Peace in Nigeria

As we march in favour of democracy & development, let us not presume that the troubled peace in our country will self-resolve. Yet, this seems to be the general direction if not tendency we seem to be headed. Wrong, very wrong.

First off, we are not agreed on the root causes of the problem. Second, the forces of unity are at once rooted and floating! They want a big and bold country, bonded in egalitarian democracy but are not ready for full and fulfilling federalism. Third, we are disabling and dis-enabling our vibrant youth population, it's just mind-boggling and baffling. Fourth, we have ignored Nigerian women in nation building: can you beat that? Finally, the politicians are misusing both religion and ethnicity (two of our most cherished gems and core values) in blind pursuit of personal ambitions and unbridled brigandage. The result is the shame-soaked badge of worsening corruption and deepening poverty.

Tackle these at base and get on the firm path to democracy, development and peace - enduring peace.

Who will take us there? The political class, nudged by elders, battled by civil society, supported by the international community. The arrowhead? National Assembly.

Monitored and recorded by the Nigerian Media - fearlessly, robustly and patriotically.

The Vatican was wise in taking steps to calm frayed nerves and assuage sensibilities over the Papal Lecture quotes. Three sorry's and clarifications in a row, with the Holy Father's personal regrets over the controversy, is not only unprecedented but profoundly significant.

The voices for peace rightly raised by some leaders in the moslem world are welcomed. The protests and attacks should stop. Let's have a cease-fire now. No further escalations, please.

On both sides of the divide (we hope there be no divide, for the sake of our common good), let there be continued sensitivity and unbroken dialogue. And dialogue there must be.

Christianity and Islam must work, not only together but, with other religions and faith bodies to make our world a better, safer and more contemplative place.

Peaceful cohabitation is both imperative and inevitable. It is profitable. Pray, it is the basis of our common humanity, and must be guarded and guided sensitively, jealously and creatively. That is why we're, all of us, together in the United Nations.

May we have the courage to make, build and keep the precious peace our lives and our world so direly and promptly need.

Amen.