PHILIP OBIN
Having watched with dismay the continued inciting behaviour of some Nigerians, both physically and verbally, I feel “trouble ahead” and would want to respectfully appeal to their excellencies Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi to do well to urgently address their throngs of supporters and followers on National TV, radio, newspapers online, and on every other channel possible, urging them to put an immediate stop to the escalating and retaliatory attacks and inciting verbal and written exchanges that have the potential to harm our diversity, foundation, and the elements that have kept us united as a country and one people for decades.
I would also urge all influencers (both online and offline), thought leaders, academic, political, traditional, and religious leaders, other opinion shapers, relevant security agencies, state and federal agencies to step up before it’s too late.
I sincerely appeal to the concerned Nigerians, especially the young people, to calm down, take a deep breath, and unwind for a bit. I recognise and feel your frustration. I am aware that our acts and rage are motivated by a tremendous desire to birth and enjoy in a Nigeria that works for every of her citizens. This desire is true for most Nigerians, but we must be careful not to destroy the route to the destination.
To avoid aggravating the situation and inciting ethnic or religious tensions that might have far more ramifications and threaten the very foundations of our country’s unity, I would strongly advise that in our efforts to voice our complaints and be heard, we abandon the current strategy and consider a more mature, democratic, and civilised way of seeking redress.
I can speak from experience because, over the past four years, my community and nine others have been at war. This conflict has resulted in the violent killing and maiming of hundreds of people as well as the total destruction and decimation of entire communities. Regrettably, all parties have realised that this course of action was unnecessary, unwarranted, and shouldn’t have been an option for resolving the fundamental problems. But putting a stop to the war has not been simple, and it all began with inciting remarks and the kinds of things we are currently experiencing on a national scale.
Wars come with collateral damages and affect everyone, including the innocent and vulnerable ones.
Nigeria is yet to completely survive the last civil war. Everyone who means well for Nigeria should rise up today and speak up, for a stitch in time saves nine!
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬
*Philip Obin,*
Founder of Nigeria’s emerging social media platform Trenchat.com