The temperate climate of the Plateau is a great asset which endeared the region as whom for all globally. This unique favorable atmospheric conditions attracted many people of different nationalities who made it home. The social configuration of Jos Plateau was cosmopolitan comprising peoples of the world. Historically, the role of Jos Plateau in international peace and Security cannot be over emphasized. Also, the discovery of tin minerals in the earlier nineteenth Century made it a commercial centre for international trade. Tin mining was a major foreign reserves earner that sustained colonial administration. The positive impact of tin mining activities in restructuring the social life of the people underlies the current nature of cosmopolitan setting. Even though this was strength, presently this sophisticated heritage has been manipulated into the indigenes-settlers contradiction.
It is on record that Jos Plateau was alongside other early cities viewed as cradle of modern civilization. The early conglomeration of diverse ethnic nationalities from different parts of the country predates the nineteen century. Colonial documentation indicated that the Urobos from present day Delta in the South South, the Yorubas of the South West and the Hausa/Fulani were early settling communities in what is known as the present day Jos North. Indeed the accommodating and hospitable dispositions of host communities coupled with serene environment earned the acronym of "Home of Peace and Tourism". As result Jos was the dream home to most people from all over the world.
Today as usual we shall continue with the message in search of peace, love and unity. All nations expressed concern for peace and national unity, while humanity and religion talks about love and peace with one another. Peace and unity are twin concepts that man desire as commitments for peace co- existence. Permit me to argue that without peace nothing can work.
However, scholars and philosophers have argued that peace is not the absence of war but lack of justice. Meaning that no matter peace efforts without justice then work done is zero. Therefore, justice and peace are complimentary. If we need peace on the Plateau, then we must do justice to all people without fear or favour. People must be treated fairly and equally too. All that is rightly due to them must be accorded them. Their rights and privileges must be protected by all including our government. No body should be discriminated based on tribe, race, religion, ethnicity or circumstances of birth. Once these has been archived then peace is already with us but anything short of is injustice and peace search will be mere leap service.
In the new dawn we need peace desperately to succeed. Once we embrace justice then unity is guaranteed and social stability will also be established. The root causes of our crisis is neither religion or ethnicity but injustice. People are selectively treated by political leaders based on political differences. Communities are denied basic amenities because of religious difference, while our youths are denied employments even when they are qualified because they are not related with people in government. As teachers we sleep with our female students before they pass our exams in tertiary institutions. In fact, our worship places is not spared, anointing, blessings and prayers are exceptional reserves for highest bidders. And only corrupt politicians can afford. No wonder, in this state it's only political office holders are given recognition with strategic sitting positions reserves for them in worship places. Even before God there discrimination against the people.
Can we failed to pay salaries and still preach peace? Have we forgotten that an empty stomach does not listen to voice of gospel. How can there be peace when there is no love? Can our people continue to suffer hunger and poverty while we live like kings but we expect peace? How can we be seeking for peace with deceitful minds? Or can we manipulate our people yet we expect peace to exist?
To me, the key to archiving peace and unity is love and the Scriptures is clear on this. You cannot hate a fellow human being whom you see but pretend to love God who you cannot see. Our leaders must love our people and treat them equally. The idea of seeing leadership as family and friends opportunity cannot promote peace. There must be transparency in the management of public responsibilities. Every citizen must be carried along as we journey in search of peace. God love us by creating us equal as human beings. We must always remember that we shall one day die.
Finally, I challenge us to show love to one another if we are determined to make heaven. There is no amount of sacrifice that pleases God like love. "Love your neighbour as you love your self" is the golden rule. In doing this forgiveness must take come first. Always be guided by The Lords Prayers, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. If we don't forgive others then our own wrong doing cannot be forgiven. The Change mantra must be anchored on justice anything beyond the margin is hypocritical hence peace will be elusive.
Yesterday, I visited Mavo town in Wase Local Government Area after several years in search of peace. We were warmly received and treated with unprecedented love. There was no prior notice of the visit but there was wedding fatiha in Mavo town and I decided to attend. Even though I arrived with my delegation backed up with my band, izem Igbarman lately but the reception was wonderful when the news filtered round. We were received by the House of Assembly member representing Wase Constituency. He walked with traditional musicians to receive us. The visit was facilitated by the Chairman of Wase Management Committee, Dr Ado Buba. The essence of the visit is to strengthen harmony amongst the people. We shall extend this to all crisis infected areas in the state by the grace of God. Below are pictures of the visit.
May God guide our leaders to embrace justice so that peace, unity and love can flourish like Rivers Niger and Benue. Amen.
Solomon Dalung, LLB, BL, LLM
No comments:
Post a Comment