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In This Place Of Horror …Tears For The Waning Ambrosia Of Jos
Elected Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005, upon death of Pope John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger found a compelling desire to visit two areas that truly defined his person, his native Germany in August 2005 and to Poland in May 2006. And of all places in Poland the new Pope chose Oswiecim, also called Auschwitz by the Nazis and Adolphus Hitler’s most notorious death camp
There, hit by the memory of human lives lost, Pope Benedict lost his voice. But when he eventually found it, visibly moved to tears, he wondered allowed saying: “To speak in this place of horror, in this place where, unprecedented mass crimes were committed against God and man, is almost impossible and it is particularly difficult and troubling for a Christian, for a pope from Germany.
“ In a place like this”, the pope continued ‘ words fail, in the end, there can only be a dead silence, a silence which itself (is) a heartfelt cry to God. Why, Lord did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this?
Painfully, after what seemed a long pause, Pope Benedict went further to ponder on the propriety of silence in the words: ‘ In silence, then, we bow our heads before the endless line of those who suffered and were put to death here, yet our silence becomes in turn a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, a plea to the living God never to let this happen again”.
The moving speech is merely an attestation to the value God expect man to attach to the lives of fellow men , an expectation which appears to be vanishing from one of Nigeria’s once mostly peaceful cities with ambrosia to tempting to ignore. Today, not only is Jos gradually becoming what Pope Benedict XVI called, …This Place of Horror” it is succeeded in raising vital questions about the quality of unity Nigerian professes as a people.
On Sunday, March 8, 2010, a day many predominantly Christians inhabitants in Jos south, like other Christians, consider a day of worship some Hausa-Fulani fighters, believed to be Moslem fundamentalists attacked Dogo-Na-Hawa, Ratsat and Jeji villages in Forondistrict of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State
After the attacks on the Berom Villages as early as 2am, no fewer than 300 dead bodies of mostly women and children littered the area. That massacre took place while a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the city since after the January crisis, in which more than 350 died, was still in place.
Clearly, by nature of the attacks and number of people killed, that it had an ethno-religions colouration could not be completely ruled out. That was perhaps why former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi suggested the breaking –up of Nigeria along religion lines, as was the case between India and Pakistan.
Expectedly, the competition to berate the Libyan became the only test of patriotism among the political class, while the many deaths and how to halt the vicious circle must wait.
Why kill Gaddafi for our sins of silence? Who in this country does not know that religion has been taken to such a disturbingly choking level that makes nonsense of the secular nature of our constitution? Why are we pretending not to know that former President Ibrahim Babangida in 1991 created Jos North Local Government Area specifically to favour the predominantly Hausa/Fulani Moslems while leaving the South to remain in contention? One and half versus half.
Why are we so quick to condemn Gaddafi and yet too slow in calling for release and implementation of the reports of the various panels of enquiry set at different times to address the near frequent instances of bloodbath and senseless killings?.
These questions have become necessary because the March 7, 2010 would not be the first time mindless sadists have made nonsense of human life, akin to those of the Oswiecim death camp which Pope Benedict XVI decried.
Between September 7 and 17, 2001 when the first ethno-religious riot occurred in Jos, more than 1,000 persons were killed but not one person was punished for such inhumanity to man. Those, who were today vilifying Gaddafi were born, but none moved as quickly and with the same vigour that we now sense in trying to over blow the oneness Nigerians share as a people, only to prove the Lybian wrong.
Lets be remained of what the sages often warn against and that is that, the greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment. “ And because that was the case and seeing that the death of 1,000 earned no one any punishment, in 2004, the Plateau boiled again. Following clashes in Yelwa, more than 500 were reportedly killed, but the best then president Olusegun Obasanjo could do was to declare a state of emergency. Again, none was held accountable.
Since 500 lives were not worth quarreling over, hiding under disputes over council elections, same masterminds of the mayhem shook Jos North and in that crisis 700 lives were lost. Again, nothing tangible was done except the familiar enquiries which reports hardly leave the dingy chambers of the cockroach-infested book shelves of history, often forgotten by time.
As if begging for positure action, on January 17, this year, a minor dispute over a plot of land reportedly claimed as many as 350 lives, although no official casualty figures were released.
In the attacks on villages in Jos south, more than 300 lives were feared to have been lost although Christians leaders said the figure was far higher than 500.
In all these as usual, nothing tangible was done. Instead in every attempt at halting the near frequent killings, those trusted to do right end-up being a Portuguese committee, a group of people who individualy cannot do anything but would meet and resolve that nothing could, indeed be done.
Such has been the fate of a one peaceful city and great tourist paradise because of the pleasant climate condition and more. And so, it took these number of deaths for the Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang and other before him to make public reports of various panels and commission on the matter.
It is only now, just only now, that Nigerians have come to know that the Prince Bola Ajibola Commission had, in fact, indicted the Hausa Community for its complicity in the 2008 crisis in which 700 lives were lost.
That the report has also blamed the crisis on acts of violence initiated by some Hausa/Fulani Moslems.
But something close to why the Ajibola report never saw daylight can now be found in the caliber of very prominent people that the commission insisted police must investigate more deeply. Such people include the then deputy Senate President and Champion of Obasanjo third term agenda, Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu, former minister of State for Information and Communications, Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Alhaji Saleh Hassan , Sheikh Jengre, Danladi Pasali and Nazif Mohammed, among others.
If all the other reports had been made public and recommendations implemented, were necessary, perhaps the killing of this year would have been avoided. That is why, I find it most annoying that Governor Jonah Jang, who could not summon the courage to make public the Ajibola report up until recently, could blame the recent killings on complicity by some soldiers, saying that he made calls to alert the army of a likely attack, but as chief security officer did nothing to fore- stall the looming massacre.
My Agony is that those often paid to fight, maim and kill the innocent or even get killed in the process, never ever includes children of the so called “ Big men”, the untouchable lot, who fund the killings because theirs are either schooling in Ghana, South Africa, Europe or America.
Even worse is the fact that human life means little to them since such deaths never ever include their own. But now unmasked, what those in high places should do, is not to waste precious time demonizing Gaddafi for saying what many would want to voice but can’t, and instead push for the implementation of the reports.
Here’s where Acting President Goodluck Jonathan must demonstrate a strong political will to halt the Jos vicious circle, by insisting that the law takes its full course, not minding whose hoxse is gored.
That way, Jos will no long be , “this place of Horror” but return to its glorious days as the dreamy Tin City that cherished human life, leisure, friendship and indeed peace. We should not wait for more killings, restart another blame game and wish it off for yet another bloodbath.
Gaddafi is not the enemy. We are our own enemy because, over the years, unable to make what is just strong, we have continued to make what is strong just as Blasie Pascal cried out in his pensees’
Sadly that what our silence over the rift between Hausa/Fulani Moslems and Christians in Jos South on the Plateau appears to me . Gaddafi too.
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
