Fr. Richard OMOLADE

Nigerians are found in all spheres of life, and we are known to be full of confidence not found in many people. Nigerians are also very hopeful that “E go better” has become almost a national maxim. We do not just say it, we believe it and know it. Nigerians are resilient people and adaptable. Nigerians will go through fire as long as it will lead to growth and success. Hurdles for Nigerians are meant to be surmounted. Challenges make a man, and many have been made. How come we have found it difficult to expunge from our midst the curse of Boko Harm and other forms of violence?

The answer may not be farfetched, and it has the hand of the government in it. The government in the land at various time had not displayed significant willingness to get rid of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes against our people. And while people would have taken up the task of defending their lives and their property, the case that have gone through the government backed judiciary have always tilted in favour of the oppressors. In this climate, the poor masses know they are left in the hand of their enemies. This case is of particular concern and every reasonable person must show particular concern.

Nigeria is indeed a country of particular concern. We are deeply concerned that human rights are blatantly trampled underfoot, that the life of many worths almost nothing to the people in power. It is of deep concern to us that some people, hiding under religious toga felt they had the power to kill at will those who do not live like them or profess their faith. Such behaviours should concern anyone with reason. Our leaders are clueless and lacking in critical thinking and could not produce any solution to the myriads of the problems in the land. So, we should be concerned about this and do not need an American president to tell us that we are on the precipice – of destruction. If we are not concerned, then our humanity is seriously debased and in need of redemption.

That many of our people live below the poverty level should remind us that we have indeed become a nation of particular concern. If we have the green fertile land that we have been blessed with and could not grow enough food to feed ourselves, then something is wrong with us, and we should be concerned. If for whatever reason, we allow foreigners to dig our land and cart our mineral resources away in exchange for peanuts, something truly is wrong with us, and we are concerned. Common illness continue to take life and our educational system is still stuck in the 19th century.

After more than sixty years of Independence, we still need to import Steel, food, rubber, furniture from overseas. This is a matter of grave concern, and we must pay particular attention to it. While other nations are utilizing AI for research and optimum utilization of technology, we are still stuck in the analog world of machinery. No wonder our vehicles are still largely imported used vehicles. While AI powered equipment aid farming and military activities in advance nations, Most of our Agric is still subsistent farming with locals labouring with their hands under the heat of the day. If you are not concerned about this, then you need your brain checked for normalcy.

Since we have not been able to deal with the basic problems of life, defeating Boko Haram and other violent extremists cannot be of concern to inept leaders. At the same time, we cannot go to bed and sleep soundly. There is fire on the mountain and the news is not getting better.

Therefore, everyone who is concerned must rise up and do something about the current lack of security in the land. Doing something may be as simple as report suspicious movements, it may mean reporting nefarious activities, not just to the Police, but also to the community, so that all may know and mobilize their self-help protective measures. We should not allow ourselves to be paralyzed with fear. No matter how little, we must do something to protect ourselves. Our environment and neighbourhood need to be fortified and as many are being advised during this festive season, we need to cut our travels to the barest minimum. Our life should be of special concern to us and only when we recognize the gravity of the situation as such will we take necessary steps to secure ourselves and our property.

State governors must do more and now is the time to act. Now that helicopters are seen deployed in kidnapping people, the different apparatus of government can no longer be trusted. This is deeply concerning, and they must look for help from those who have the capabilities to help.

In the final analysis, our situation is of particular concern to us, and we do not need anyone to declare it for us. Until we can attack our problems immediately and defeat them or attend to our needs immediately instead of waiting for years, we remain a country of particular interest or concern.