Growing up as a child in a serene African community where hospitality was a compulsory virtue, and commensality was not a favor but a habit, I remember how we would run to the homes of our Muslim neighbors on Sallah day to eat ram, with all sense of entitlement. Yes, you heard. it was with all sense of entitlement, knowing that on Christmas day, they too would run to our homes to eat rice and chicken, or cow meat, as the case may be.
It was such a peaceful communal living until the devilish and power-hungry politicians tore us apart, not only along religious line, but also political and ethnic lines as well. Now, how many Muslims can heartily wish the Christian neighbors “Happy Christmas!”? And how many Christians can heartily do same to the Muslims among them, especially in the present day Nigeria of lip-service? Religious intolerance, political rivalry, tribal sentiments, hate…just name it!
Time to wake up from our slumber! Allow me to quote from the song: #FriendsByEliel…
“Let’s be friends.
Forget the ugly trends.
Humanity first!”
How apt. Let’s begin to use our heads and not our stomaches in deciding who to lead us. A new Nigeria is possible. And we will become “Nigerians” first before our tribal, religious or political identities. After all, the politicians do not consider their tribe, religion or even political parties when they gather to loot our commonwealth.
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