The Archbishop of Dominion Chapel International Churches, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, on Monday, called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central.

The Archbishop urged both leaders to amicably settle their differences, cautioning that their public feud could derail national unity and progress.

Archbishop Praise disclosed this in Abuja, during a conference on promoting male champions for gender justice, organized by the All Africa Conference of Churches in partnership with the Ecumenism For Development & Peace Initiative (EDAPI).

He explained that the conference was convened to advocate for gender justice and to mobilize men as ambassadors against gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and children.

He also emphasized the importance of forgiveness and patience in resolving conflicts.

Praise said, “We are male champions for gender justice, and gender justice is not just justice for women; what we are out for is to ensure gender justice. And it’s not just about the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. We have discussed cases like Osinachi’s tragic killing by her husband.

“And so we are fostering gender justice, both for men and for women, but especially for women. And Akpabio, the Senate President, and Natasha came up by our speaker, who spoke from Kenya. And all we are trying to see is to ensure that there is peace, especially for Christians, and we want to ensure that they don’t get caught up in conflicts.

“Public conflicts can be damaging, so we are seeking a peaceful settlement potentially outside of court between senator Akpabio and Natasha, to maintain harmony. Given their positions as national leaders, including the Senate President, we must handle the situation with care and respect, as the Bible advises us to speak well of dignitaries.”

He urged Christians to speak respectfully of those in leadership positions and to resolve disputes with patience, humility, and forgiveness.

He added, “We must recognize that our leaders are human and and may have weaknesses. But when issues arise, we should resolve them privately and amicably, without unnecessary public drama. We also appeal to our sister, Senator Natasha, to be patient and forgiving, so that this matter does not escalate further.”

In his remarks, the National Coordinator for the Champions Forum and Gender Justice for Nigeria, Rev Dr. Ezekiel Gibson Lesmore, highlighted the need for equity, equality, and justice in the nation.

He emphasized that leaders must be able to concentrate on governance without distractions, and that Christians, in particular, should lead by example in promoting peace and forgiveness.

He said: “When we mention the Akpabio and Natasha issue, it’s not to single them out, but because, as public figures, they should allow the Tinubu administration to focus on governance without distractions. It’s unfortunate that they’re fighting each other.”

The participants were inducted as ambassadors to fight for the cause of gender justice and promote peace and harmony in the nation.