Channelling R. King, why can’t we all get along in Nigeria. With over 300 deaths resulting from religious violence in some quarters in Jos. A curfew is now under way and a shoot-at-sight directive is now in place. The violence started as random acts from some disgruntled individuals who were not satisfied with the conduct of local elections, but it quickly evolved into a religious and an all out riot and burning of houses of worship. Like every conflict in Nigeria, all parties involved can not seem to agree on the nature of the conflict. Some believe it is just a bunch of mean spirited thugs being used by a few godfathers to achieve political goals. Others claim it is an all out religious /ethnic violence. I will stick to what a wise old man told me ten years ago, he said, “when it comes to sectarian violence in Nigeria, in the end, all violence in Nigeria is driven by Economics”.In my opinion, Nigerians are largely peace loving and enjoy the good life. The quickest and most efficient route to reducing violence in Nigeria is by increasing the average standards of living. In addition to this, ‘time’ is Nigeria’s friend. As the older generation of Nigerians who got a bit too comfortable with military rule get past their prime, and the younger Nigerians who have known liberty, freedom and democratic rule all their lives start to take the reins, Nigeria promises to be a better place. As the unrest in Jos unfolds it is especially useful to keep in mind that Christians and Muslims live side by side in Jos and this arrangement has remained this way since these religions where introduced to the region. It is even more interesting that once this unrest passes, life will return to normal and these groups will go about their business and worship like nothing happened.
As the parties involved kick-off their propaganda machine in the media to explain away this fracas. It is noteworthy that if all parties involved, providing infrastructure for the government, building community and developing grass root ties for the different religious organizations, the city of Jos would not have been in its present state. Why can’t we all get along? Because there isn’t enough to go around.
This is tiring – a continuation of 50 years of ethnic violence mixed with religious overtones – look closely and you will find poverty and disenfranchised communities at the root.
Poverty clearly plays a significant role in such violence. I can appreciate your focus on that factor and believe that as you stated if more is done to share the wealth, such episodes would happen much less.
But, we cannot ignore the fact that politics in Nigeria is beyond dirty. It is treated like a zero sum game with no care for the consequence as long as power is achieved. That attitude continues to grow, rather than diminish and spells nothing but trouble for Nigeria's future if it plans to stick with democracy. Furthermore, that attitude could spell trouble for other African countries especially in light of the Kenyan election violence this year. Remember that report that showed Kenya's elite looked at the 2007 Nigerian Presidential elections and apparently used it as a guide resulting in death and destruction.
Vision, is lacking. A true understanding that the actions today will likely complicate things tomorrow.
God help and bless Nigeria.
Anyway, Oz, how body?
Poverty and religious differences can't cause this sort of fracas without some catalysts – the elites and politicians – whose venom when introduced to the mix cause blood to flow!
No matter how much well off the people are and how high the standard of living is, as long as there are elements within the political and religious class that sees politics and religion as a do-or-die matter, there can't be rest.
It is a shame it has come to a sad point that I switch off when I read this sort riots – it is totally meaningless!
Thank you all for leaving your thoughtful comments.
You are right, funny how BBC is making it look like a religious thing, just check out this article… http://www.my-nigeria.com/wp-admin/post.php?actio...
sorry, right link:
http://www.my-nigeria.com/2008/11/29/as-bbc-conti...
You're channeling Rodney King, not O.J.
THANKS MAN THATS SO TRUE, ARGH ARGH MISSED THAT TOTALLY