An eye for an eye is the first step toward the beginning of communal blindness and a threat to one is a threat to all but technicalities should not takeover justice because injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.
Nigeria is a cosmopolitan locality and the fundamental human rights of its citizens cannot be accorded sectional priorities in favour of ethnicity hence any act of nepotism on this edge pushes the country into another season of endless rivalry; a battle of needless supremacy.
A good read of NIGERIA’S history with prudent attention to armed revolts and rebellion in the 20th century reveals the painstaking reoccurrence of war occasioned by sectional interest and personal ambitions.
Pathetically, events that heralded the Nigerian Civil War (1967 – 1970) is a perfect guide and a caution point for nationals of the most populous black race to tread with caution which is always thrown to the winds especially on this part of the globe where one man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.
The absurd factor ruminating these excessive misbehavior revolves around pride, quest for illegitimate game and a prankish agenda to through the country into chaos become for the infamous rebels, Nigeria should not enjoy any moment of peace.
The eviction tantrum issued by Sunday Igboho to Fulani Herdsmen in Southwestern Nigeria is gradually heating up the polity and should not be trivialized owing to antecedents of previous inciting remarks by lily-livered minds living in their own world of confusion.
Again, before his (Igboho) statement is misconstrued as a reciprocal gesture to the quit notice threat given to Bishop Mathew Kukah in Sokoto state, we should devote time to weigh the difference in context because there is no nexus between both aberration perhaps it is a dual beacon of deceit, strategized to bake the ugliest cake of disunity and every right thinking (sane) Nigerian should be able to predict the outcome of this baseless flex of buffoonish muscles at the long run.
Nigeria just like President Muhammadu Buhari “belong to nobody” and this is rightly defined in the 1999 constitution which is still inherent. In the same vein, there is no group or individual that is superior than Nigeria thus being ignorant of existing law, rules, regulations and protocols is not an excuse in the face of trials for any crime including felony.
In practical reality, some ethnic group are holding keys to political destinies yet this illegality cannot be authenticated but can be emphasized however, not in this discourse. It is in view of the forgoing that History as a subject should be introduced in Nigerian schools (primary to tertiary) because this would serve as a guide to citizens involvement in sensitive issues.
The repetition of cluelessness in every national debate is shamefully a m offshoot mindset springing from a cross section of misinformed citizens are not willing to learn or subscribe to the realities of modernity.
The Federal Government on its part need to readjust in the area of interference (knowing how, when and where to make proactive pronouncements) by not allowing sensitive issues to slip or escalate before meddling.
Unfortunately, the scorecards of fire brigade approach often degenerates thereby paving ways for preventable bloodshed, distrust, chaos and regrettable anarchy.
The blame game originated by critics of Igboho’s order of arrest would not have been a subject of discuss had it been the same action was taken against Kukah’s eviction call. This is an obvious case of assenting preferential treatments to an untouchable class of divisive bandwagons which is not supposed to exist in country accommodating more than 250 ethnic groups.
Nigerians do not need the services of any logical soothsayer to understand the current reality; the country is presently sitting on an already charged keg of gunpowder.
Conclusively, if Nigeria must exist as a single entity, it is a task for all and sundry to preach and practice peace and citizens resolve for national development should not be sacrificed on the fetish altars of impunity.
Nigeria is not a fast rising community of Fulani Herdsmen same way it is not a cocoa farm belonging to Yoruba farmers, to this end, the way forward should be able to showcase a potent cure of ending the incessant farmers/herders clashes.
Be that as it may, the moronic activities of religious fanatics should not be treated with kid’s gloves because it poses a big threat to unity and coexistence.
The media is also a mirror showcasing happenings across the globe; journalism bridges the gap between country same way it can be hijacked by terrorists and hoodlums to destabilize any country.
This is a call to professional journalists practicing in Nigeria to change the narratives even though the era of new media is abused and misused by many to disseminate fallacious reportage and inciting comments.
At this juncture, the much debated Public Information Bill should be passed and enforced to curtail numerous irregularities presently recorded in the glorious profession.
Nigeria cannot risk another national tussle stylishly powered by sponsored elements canvassing for personal gain amidst scampering for safety, senseless killings and destructive of properties.
We must be guided!
– Ajogwu Jerry Ochada, a journalist, writes from Abuja.
