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 Ahmadu Bello, Sir, Tafawa
Baleea, 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 corporate existence and unity of the nation, it has also
diminished the status of Nigeria as a fee 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 widows and children orphans. The mindless killing of
innocent Nigerians by this dreaded group is about turning this once peaceful
region into middle east of Nigeria where bombing and killing have become a
daily manna.

The activities of these primitive and misguided individuals
if not nipped in the bud, 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, what holds Nigeria together is gradually being eroded. For
Nigeria to regain its unity, there must be love and understanding among its
components.

The negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgence have made it
imperative for government at all levels to take proactive measures to scuttle
their upsurge. On the other hand, government should endeavour to unmask the
sponsors of this terrorists 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 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.

It is pertinent to note that despite our differences in
cultural and religious background, our founding fathers put their acts
together, devoid of racour, 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 disheartending that churches,
market and media houses have become targets, a situation that has become
worrisome to any patriotic and well-meaning Nigerian.

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 realization of vision 2020 of this present
administration.

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
characterized 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.

It is crystal clear that both the Muslims’ Koran and
Christians’ Bible preach love and peace; therefore it is highly regrettable
that those who proclaim these faiths are themselves enemies of love and peace.

Today, the nefarious activities of Boko Haram have
bastardized Nigeria’s image. Nigeria is now perceived as unstable and insecured
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 its sword and  give peace a chance.

Meanwhile, government and other meaningful 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