The world marked the International Day of Peace this Sunday and the message of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, is apt.
The message seems to be directed at Nigeria, which continues to bleed due to insurgency and counter-insurgency.
In confirmation of the belief that God loves Nigeria, though Nigerians do not appear to love one another, the shocking revelations of the actual sponsors of the Boko Haram terrorist group make a chilling re-awakening.
Suddenly, the Boko Haram terrorist group loses its invincibility probably because it did not have more supplies after the South African botched arms purchase.
Things happened fast and the terrorists that were making our soldiers to make “tactical manoeuvre” into Cameroon are being routed.
Things happened fast and the leader of the group or the impostor using the name, “Abubakar Shekau”, is reported to have been killed by our troops or Cameroonians.
It is difficult not see a connection between the cash-for-arms scandal and the recent victories of our troops in containing the insurgency.
The attempts to cover up the scandal with unintelligent lies amount to the futile attempts of covering the smoke: stupid.
The continuous attempts to blackmail a section of the country and adherents of a particular religion have failed in the face of hard, irrefutable facts.
The urgent need of the day is: bring back our peace.
The innocent blood that has been spilled is large enough to make an ocean and it is high time we brought back our peace, our girls, and our sense.
We seem to be stupid enough to appreciate that power is temporary but human life is scared.
To mark this year’s edition of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2014, the Secretary General of the United Nations has a message that is still fresh for us:
“Today is the International Day of Peace.
“Each year, on this day, the United Nations calls for a global ceasefire.
“We ask combatants to put down their arms so all can breathe the air of peace.
“Armed conflict causes untold grief to families, communities and entire countries.
“Too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of the warmongers and terrorists.
“Let us stand with them in solidarity.
“Peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development.
“That is why three decades ago, the United Nations affirmed the right of peoples to peace.
“Throughout the coming year, we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
“Our organization is founded on the pledge to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
“We have made much progress.
“But much remains to be done.
“We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict.
“Peace is a long road that we must travel together – step by step, beginning today.
“Let us all observe a minute silence, at noon.
“Let us all reflect on peace – and what it means for our human family.
“Let us hold it in our hearts and minds and tenderly nurture it so that it may grow and blossom.”
In the light of the Secretary General’s appeal and the reality of life in our dear country, again let us give peace a chance.
This message is more urgent and pungent for us as we are confronted with the reality of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
We are blinded with hate and hypocrisy at the expense of the lofty teachings of our religions.
Our political and religious leaders are enemies of the masses.
They kill. They maim. They displace. They torture. They rape.
They shed the blood of the innocent; they aid and abet gun-running because of power.
They have all the connections. They have all the money. They have all the millions. They have all the private jets.
The purpose of Government is security; Nigeria is not secure.
The purpose of religion is to be good; our religious leaders are bad.
For the sake of vanity, they trade honour.
In Christianity, Jesus (PBUH) said, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets ”(Matthew 7: 12).
In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), said: “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.”
In Judaism, it is recorded in the Torah, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary” (Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a).
In Buddism, it is stated: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful” (Udana-Varga 5:18).
In our traditional religions, we are all enjoined to be good.
As we mark day and week of peace, let our political leaders and religious gun-runners bring back our peace.
Nigeria is sick and tired of violent conflict.
God save Nigeria from Nigerians. God, bring back our peace.