THE GOVERNMENT. SECURITY. THE PEOPLE. CATTLE. FULANI HERDSMEN.
DIVERSITY
Nigeria is a country with a diverse people. Different in culture and lifestyle, ethnicity, beliefs, religion, interest, history, and ancestral link. But the beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.
However, we have found more reasons to be differentiated than we have to be united.
Through our technological and scientific genius, we have made of this world a neighbourhood. And we have not had the ethical commitment to make of it a brotherhood. If we do not live together as brothers, we will perish together as fools.
The Northerners, Southerners,Westerners, Easterners. The ones who have the oil, the agriculture, education, exposure, and development.
FULANI
The primordial lifestyle of the Fulani’s is one that defines them by cattle rearing and grazing. Clearly, the Northern states don’t have a favorable weather or soil for grazing. More so, with the increase in population, it is only sensible that the recurring genocide has been to harness new frontiers. With that, they will not just expand their territories but they will expand it to favorable conditions. Adding to that, if being able to prove citizenship to Nigeria, the Fulani fortunately have rights as well to graze, and to keep cattle. However, there is a common maxim in law: “SIC UTERE TUO UT ALIENUM NON LAEDES”. In other words the exercise of ones rights is subject to another persons right. Your right ends where another persons begins.
THE PEOPLE
Undoubtedly, the victims of these attacks are indigenous people who hail from the very places where they ate murdered in cold blood. These people have a right to life, to their lands, and to equal rights as awarded to them by the 1999 constitution. In the cause of living and an attempt to exercise their rights, there have been so much conflict and misunderstanding. However, the violence prohibition persons act says that there is no justification for violence. Whatsoever.
SECURITY
In the past times, there has been a break in confidence between the security and the people. In times when the security were needed, they weren’t there for the people. They haven’t lived up to what they should and hence, has lead to a loss of confidence in them by the citizens.
THE GOVERNMENT
Have not been very helpful either. In recent times, there has been little or no action taken by the government in regards to the people and what they expect. The government ought to set up a vigilante group. With members who hail from the villages that have been attacked. Members of all the communities should be adequately represented and be a part of their own protection. Anti-grazing laws should be set. KILL THE ELEMENT THAT GIVES LIFE. In a gentle way, you can still do what is right. Before its too late and you have not many options left.
Using the Fulani herdsmen in Plateau along with its neighboring States as a case study. It is important that we look into some questions.
Who are these Fulani herdsmen?
Who gave them guns?
Who have asked them to kill?
What are they fighting for?
Do Plateau and Benue have the highest number of herdsmen in Nigeria?
What are the government saying or doing about it?
Arguably, Plateau has the most favourable weather and rich soil in Nigeria. Fertile for grazing. And cool weather all year round.
LAW AND ORDER
Exists for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose, they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.
I think it is very important that the citizens get back their lands. Before the wounds are healed and maybe pardoned (because they can never be forgotten), there has to be a build of trust.
Of cause the Fulani cannot be chased out of the states, because as citizens, they also have rights. But the people can exercise their right by looking into the law.
With the nonchalant actions and ignorance of the government, one will begin to wonder why there is a lackadaisical reaction towards the insecurity.
I will state unapologetically that if the government do not stand for the people and fight with them, the people should feel free to replace the government with another who will. It Is enough that we are lagging behind academically and economically. We don’t have to loose out lives and lands as well.
The government of the day have failed woefully in their responsibility. Even to the most basic one of protecting its citizens. I ask, what is a government without the people?
Life is too short to stand for nothing. It’s too long to live for nothing. If the government cannot be charged for derailing and truncating the nascent democracy, do we really have a government?
As long as there’s blue sky above me. As long as there is life in my hands. As long as I draw breath and as long as I am sane, I will see to it that Plateau is taken and rebounded. My people will know Peace some day, The North will remember and Nigeria will rise again.
The question I ask again is how many youth feel obligated to do same? How many people in Nigeria still have hope for a better place for us? How many will take it upon themselves to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. POVERTY IS THE WORSE FORM OF SILENCE
Until we are fed up, until we crave for change and until we are willing to sacrifice, Nigeria will know true joy. And the wick of life will burn quickly, without its people knowing profound joy.
Those who are able to see beyond the lie of their culture will never be understood. Let alone believed by the masses.
PWAJOK, JANE KANGYANG
THE DUCHESS OF MAGNILOQUENCE