Nigeria needs Peace. Nigerians need Peace. Friends and partners of Nigeria need peace. We unequivocally Say No to Violence in Nigeria! We condemn every act of jungle justice, dissemination of hateful speeches and reports that are based on falsehood and malicious tendencies. Over the years, Nigeria and Nigerians have constantly suffered one form of violence or the other that has resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties with some communities completely sacked.

Rule of law must be maintained at all times and the basic human right of co-existence should be upheld. Where violence is allowed to thrive in our country Nigeria, fear would become the order of the day, which of course would breed mutual suspicion as well as hatred and the needed investments that should yield the economic growth we desire would become an illusion. 

With violence in our country, what becomes the fate of our children and youths? We join voices with citizens all over to condemn every act that would plunge the country into darkness. We have more to stay together for than would separate us.

Let us give peace a chance. Let us embrace dialogue. Nigeria is blessed with both natural and human resources, which if well managed would be beneficial to all parties. Violence leads to avoidable but grievous destructions most of which are irrecoverable even when the source of the misunderstanding would have been addressed.

Like my friend Mazino Obaro Ikime wrote on his Facebook page “My opinion, your opinion, our collective opinions,are vital to us. We can and should air them. Where they are conflicting, we can debate, argue and where possible, get closure. Sadly, in the evolving or pseudo democracy we operate in Nigeria, our views have not started having the kind of impact we would wish them to have on government. Of course there is some impact, but it’s still fledgling.”

As part of efforts to create awareness and show solidarity, Rotary Clubs in Port Harcourt recently embarked on a Peace Walk in the city.

May we allow good judgment to reign supreme always! Let us continue to sound the drum that Nigeria Needs Peace Please.