By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Leaders in Nigeria, particularly political leaders have been urged to work together, get united in order to salvage the entity called Nigeria.
The call became necessary considering the fact that the tension in the country as a result of current happenings does not in any way portend good to any of Nigerians no matter the divide.
The call was made by The Most Rev. Dr. David O. C. Onuoha, President, Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) in a press statement he personally signed and made available to Journalists on Monday titled: “Let us work hard to preserve the entity called Nigeria.”
The CCN President stated that, “At a time of economic hardship and growing insecurity of lives and property, efforts should be channeled towards finding solutions that will make life more meaningful and bearable to the citizens.”
According to him, “It is of utmost importance that leadership at all levels prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians above any other consideration and endeavour not to heat up the polity unnecessarily.”
He stressed that, “Avoiding actions that may promote uneasiness and confusion, no matter how politically correct it may appear, is the best way to go and to ensure the confidence needed to build a healthy society. Impunity is always a precursor to anarchy.”
The Clergyman added that,”It is imperative that those who serve in the temple of justice should, like God the Ultimate Judge who brought order out of chaos, ensure that their judgements and rulings does not promote confusion and disorder.”
He stressed that, “Nigerians look up to them for pronouncements that will hold everyone accountable, and compel them to abide by rules, no matter how highly placed. Those who have the constitutional responsibility of making laws and having oversight on the executive arm of government should note that they are representing the people of Nigeria and not replacing them.”
According to him, “Any action therefore that is not in the manifest interest of their constituents is a betrayal of trust and great disservice to successive generations of Nigerians. In all that we do, we must ensure that the democracy being practiced in Nigeria does not exclude the people as current events suggest.”
David Onuoha added that,”Every effort should be made to end the wanton waste and destruction of innocent lives of citizens, including the security personnel, which is becoming a regular occurrence in our society.”
“These agents of destruction, be they herdsmen, terrorists or bandits should be stopped before they stop Nigeria, and this can only be done in an atmosphere of mutual love, trust and unity of purpose. We must convince ourselves that no matter what belief some may hold, the truth remains that everyone will suffer it if things get out of hands,” he added.
The CCN President added that, “Nigeria is big and blessed enough to make every citizen happy and comfortable. If we can genuinely love our neighbour as we love ourselves and ensure that equity and fairness guide all our actions, decisions and policies, as well as endeavour to stand in brotherhood despite our differences in tribe and tongue, it will do us a lot of good.”
He concluded that, “We all must work very hard to preserve this country.May we use the current period of Lent and Ramadan fast to seek the face of God in genuine penitence and repentance and resolve to truly work to “build a nation where no man is oppressed”. “… let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).”