When Nigeria fails, North and South go through the same hell!

In conclusion of what I want to express, I will assure you that the treasures of every nation in every age is inherited by the patient ones.

So, whether you are a Southerner or a Northerner enduring difficult times, be patient. Be patient, because impatience gives nothing, it rather takes away everything. Be patient, because it is in hard times the beauty of a person, people or nation is properly distilled.

Another conclusion is for you, whether Northerner or Southerner who thinks you can get the best out of life by giving others the worst. You have mistaken your ideal. It is not the best you are seeking; rather, you are seeking destruction. And soon shall you find it; if you don’t desist. But I wish you prosperity not destruction. So, desist!

I start my piece by dedicating it to Truth and Justice; two great ideals that was and are central to every progress, the crux of every reformation and the wings to a greater humanity. Although Truth and Justice are known and identified for the aforementioned virtues and more; seldom do we give them a chance to stay with us. This is actually an understatement! We have actually invented a lot of sophisticated devices to confront, deform, and even kill Truth and Justice. But the good thing is that Justice and Truth leave with us. Yes! Can’t you see?

Actually, Justice is a Southerner raised in the North. Truth, his twin brother, was born in the North, but raised in the South. But you can say it the other way round and you won’t go wrong. So, what else do we need when we have Truth and Justice holding Nigerian passports? Can’t you see? OK! This is the message. Do you want to hate, insult, and attack, destroy and kill each other because of Truth and Justice or because of their opposites? Who will inherit the great wealth of this nation if you never give the young ones their right to a meaningful existence? Imagine a Nigerian in 2099 reading a History of Nigeria, coming face to face with the blood-spattered existence of his ancestors, the mutual threats and recrimination and all that…ALL OF THE TIMES. Tell me, will he be proud of his/her ancestors? Please give this issue a second thought. Please, if not for you, then for the innocent generation to come. What legacy do you want to leave for them?

As a young boy I survived a decade-long civil war in my beloved country.

And as a young man in a post-war nation, I watched fellow citizens ventilate their grievances at the public hearings organized by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was painful and emotional. (Sometimes, even traumatic and heartrending!). But the bitter truth is that that is often times the best you get after a civil conflict. You are brothers and sister blessed with a mighty nation, why do you want to kill yourselves? Now, do you want to scare others of seeking God’s blessing; if this is what great blessings do for people?

The gaping hole created by civil conflicts is always very difficult to heal. If your mother was killed in your presence, you are likely to grow up in the shadow of death and vengeance. If your father or role model was brutally assassinated, you are likely to grow up in the shadow of death and vengeance. You want to know why you are so hated and marginalized. You want to know why you are not allowed your basic human dignity and right to a meaningful existence like any other human being. You want to know this and many more. This questions slip through your heart, they are there on your face, for any microscopelike eyes to see. But you may also want to know that if all of life’s questions could be answered in a century, all of us would not have been here today. Be patient and appreciate the gift of life.

And know that no matter how things get bad you are always capable of making it right, if you care to try one more time. You see! You are capable of smiling every morning; if you so wish.

Everybody wants justice for every crime meted on them. But the truth is that you too wrong others and if everybody wanted justice for the wrong things you do to them your life could have been so depressing that only death could do you the favour of your life. More than this is another truth, that most (or all the people) that hurt you are themselves victims to somebody or something. They could even be victims to their own ignorance, hate or fear.

You are certainly entitled to justice, but truth should naturally guide you to tolerance, forbearance and understanding. As you stand in front of a pool of blood today, remember that tomorrow may bring a mightier pool of milk and honey. So try not to cry, but try and still try. Stay blessed, my brother (sister).

Sesay wrote this piece from Freetown, Sierra Leone. He can be reached at femohsesay@ gmail.com