In 1960, Nigeria got independence and of course, the experienced native leaders took the leadership mantle from the colonial masters. The country had a good prospect and had started developing, en route to becoming a Republic, in view of the tremendous impacts and patriotism of our leaders.
They wasted no time in devoting their strength in the service of their fatherland, building infrastructure, quality education, moral dignity, and maintained peaceful tranquillity and justice among the citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of tribe, religion or region.
In those days, Nigeria was perceived as the most respected country in Africa as its citizens had the rights to live, in every part of the country, to conduct his or her legitimate businesses, without any fear of being harmed or attacked; it was indeed a memory that everyone today is proud of and wished its replicated in every society today.
Sadly, in few years, Nigeria had been torn asunder, injustice, tribalism and looting from the public funds, without concrete projects that will put the nation on the path of sustainable progress and guarantee a good future for all the citizens.
The unrepentant mismanagement of our common resources, entrenchment of corruption in virtually all aspects of human endeavour and the politicisation of the entire country have brought the country nowhere near admiration as it used to be.
The above and many more have established the root of hatred and widen the gap of mistrust fuelling political and religious conflicts and any other crisis that is currently happening in Nigeria.
Some persons or groups in some states in the Southern part of Nigeria, have adopted behaviours that defy normal reasoning, turning themselves to ‘hunters’ and sadly Northerners in their domains, becoming their “animals”.
In other developing countries in Africa, even a foreigner, can live a peaceful life, without facing threat of tribalism or bias; that right is a shared one between such foreigners and citizens of those countries. But in Nigeria, somebody who came from North, can not have peaceful mind, to live or conduct his business in southern part of his motherland.
It is vividly clear with what happened recently in Edo State that Northerners are no longer safe to do their legitimate jobs in the southern parts of the country.
In May 2022, there was the gruesome killing of Harira Jibrin, a 32-year-old, 9-month pregnant women and her four children Fatima, Hadiza, Zaituna and Kadija in Anambra State, by suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB); this case, has also remained unsolved and justice not served or seen to be served.
On the other hand, Northerners are known for their kindness and love for peace, opening their doors wide for anyone and welcoming Southerners to share in their community land and allowing people from Southern Nigeria living in the North to conduct their businesses without any hassle or fear of murder.
Since these barbaric killings have severally occurred without any justice served, it is high time for leaders to move proactively towards protecting the lives of Northerners in the South.
Northerners have been burnt and slaughtered in the southern part of Nigeria without any action being taken.
We are crying out for peace, justice and human rights for citizens from the North. Such barbaric and brutal act against of the North if ignored continuously could reach breaking point which could force Northerners to take the laws in their hands.
Government must take a concrete actions, to protect the rights and lives of all citizens, regardless of their regions or background as this will prevent the future occurrences and restore peace among the people.
On our behalf, government should present culprits before court to face the wrath of the law, with no dawdle; this will reduce the pain in the hearts and memories of Northerners.
I call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, notable people and governors forum, of the northern region to corroborate in bringing an end to these acts.
This will help us to feel as better and safe as citizens of Nigeria, without facing maltreatment and brutality from our neighbours, in line with compliance of justice, to ensure tranquillity and maintain a safe and healthy life to all Northerners.
Architect Kabiru Sani Shawai writes from Kano and can be reached via….kabirusanishawai900@gmail.com
