Al Jazeera English - Africa - Horror of Nigeria clashes uncovered

Al Jazeera English - Africa - Horror of Nigeria clashes uncovered

THE JOS CURSE

Plateau state in the north central zone of nigeria is known for its tourism potentials all over the country.the state known for its mountains,hills and cold weather used to be the toast of many nigerians because of its peaceful ambience and its european-like friendly weather.

Unfortunately,all that is in the past now as the state is now known as the battle field for recurrent ethno-religious crisis and beginning to be a no-go area for non-residents of the state.The plateau/north frequent crisis has become an embarrasment to successive nNigerian governments and its people because of the impression it gives to the outside world that the Nigerian state tolerates religious bigots and extremists.This writer thinks government should take the large portion of the blame for this recurrent crisis.Both state and federal government usually set up kangaroo panels to look into the causes of this crisis and come up with suggestions on how to proffer solutions.But,these panels resolutions are not implemented by the government that is if at all the panel comes up with one.It is high time government,at all levels take bold and critical steps to nip this crisis in the bud.

Government should make sure that perpatrators of these heinuos crimes are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others who would contemplate toeing that path in future.Government should also create jobs for millions of jobless youths roaming the streets,as they are willing tools for unleashing violence on innoncent Nigerians.Religious leaders should also call their subjects to order and make them understand that violence is alien to both islam and christianity.Deploying troops and imposing curfews after every cricsis is a fire brigade approach and will only serve as a short term solution to each crisis.Prof. Akunyili's army of re-branding experts could also come in handy,if they unleash all their vital communication techniques at their disposal on the people of plateau and make them realize this country belongs to us all.

Elder statesmen and political leaders of plateau descent like Yakubu Gowon,Ibrahim Mantu,Damishi Sango e.t.c should also take necessary steps to educate their followers on the implications of these crises on plateau state's image and Nigeria in general.It is my sincere hope that this recent crisis would be the last in jos and indeed every part of northern Nigeria.The northern elites should do something about these frequent clashes,as most southeners are beginning to have sentimental views about northerners and their religion.Already,most fresh graduates from the southern part of the country dread going to the north for their one year compulsory youth service.While an average youth in southern nigeria thinks all northeners are violent.All these perceptions and mistrust are not good for the country's unity.

UMARU:WHERE IS THY RULE OF LAW

When President Umaru Musa Yar'adua assumed office on the 27th of may 2007,he promised nigerians among other things,his administration's respect for the rule of law.Nigerians commended the president for making that promise,especially considering his predecessor's penchant for disregarding judicial pronouncements mostly towards the end of his tenure.

Yar'adua traveled to saudi arabia on the 23rd of november 2009 to attend to his health at the king faisal specialist hospital and research centre.he is said to be nursing acute pericarditis(an inflammation of the membrane around the heart).Yar'adua,like every other human being can fall ill.But,as i write this piece,he has been away for 64 days.The vacuum created by his absence is politically dangerous and an open invitation to chaos.one would have thought the rule of law apostle would have transmitted a letter asking that vice president Goodluck Jonathan should act for him to the national assembly,as enshrined in section 145 of the constitution,which says,"Whenever the president transmits to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office,until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the vice president as acting president".

If there is any time the president needs to prove his sincerity as regards his rule of law sermon,it is now.To say Yaraua's administration has been a disaster is an understatement.Although that is not the purpose of writing this article.Obviosly,the president is surrounded by professional sycophants who have refused to advice him to do the right thing.People whose selfish interests is more important to them than the nation's interest.kudos to the save nigeria group and other human rights groups led by the ebullient prof wolle soyinka,tough talking pastor tunde bakare,combative barrister femi falana and ever consistent mrs odumakin and others for pouring out on the streets of lagos and abuja to express the feelings of majority of nigerians.Indeed,enough is enough.

This writer expects the national assembly to commence an impeachment process against this go-slow president for breaching the constitution,but here in nigeria,it's a known fact that it is easier for a needle to pass the camel's eye than for those lousy,un-elected 'People Destruction Party'(PDP) members to boot out this lethargic leader.All well meaning nigerians should join the clarion call for Yaradua to handover to Jonathan.The stability of this nation is threatend and we cannot afford to keep quiet.Pastors,imams,traditional rulers,elder statesmen,youths and women associations,professional buisness men and women and nigerians in diaspora.This is the time to speak with one voice and not allow religious and etnic sentiments to becloud our sense of judgement.Nigerians should not allow one desperate ailing man,his greedy wife and kleptomaniac retinue of friends to hold this nation to ransome.We must all say GO UMARU,GO.