Justice Restores Peace Security Stability and Prosperity

By

Babandi Gumel

bagumel@btinternet.com

 

 

Injustice selfishness and corruption are mainly the major causes of insecurity which leads to instability and other conflicts ending up in rebellion due to unnecessary tensions as seen all over the world from Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and the Niger Delta in Nigeria. The decision by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta known as  (MEND)which has been waging a violent campaign to suspend attacks on oil installations for one month to enable the new Government of Musa  ‘Yar Adua to create a new peace plan is a welcome development. For its part the Government of President ‘Yar Adua would be hosting a summit of stakeholders in fulfilment of the promise it pledged to give this crisis the top priority it deserved at the same time  work towards finding solution to all conflicts thus bringing peace and stability that may lead to development and sustained prosperity and progress. According to the statement by MEND the ceasefire would give the Government opportunity to ruminate on positive and realistic measures toward a just peace the theme of this article. As can be seen so long justice prevails in any society you would find that they live in peace prosperity and making good progress in all endeavours of life.

 

Mainly injustice and corruption are the two main factors that lead to conflict as seen in Niger Delta and other societies requiring conflict resolutions.  Addressing the real root cause of these conflicts would help in no small measure solve the problem both short and the long term ones. If we fail to address the root causes of these problems then it would be difficult to find solution to these sorts of problems bedevilling the whole world from terrorism waged mainly by mainly one Nation to local conflicts and other rebellions seen all over the globe. Justice fairness and equity would obviously help wipe out the kind of corruption nepotism and other evil practices found in unjust society. Allah has commanded the believers in His Holy Book “And if you judge between mankind judge justly” and in another verse He said “And let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not justly, deal fairly that is nearer to piety.” So in short justice as seen is described as near to piety although is not the real righteousness but at least is near to it. Western concept of civilisation and freedom due to its excessive love of wealth devoid of spiritual consciousness is very much preoccupied with this materialistic secular approach making materialism as main goal therefore achieving it by all means thus making it a priority and unfortunate destiny for humanity.

 

To achieve it is to become successful and unfortunately failure to do so is the opposite this is how every one is regarded.  This causes unnecessary conflict generated by doubts and inner tension resulting in clash of conflicting elements caused by disenchantment towards religion due to insatiable desires of sharing or getting wealth by all means making mankind materially minded. If man achieves these materials he is satisfied otherwise there will be no peace whatsoever. This is why you find most of the conflicts taking place all over the world were mainly due to the craving love of wealth and power and the control of oil other mineral resources as seen in Iraq and the Niger Delta which has been polarising the society more and more. As every one wants take control of that God-given wealth so mankind becomes more and more greedy and selfish not liking for his brother what he likes for himself. This creates suspicion which leads to mudslinging and unnecessary conflict which brings no benefit to all parties involved.  

 

What is discovered unfortunately never really satisfies the desire of the discoverer not wanting to share the same with the locals fairly thus causing tension making it like mirage. So therefore an immediate solution has to be found otherwise they would live in perpetual fear, instability retarding their progress as can be seen all over the World. Both the Government and the aggrieved have to be fair as any injustice by any side could aggravate the tension causing a standoff therefore an easy solution could not be found as it seemed. Both parties have to make concession to allow peace to reign for the benefit and betterment of the people concerned which requires good will mutual trust and sincerity of purpose a harcleunean task that needs urgent attention.  While the Government should consider showing generosity by releasing some of the leaders of MEND such as Alhaj Mujahid Dokubo at the same time the MEND should reciprocate fairly by releasing all the hostages they have holding at the same time stick to the ceasefire’s pledge it has made allowing the oil flow which has been curtailed by nearly 25% of the total input.

 

This reminds me of the need for the Government to address the issue of the electoral crisis caused by the election fraud seen as not fair as it addresses  the Niger Delta crisis it should also give priority to the settling of this electoral dispute once and for all. Showing fairness and avoiding injustice as recorded in the last election would make ‘Yar Adua more credible and give him the leverage in proper governance by calling for a fresh election in few Months which would give him the necessary credibility as required by the Oppositions which have been protesting since April this year. So the ball is in the Government’s court it is up to them to show fairness in all matters not only the Crisis in Niger Delta which they want make a priority but all other conflicts that might retard the progress of the Nation including of course the Electoral crisis caused by the INEC inefficiency and luck of concern to the entire Nigerian populace which they fail to address and see it as important issue. Once there is justice equity and fairness and sincerity of purpose the society would continue to enjoy peace and progress in addition to the prosperity brought about by the usual tranquil ever found in all stable prosperous societies as seen all over the world. If there is a will there is a way so they say therefore the Ruling party and the opposition have to come together to work out a just solution for the betterment and progress of our Nation by addressing the flawed election as they addressed the Niger Delta issue which has caused concern to all Nigerians thereby dividing and polarising the Nation.

 

Wa Akhiri Daawana Anil Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Alameen