Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has called for religious tolerance among Nigerians for the nation to achieve its place among the comity of nations.

While declaring open the Community of Youth Development (CYD) Second Unity Conference for the South-South, south East Muslim Ummah in Calabar, Sambo who was represented by Dr. Sheik Hanmed Abdala, Minister of Agriculture, reasoned that rights and unity should be upheld to enable Nigerians live anywhere and work together.
According to him, devoid of conflicts, riots and misunderstanding, religion could be used as a veritable tool for nation building.

Sambo said access should be created and made available to all as it has something to do with peace because where there is conflict there is no access, explaining that the Ummah was an avenue of unity which Muslims should not toy with and as such they should see the conference as an avenue to preach peace among Nigerians for the nation to attain greater heights.

The Vice President appreciated the efforts of the Cross River State Government in ensuring peace and unity among the people while also providing social amenities for the upliftment of the people and called on other states to emulate its effort in promoting good neighborliness, advising that they should also imbibe the exemplary co-existence which is found in the State.

He hinged on the need to do away with the disconnect between the elite and the youths and said the yearnings of the latter should be looked into to ensure continuity and development.

Governor Liyel Imoke in his remarks, commended the organizers of the conference for choosing Calabar, a city known for its hospitality, and accommodation where many practice their religion freely, as a host, adding that the State is known for its harmonious environment which makes it the most peaceful in South-South.

Imoke reasoned that hosting the event was quite timely because the country is at the beginning of a process that will lead the country into 2011 as some people would weep up sentiments to win election at all cost, adding that in Cross River, youths are the victims of their ambition as they aspire to cling to political office through cultism but Government will make sure no identified cultist takes part in political elective office.

According to Imoke, though people include religion in the curriculum vitae, no body includes his membership of a cult group.  He said religion creates harmony and the people remain united because of their religious background irrespective of a number of challenges while charging all to cooperate with another for the sake of their religion.

He noted that the nation has enough to bequeath to generations yet unborn and as such all should contribute to ensure electoral reforms is achieved as none can achieve any meaningful development through violence.
His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto in his remarks as Guest of Honour, said Musilms needed the conference as often to understand one another and assured the organizers of his support and commitment while hinging on a peaceful co-existence where Christians and Muslims work side by side for the unity and humanity of the country.

The Sultan said he was sure the Community and Youth Development (CYD) will work for everlasting peace in Nigeria and called for an understanding between Christians and Muslims to ensure peaceful co-existence and advised that nobody should manipulate jobless youths in the name of religion, stressing that the reason why things work out in Cross River should be a food for thought for others.

He said if both Muslims and Christians hold unto their teachings there will be no riot or conflicts among them while calling on participants at the conference to imbibe what they learnt.

His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar in a presentation titled “Mutual Co-existence” said in Calabar in particular and Cross River State in general, mutual co-existence is something they have collectively nurtured and sustained, adding that “As a people, we have spared no effort in ensuring the continued promotion of the principles of mutual co-existence.  This makes sense to us, as we are conscious of the fact that no development strides can truly be achieved under circumstances of rancor, violence, communal conflict, hostilities or war”.

The Obong said, Cross Riverians have fostered and enjoined extensive mutual and peaceful co-existence with other tribes and religions, adding that for instance in 2009, the State Government sponsored 50 Muslims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj while calling on them to rally to their common religious cause and ensure that they bond themselves into a united, peaceful and coherent community that can speak with one voice at all times.

“Here in Calabar, we take all our problems to God, even when we are cheated, deprived, insulted and denied of our rights and fair share in the national scheme of things,” he said, explaining that such situations include the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon and the allocation of the State’s 76 Oil wells to a neighbourng State which have recorded no incident of belligerence or violence.

According to him, these are eloquent testimonies of a people of peace, even under extreme provocation which the strongly recommended the disposition to all Nigerians.
Group Captain Usman Jibrin Chairman of the Planning Committee and a one time Military Governor of North Central State in a welcome address, said the conference was holding prior to the 2011 election which is important to the nation and that it called for a constructive dialogue in the service of God and mankind, adding that the nation needs people of truthfulness and the fear of God and those who are prepared to expend the wealth and energy in the service of God.

He urged all to fear God in all their dealings either in public or private sector.