As a country that has been in existence for 61 years, Nigeria is currently playing a game of ‘Dead or Alive’. It is without doubt that there is an unwholesome backwardness in economy, education, health and numerous other indices of progress and development. Saddled with this avalanche of challenges, the most worrisome is the lack of peace in the country, which is undeniably the bedrock that holds the fortunes of every society in quest of sustainable development.
We all know that peace is the backbone of development. Therefore, when there is no peace in a country, nothing will likely wear the shape of greatness; only with peace can we move our life elatedly in a pace that is devoid of any hindrances. In fact, only with peace can we think of a brighter today, therefore motivating the possibility of a promising future that bespeaks of heroes and heroines.
However, we cannot continue with the current threat to the possibility of greatness so long as the country continues to wallow in what today’s unfortunate scenarios. The wave of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and other insecurity challenges must be put to a halt so long as we envision a peaceful society. There is hardly a day when there are no reported cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and many such cases.
In Nigeria, lives and property are no longer safe and to bring a solution to the menace of insecurity, which both directly and indirectly affects our progress and development as a country, we must ensure that we start with electing competent leaders that are ready to serve the country well without discrimination. That is, leaders that will be ready to serve everyone irrespective of tribe, religion or affiliations. Let everyone feel a sense of belonging.
In the same vein, government at all levels should be serious about the safety of citizens. There should be no compromise and anyone found guilty of offences especially that of threat to peace, should be made to face the full process of prosecution. This will serve as chastisement and also as deterrent to those who might have the interest of being a threat to the serenity of citizens.
I strongly believe it is possible to eradicate insecurity, it is possible to avert any threat to our country’s growth and development; but unless citizens are responsible and they learn to consider competency over any other sentimental factors that are selfishly driven, and governments too bestowed with the trust of delivering nothing but the best are being responsible, we will continue to wallow in even more disastrous menaces.
Salim Yakubu Akko,
Gombe State.
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