In search for peace
It is a fact that there can never be any meaningful development in any society in the absence of peace. Peace is critical and will continue to be critical for overall societal development. It is a tool or better still an instrument that relatively has no equal. This is why, the search and sustenance of peace remain cardinal for any meaningful governments; with which magnificent turnaround of good fortunes awaits its people.
Issues of kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, social unrests, disharmony and recently herdsmen/farmers crisis leading to barbaric and senseless killings in Benue and a hosts of few other states in the country (Taraba, Nasarawa, Kaduna etc) more than ever before, are very much with us. This is not to talk of the recurring and bedeviling Book Haram insurgency plaguing the entire North-Eastern part of the country; thereby disrupting peace and wellbeing of our fellow countrymen.
Already, the society is faced with all sorts of calls for agitations with different nomenclatures and appellations for perceived marginalization and injustice in some quarters across the country. All these pose serious and potential threats to the peaceful coexistence of our dear country than we could ever imagine. For example, if the huge amount of money so far spent in the name of bringing back peace and normalcy to the affected communities in NorthEast alone to quench Boko Haram insurgency is otherwise used for the development of the region. The developmental strides will no doubt be unprecedented in the history of the region. Regrettably to say, these huge monies were channelled in there for the sake of peace.
Beyond any reasonable doubts, the yearnings and aspirations of our people cannot be actualized in an environment devoid of peace. It is not only in the interest of government that peace rains. It is in the overall interest of every well-meaning citizen in order for us to live a befitting life full of potentialities, riches, tranquility and hopes for better days ahead.
While most of our problems and issues to do with peace and its sustainable in the society have largely been due to our own making; I still believe the solutions leading to bringing back peace remain with us - and not with anybody else! This is a most critical moment/pace of our time. We must not, for any reason whatsoever, allow our ineptitude; ethnic and religious backgrounds sway our emotions at the expense of an essential component of our collective societal wellbeing as a people: peace. Today, as things stand in our society, the need for peace and peaceful coexistence as an instrument that will take us to the next level; leading to the actualization of our long awaited development, is dire and most urgent. It is only by setting aside our differences and inclinations, and ultimately by searching and sustaining peace that we can be able to exit and outlive these unbecoming crises; and consequently be tagged matured and responsible citizens who very much value peace and progress for our teeming, rich, vibrant and happy people to collectively and painstakingly evolve and advance a better society for a better future.
Mustapha Garba Jama’a, Makarfi, Kaduna.