The recent tensions among Nigerians have raised concerns among citizens. Nigerians must prioritize unity, peace, and harmony above all else. Hate and prejudice are not paths to a brighter future for Nigeria. We must discard these sentiments and promote peace and unity to build a better future for ourselves and future generations. Ethnicity-based tensions are becoming more and more problematic, and we must reject these tribalistic beliefs. We must recognize that the Yoruba and Igbo are of the same ethnic phylum and share a passion for industry, conviviality, accommodation, and peace. All Nigerians must submit to peace and unity to build a brighter future for everyone. It is crucial to condemn violence, voter intimidation, and harassment across the 31 states in the governorship and state assembly elections.
The Consequence of Anger, Prejudices, and National Unity
The recent tensions among Nigerians have been a major concern for many citizens. The animosity seems inspired by primordial schmaltz and not anything altruistic. Anger is the mitochondrion of the mobs, but this anger is misplaced, misdirected, and mis-catalysed. The duelling mobs have been dutiful with divisive propaganda, which now appears to be pitting Nigerians against one another.
It is important that Nigerians understand that the factotums of the brawling mobs do not represent any group. These are half-witted individuals who lack knowledge of history and direction and are constipated by anger. Let it be clear that they do not represent any ethnic group.
First, it is bad politics for anyone, particularly a non-native, to make taking over Lagos a refrain. The duelling mobs have been dutiful with divisive propaganda, which now appears to be pitting Nigerians against one another. Particularly concerning is the tension among Nigerians who have lived together in harmony for decades in Lagos.
It is essential that Nigerians cognise this fact and protect the peace and sanity of the state. Lagos is a melting pot of cultures and people. It has been welcoming and accommodating to everyone. It is depressing that this lodestar among states is the subject of vicious barbs and back talks. The real wealth of Lagos is its diversity.
Second, the tension among Nigerians who have lived together in harmony for decades in Lagos is bad sloganeering. “We’ll take over Lagos” is revolting and naturally will provoke resistance. I believe the same resistance will be compelled if non-natives of Anambra, for instance, say they want to change the political order in the state.
Lastly, it is dangerous and unacceptable to profile any Nigerian citizen for whatever reason. We are all Nigerians with mutually guaranteed rights under the Constitution. We must make a departure from the old ways of reasoning and interrogating issues. There is a need for us to discard prejudices and put Nigeria’s unity and Nigerians first in whatever we say and do.
It is crucial to note that anger is a barren human emotion, vacant of logic, rhyme, and reason. It does not follow thought and thought does not follow anger. Anger, of which chief aim is to exact vengeance, cannot change society but bring doom upon it. The masses must make a departure from the old ways of reasoning and interrogating issues. We must discard prejudices and put Nigeria’s unity and Nigerians first in whatever we say and do.
Promoting Unity and Harmony in Nigeria
The unity, peace, and harmony of Nigeria must be prioritized above all else. We must imbibe the concept of “One Nigeria” and reflect it in our thinking and actions. We must ask ourselves if what we are saying or promoting is promoting peace and unity, or if it is deepening strife and tension.
It is important to understand the intricacies of governance and diversity and not become vectors of social media contagion or soundboards for hate and prejudices. We hold the power to heal and unite Nigeria with every word we say.
Nigerians must be mindful of the rhetoric they promote. We cannot build a country on mutual hostilities. Hate and prejudice only lead to division and strife, as seen in the case of Rwanda. It is troubling that the injudiciousness of the sparring mobs has dissolved into ethnic recriminations.
The Yoruba and the Igbo are of the same ethnic phylum, and renowned scholars and historians have established this kinship. In fact, the two groups have established trade links dating back to the period before contact with the first Europeans. They share a passion for industry, are convivial, accommodating, and peace-loving.
Furthermore, there is no documented history of war between the Igbo and the Yoruba despite occupying the same “southern hemisphere”. The similarities between the Yoruba and the Igbo language are remarkable and point to an identical fount. We are too connected to be divided.
It is crucial to condemn the violence, voter intimidation, and harassment across the 31 states in the governorship and state assembly elections. All Nigerians must submit to peace and unity to build a brighter future for everyone.
In conclusion, we must be sensitive to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and harmony. “One Nigeria” must mean something to us and reflect in our thinking and actions. Let us discard hate and prejudices and promote peace and unity to build a better future for ourselves and future generations.
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