Political observers on the crisis in Korean Peninsula over the years have reached a consensus that peace can only be achieved in the Peninsula when South and North Korea agree to embrace peace. This was also the view of a cross-section of journalists in Kaduna state last week during a random interview on how to find a lasting solution conducted by some members of Journalists for Peace in Korean Peninsula (JPKP) in Kaduna. Presidents Moon Jae-In of South Korea and Kim Jong Un of North Korea will be meeting on April 27, 2018 to discuss peace in the Korean Peninsula.
A former Editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper, Mr. Andrew Fadason, said it has become necessary for the two countries to abandon conflict and work together for the interest of their people. According to him, South Korea and North Korea should now agree to work towards peace in the Peninsula and pledge same to the world.
He said President Moon had earlier last year offered hand of friendship at a World Leaders Summit in Germany to President Kim, it is now the turn of North Korea to respond positively. “As an analyst and one that has been following events in the Korean Peninsula, I am of the view that the expected meeting would pave way for everlasting peace in the area”, he noted.
The former newspaper editor said a united Korea will be most peaceful in North East Asia. Another journalist, Idris Ibrahim, said Presidents Moon and Kim should discuss necessary specifics and talks that would not delay peace process, adding that both leaders should deliberate on issues that would quicken achievement of peace in the Peninsula. He said his advice to both presidents is, “there should be no semantics, no delay, go straight to remove obstacles to peace”.
Mallam Garba Mohammed, formally of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), described the crisis of more to economic issue than political, especially when both the United States and China are fully involved.
He added that such issues have always been bi-polar and the Korean Peninsula crisis cannot be an exception, especially where US and China are major players He said until both countries agree to unite like the Germans did, it would be difficult for any country to settle the disagreement, but the North and South Korea can overcome the influence of America and China and embrace peace.
Mallam Mustapha Gambo, an On-line journalist, said the areas of contention in Korean Peninsula are well known, adding that President Moon and Kim should agree to settle the issues without the intervention of a third person. “As far as I know, the issues involved are development of nuclear weapons and missiles on the side of North Korea while President Kim complained of joint military exercises being conducted by South Korea and US troops in South Korea annually”.
Mallam Gambo said if these contentious areas are resolved, there will be peace in Korean Peninsula. “With her pronouncements at diff erent fora, Nigeria as the giant of Africa, is supporting the April 27 Summit initiated by President Moon”, he concluded. Tajudeen Tijjani, Chairman, Nigeria
