Obasanjo

Obasanjo's Saving Grace

Mohammed Bala

In Plateau State of Nigeria life has become unbearably harsh and difficult to other Nigerians living in that state all their lives for centuries, due to the unfortunate stand of the natives that the Plateau remains an exclusive enclave for them alone. This has been the case ever since Mr. Joshua Chibi Dariye was sworn in as Governor in may 1999. The consistently wanton killings of non natives has continued unabated and might have the backing of the inept, heartless and irresponsible administration of Dariye, who from all indications is wicked and heartless. The blood of all those exterminated in the various squabbles that occured over the years, is on his hand.

The capital of Plateau State, Jos used to be a haven of tourists and well wishers due to its fine weather and execellect scenery, when the distates of non natives especially moslems, started manifesting when Darie became Governor. People from various parts of the country, especially those from the north east sub region have avoided going to Jos on business trips, or on their way to Abuja for fear of encountering Dariye's killers along the road The capital that used to be one of the pride of the north for commercial and social activities has now been turned into a ghost town with hardly any flourishing transactions going on.

Joshua Dariye was quoted to have said that the Plateau belongs to the natives and to no ones else. For a State Governor to descend too low and make such reckless and unguarded statements, it clearly shows that the Governor lacks the basic knowledge of the provisions of our Constitution, and the fundamental human rights adequately guaranteed by it. The Constitution has made it clear that any Nigerian can live in any part of the country, belong to any association of his choice, practice and adopt any religious belief without any fear of being molested. It also provides and guarantees the well being and survival of such citizens any where they may be in Nigeria. But Dariye and his blood thirsty kins have persistently shirked and contravened the Constitutional provisions by claiming that Plateau State is their exclusive reserve, and 'a no go area' for other Nigerians.

What has been happening in the Plateau for long must be condemned by any peace loving, God fearing and compassionate soul. The situation where a whole town or village is attacked with heavy gun fire, where even children and women were not spared, is to say the least, an unforgiveable sin, no matter what religion the perpetrators claim to profess. Obasanjo reacted harshly by calling one faceless religious leader "idiot" who challenged him with a very disrespectful question, after the President has visited the Yelwan Shendam and was traumatized by what he saw that was meted to it and its residents. It was a really shocking and disorganizing sight to behold which the President would have been spared any silly question afterwards.

Now if the killings, lootings, burnings and rapes were to be allowed to continue unresolved by the Government, then obviously the lives and properties of Plateau natives in other States are jeopardized by non other than their kins at home. Every one has seen what happened in Kano State when natives of Kano escaped from Plateau and returned home. The President has therefore done the most sensible right thing by clamping the state of emergency on Plateau State. He has brought happiness and regards to millions of lives all over the nation by this singular act. He has absolutely demonstrated that his Government is ready any day, any time to protect, defend and safeguard the lives of his citizens by taking the necessary steps inspite of oppositions from a confused and disorientated opposition. This President is fully in charge, no matter what any one may say.

For General Chris Ali (rtd) the new Administrator of Plateau State, the tasks are herculean and ofcourse difficult. But with hindsight, perserverance and dedication, he will surmount all obstacles and deliver Plateau State back to its former glory of " home of peace and tourism." He must first of all embark on a familiarization tour of the whole State with a view to taking his message to all. As a former Military Governor of the State certainly General Ali is not a stranger in that State. Using both Military and Police intelligence, he will be able to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly acts, and also expose the source of the heavy machine guns used in killing the populace of the town.

My call to all Nigerians is that we should endeavour and eschew bitterness between us and learn to live peacefully with one another. We must accept one another the way we are and not how we want others to be. The task of making our country great and to become one of the most developed not only in Africa, but the World, over is a responsibility on all of us and not necessarily only on our leaders. Many nations in the African continent are looking up to Nigeria for support and as a role model, especially since Nigeria can squarely and successfully shoulder peace efforts and responsibilities in other African nations.