The word sojourn may sound very big for some people but we are no
stranger to the situation in Nigeria where people pay less attention to
unity and togetherness rather they find refuge in aligning with their
kin mainly along tribal and religious lines, universally accepted norms
and values of civility and relationship with fellow humankind is a mere
fallacy to some people. Who is to be blamed for this major digression
from unity and tolerating fellow humans? The answer to this question is
quite complicated, looking at the ordeals that various minority tribes
have passed through over the years and the post independence era in Nigeria e.g the Nazi government lead by the FUHRER ADOLF HITLER embarked on an onslaught to purge Jews
in Germany, led to the premature death of over 6 million innocent Jews
and non Nazi Germans. We should ask ourselves a pertinent question in
this regard, if peradventure considering the crimes committed against
the Jewish nation ,now over 30 years later, who should a Jew believe or trust more? a Nazi or his fellow Jew?
If the affirmative answer is to the latter then you are absolutely
correct, it is psychological and the supreme rule of self preservation.
Or it may be love and overzealous proclivity to issues that relates to
tribe,religion and race.
Coming down to Nigeria
our home sweet home Nigeria, We naturally seem to be tribalistic and
clannish, but the truth is that it was passed on from generations to
generations, on the issue of tribalism and religious sentiments, parents
have passed on a dangerous legacy to their descendants by pitching a
tribe or religion as their generational enemies and this will be passed
on from generation to generation. A very good example of this is the Jos
crises which has led to the death of thousands, the continuous unending
violence between Christians and Muslims
is partly as a result of eroded generational legacies been passed on
from generation to generation. The once beautiful city of Jos is now
sharply divided along religious and tribal lines, a particular tribe or
religion find it difficult to venture into the community of the other
side if he or she does take the risk been subjected to harassment or to
pay the ultimate price.
In addition the founding fathers of the nation Nigeria
really got it wrong when policies to deprive Nigerians based on the
religion they practice and the language they speak or where they come
was put in the front burner. A good example is the Northernization
policy of the former premier of the Northern region of Nigeria Sir
Ahmadu Bello or Biafra by Odumegu Ojukwu.
When i was posted to Niger state Nigeria for
my [N.Y.S.C] National youth service corp, though i was not really happy
even if i crave for adventure and fun i never thought there will be any
fun or adventure to be had in Niger state, i was really bitter,
although i have visited some states in the north but have never been to
Niger state before but any way i had no choice but to serve my nation
wherever i was posted to i couldn't attempt the re-posting or else my
exposition of the experience i had in Niger state would not have been
documented.
My
journey to the wilderness started at the dreaded JEBBA-MOKWA federal
high way, my ordeal on the road was enough to call off service
[N.Y.S.C]. By the graciousness and the mercies of God i arrived Minna
and thereafter the [N.Y.S.C] orientation camp in Paiko, Paikoro local
government of Niger state at first camp doesn't seem bad , people of
diverse tribes and religion were all there it was easy to make friends.
After the orientation camp comes the posting the real task i have been scared of the people of Niger state are predominantly Muslims
and i am a christian, and with the stories we hear about religious
riots in northern states how am i going to live and stay for one year
with the fear that one day i may be caught in one of these riot..
Fortunately
it turned out entirely different, at my office along Pkakungu Bida
road, amongst all the staff and N.Y.S.C members i was the only
christian, but i was rarely intimidated or harassed, my boss the of my
department played an important role in shaping my life after service he
became my model to living amongst people even if he is a practicing Muslim and of the Nupe tribe, i began to learn the bitter truth that the people in norther Nigeria are not as bad as the southerners see and perceive them. my boss placed a brotherly trust on me and i never failed him.
All
my colleagues in the office made me feel relaxed, at home and
protected, they were generous to me, i enjoyed serving among loving
people it felt as if service should not end, i almost stayed back in
Niger state after service.
I
will be pardoned to assert that based on my experience and my sojourn
in Niger state, the people are the most religiously tolerant and
interesting northern state in Nigeria.
Let us always remember that we are all humans before we started learning about the ways of our God and religion.
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