By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Bauchi State Chapter of Traditional Religious Practitioners has commended Governor Bala Mohammed for inaugurating the Inter-Faith Peace Committee but decried their exclusion from the body.
The committee, composed of Islamic and Christian clerics, was set up to promote peaceful coexistence, religious harmony, and ethnic tolerance in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas.
In a statement signed by Chief Priest Mbami Iliya Sabka, Chairman, and Talatu Tuli Damina, Secretary, the group praised the governor’s initiative as “a laudable step toward building bridges of understanding among diverse communities.”
However, they argued that sidelining Traditional Religious Worshippers from such committees amounts to “discrimination” and undermines constitutional guarantees of equality.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), under Section 10, prohibits the adoption of any religion as State religion. By implication, Bauchi State is not a State of two religions alone (Islam and Christianity), but a constitutionally plural entity,” the statement read.
The practitioners noted that they have been active contributors to peacebuilding, citing an ongoing local peace initiative in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs co-hosted by Zaar Ancient Traditional Religious leaders.
They urged the Bauchi State Government to: recognise and include Traditional Religious Practitioners in the Inter-Faith Peace Committee, ensure equity and non-discrimination in religious matters, guarantee the rights and dignity of Traditional Worshippers in governance.
According to the group, peace initiatives can only succeed when they are inclusive and representative of all faith communities in the state.
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