourt Airport, Mr. Francis O. Fangba during its airline demonstration flight of Port Harcourt Airport, recently. Photo: Ike Wigodo