By Ibironke Ariyo
Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has said that Nigeria’s diversity and complexities require a multi-faceted approach towards peacebuilding.
Ojukwu made this statement at a public presentation of the book ‘After Genocide Memory and Reconciliation in Rwanda’ during a panel discussion on Wednesday in Abuja
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organized by California State University Sacramento, Chrisland University of the USA Abeokuta and Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and NHRC.
Ojukwu said Nigeria could pave a path to lasting peace, reconciliation and development.
“We are making sure to preach peace.
“We are ensuring that no one is oppressed and that is what our new National Anthem represents,” he said.
Previously, Dr. Nicole Fox, author of the book and associate professor at California State University, Sacramento, emphasized the importance of acknowledging past atrocities, naming them, and validating survivors’ experiences.
Fox, who is also a board member of the Center for African Peace and Conflict Reconciliation (CAPCR), said “these lessons are important for Nigeria.
“I think the lesson Nigeria needs to learn is the importance of recognizing those who have survived violence and talking about those experiences.
“This is important so that things become clear, so that the truth comes to light and so that society can begin to heal.
“This is necessary because you cannot heal if you do not acknowledge these experiences.
“In Nigeria, we are working with PRAWA to implement different programs that we have implemented in California prisons, including prison book clubs and restorative justice,” she said.
Furthermore, the Executive Director of Global Rights Nigeria (GRN), Mrs. Abiodun Baiyewu, said concrete steps must be taken towards ethnic and religious reconciliation and tolerance in Nigeria.
In his observations, Prof. Ernest Uwazie, professor of Criminal Justice at California State University, Sacramento and director of CAPCR, said the book presentation speaks to conflict and insecurity issues in Nigeria.
