Safeguarding Nigeria’s Unity

Nigeria’s attainment of independence on October 1, 1960 was certainly not on a platter of gold. The colonial masters then were not willing to succumb to the pressure of self-rule, but it took the patriotic zeal and doggedness of our founding fathers such as, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmmad Bello, Sir Tafawa Bellewa, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay and Ernest Ikoli, all of blessed memory, to achieve independence.

Sadly however, what is being witnessed in the country today negates the vision and aspiration of those great patriots. The upsurge of attack, relentless killing by the Boko Haram sect in the Northern region has not only threatened the corporate existence and unity of the nation, it  has also diminished the status of Nigeria as a free nation.

These harbingers of destruction and death in the north have brought tear and anguish to thousands of homes of innocent Nigerians. They have made many women to become widow and children orphan. The mindless killing of innocent Nigerians by this dreaded group is about turning the once peaceful northern region into Middle East of Nigeria, where bombing and killings have become a daily manna.

The activities of these primitive and misguided individuals, if not nipped in the bud now, will definitely tear the fabrics of our national unity. I quite agree with General T. Y. Danjuma (rtd) that “our nation is on fire”. This conflagration must therefore be extinguished to avoid total destruction and anarchy. And as rightly pointed out by an elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, for Nigeria to regain its peace and unity, there must be love and understanding among its citizens.

The negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgence have made it imperative for government at all level to take proactive measures to check the upsurge of violence. On the other hand, government should endeavour to unmask the sponsors of this terrorist group, whether they operate within or outside the country.

There is no doubt that majority of these youths are unemployed and do not have any reasonable means of livelihood,  let alone buying bombs, which strongly suggests that some powerful forces are behind them. The onslaught in the north, if not properly checked, will lead to the total disintegration of this great nation as being predicted by the United States of America, that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015. Nigeria’s disintegration may likely drain African voice, thereby putting African continent in total disarray.

It is pertinent to note that despite our differences in cultural and religious background, our founding fathers put their acts together, devoid of rancour, bickering and acrimony, to wrestle power from the colonial authority. How then now some groups misapplied their energies and talents to cause mayhem and destroy the labour of our hero’s past which stood on “one people, great nation”?

It is highly unfortunate and disheartening that churches, markets and media houses have become targets, a situation that has become worrisome to every patriotic mind and well-meaning Nigerian. Another danger associated with it now, is that of reprisal attack as recorded on the 17th of June, 2012 in Kaduna where three churches were bombed simultaneously, leading to loss of several lives.

It is obvious that if the activities of the Boko Haram continue unabated and unchecked, prospective investors wishing to invest in the country would definitely decline their interest because of insecurity, no matter the level of assurance given to them by the government. This will adversely affect the full realisation of vision 2020 of this present administration and its transformation agenda.

The devastating effects of Boko Haram activities have made other Nigerians from other parts of the country become skeptical and mindful of going to the Northern region to work or transact business. The uproar that characterised the recent posting of NYSC members from other regions to northern region, citing insecurity as an excuse, is worrisome and portends danger for the country.

Today, the nefarious activities of Boko Haram have bastardised Nigeria’s image. Nigeria is now perceived as unstable and insecured place for both human habitation and economic activities.

Boko Haram and their sponsors should bear in mind that the continuous bombing and killings in the north will impoverish the people of the region more. Maiming and scaring away those who will contribute to the development of the region will cause a great disaster for the economy of the country, with the North as the worst victim. Therefore, for the unity of this nation, the Boko Haram should sheath their sword and give peace a chance. Meanwhile, government and other well-meaning Nigerians should, as a matter of urgency, cooperate to safeguard the unity and peace of this nation. Nigeria’s peaceful co-existence remains sacrosanct and we can not afford to compromise it.

Nnadi is of the Rumuji Police Station, Port Harcourt.

Linus Nnadi