Nigeria, a country of about 250 divergent ethnic groups which is the seventh most populous in the world and the first in the African continent with more than 200 million people, is often referred to as ‘African Giant’ because of its ample opportunities.
It is a fact that there is no developed country that reached where it is today without encountering challenges. Nigeria is on the verge of development and therefore, not shielded from challenges of insecurity, recession, secession agitations and host of others that are marring the relative peace. Living peacefully despite differences is the first step in making dreams true.
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Government achieving ceasefire with insurgents or bandits without addressing the root-factors which made them took arms may further disrupt peace which might worsen the situation in future. Most of the developed countries in the world have reach where they are today because they strived and tolerated one another by living in peace. Peace attracts foreign investors and companies to establish their branches, which would boost the economy because of tax and other levies at borders. If peace prevails, all would work together to bring about economic, political and social developments.
Absence of peace triggers violence which starts from an individual through conflicting behaviors that is often caused by other people’s actions and attitudes; it ends at bringing chaos to doorsteps. The importance of peace to all could never be over-emphasized as it touches all ranging from businesses, farming and government could not provide social amenities if projected areas are not in peace. Peace paves way for speedy development and mutual living; it is true that citizens enjoy more when they are in peace than during wars.
Factors that contribute to lack of peace include bad leadership; citizens become easily manipulated when those on leadership mantles are not bringing succor to sufferings or executing projects that directly touch lives. The rate of criminality will be less when people cohabit peacefully with one another; peaceful coexistence makes criminal elements have no hiding place for their actions and have no choice than to repent.
Booming idleness by the youths who are referred to as the strength of every nation is a big threat to national security and peace. Annually, there are roughly over hundred thousand students that graduate from higher institutions but sadly continue roaming around without engaging in any tangible work. Absence of patriotism in the hearts of leaders and the led retard developments while unfulfilled campaign promises by elected leaders make citizens turn against them. Agreeing to live peacefully together prolongs a strong bond that no external or internal aggressions could break.
Nevertheless, we have no other country to go and claim as our home apart from Nigeria. God is awesomely aware of our religious, tribal, racial and other divergences but He still created us all in the same geographical location in order to embrace one another and progress. First step in achieving peace in a democratic setting is voting rightful candidates during elections by virtue of qualities not based on similarities or sentiments. All of us could remind leaders of their promises and assist by any means whether financial or otherwise in protecting social amenities from vandals.
In conclusion, governments should encourage participation of all citizens in the decision making; this could be through referendum which would broaden and strengthen cordial understanding between both. However, any individual or groups of people that have complain or any form of aspiration should channel it to authorities in a peaceful and diplomatic manner not through violence. The government too should listen to all complains and act fairly without bias. Peace is as important as breathing to humans and animals without which all would be dead; so live peacefully and save mankind!!
Mukhtar Garba Kobi writes via: [email protected]
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