Ensure justice, equity for country’s progress, Varsity don tells leaders

Peace and security will continue to elude the country unless those in charge of affairs take steps to ensure justice, equity and reconciliation through the redressing of grievances, Professor Isaiah Ilo, has observed.

The former head of department, Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, admonished in a statement in Abuja on Sunday that the different groups that make up the country must also learn to accommodate and forgive each other’s shortcomings to enable the country to succeed.

He said: “The defects in experiment Nigeria can be corrected by doing the right things, which include mutual forgiveness and forbearance, redressing of all grievances, equitable distribution of national wealth, promotion of peace, godliness, honesty, excellence, and justice, and effective enforcement of law and order.

“Although Nigeria emerged as an accident of history, the discerning will see a trajectory of divine providence in her evolution and survival.

“If the groups that make up the country will eschew rancorous and divisive acts and follow mutual peace and unity, the obvious promise of greatness for the foremost black nation on earth is certain to be fulfilled.”

The university lecturer recalled how the 1966 military coup set the stage for the mutual suspicion in the country especially against the perceived lack of prompt attempt to bring the guilty to justice.

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“Though it is too late, this truth should be admitted and appropriate restitution made for the sake of reconciliation,” he said.

Professor Ilo added: “Think of our county as an experiment in nationhood that failed. There are sharply divided opinions about whether Project Nigeria should be discarded, or redesigned, or continued regardless.

“Some people believe that the undertaking is irredeemably faulty and so should be discontinued.

“Some others cite the benefits from the union and ask for a meticulous reset to make it function perfectly. Still others, for some reasons, want the experiment to continue without any alterations.”

Drawing on the scriptures, including Amos 1:11, he stated: “Like Edom in this reference, the other groups were merciless, employing genocidal war, starvation, impoverishment, and finally endless official maltreatment.

“Therefore, the country seems to remain under a curse from the horrible atrocities. This truth should be admitted and appropriate restitution and redress made for the sake of reconciliation and healing.

“A ruined project may not be discarded or continued in the damage but could be reconstructed.”

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