By Chris Onuoha

CATHOLIC PRIEST, Reverend Father John Damian Adizie OCD, has called on all Nigerians to embrace peace and observe restraint in volatile situations such as the IPOB and Nigerian security personnel matter happening in the country as the world all over marks ‘World Peace Day’ today.

Reverend Father John Damian Adizie OCD

The clergyman who expressed concern about the current security situation in the country made this remarks in his Apostolate domain, Adoration Praying Ministry in Ekpoma, Edo State, stating that there’s a lot of devastating issues ravaging the world today that include global economic recession, hunger in the land, escalating crime rate, ethnic wars, global natural disasters, and the IPOB secession drive among others that the world is trying to contain with.

He said, “If there is anything the world need most, it is peace.  If there is anything the government should invest more, it is on peace. If there is any message the men of God should never get tired of preaching on, it is the message of peace. Peace is the most precious value on earth. It is the foundation of national development. Without peace there will be no development.”

While referencing on the United Nation’s General assembly’s reflection on the value of peace, Fr. Adizie stated that that there’s need for the world body to address the core issues and challenges threatening peaceful co-existence of individuals living in the world today. He also challenged Nigerians to think inwards towards developmental agenda and eschew sentimental rancor that can only bring doom and regrets to the entire nation.

According to him, “September 21 every year is observed as International Day of Peace. A day set aside by the UN general assembly to reflect on the value of peace. With the theme; ‘Together for peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity’ this is not just pregnant with meaning but it also highlights the essential principles of peace as ultimate value. Peace is not a one man show. A tree can never make a forest. There will be no lasting peace unless everyone in the society decides to embrace it.

“If I may ask, does the development in Nigeria focuses on the wellbeing of people? Can we confidently say that a nation or a state that destroys people’s houses and other means of livelihood in place of structural developments focuses on the people? What of a nation where some tribes are favoured over and above other tribes? Is a nation where some citizens are getting richer whereas others are getting poorer still a peaceful nation? Is a nation where some citizens believe that they are born to rule why others are not even carried along, still a peaceful nation? All these questions constitute a simple answer which is innate peace made possible by harmonious co-existence.” Fr. Adizie said.

Speaking further, he shed more light on an adoptable peace processes that include ‘peace through respect of one another and observance of one’s civil rights, Peace for safety of people’s life and properties, Peace as Dignity for all, saying if only the people can observe simple philosophy like these, then the world will be a better place for all.

“There is tension in our world today. Most countries are beginning to beat war drum. They are no longer interested in peaceful co-existence. When the traditional Jews started beating their own war drum, Jesus Christ cried for Jerusalem, saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for Peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:41-42). Unfortunately, the Jews did not pay attention to this warning. In 70 AD they faced the repercussion. Jerusalem was finally destroyed by the Romans.

“Most Countries in the world today, especially Nigeria, have started beating their own war drum. I doubt if they know the importance of peace and the consequences of war. If ASUU knows the importance of peace they will not be using indefinite strike to frustrate innocent students. If the political leaders know the importance of peace they will not delay in paying workers’ salaries. They will not even wait to see the pensioners dying of hunger. By the way, apart from strike and agitations what other language does the Nigerian government understands?

“If political and religious leaders know the importance of peace they will not ignore the youths. They will ensure that the youths are gainfully employed and empowered. If Men of God and other religious leaders know the importance of peace they will not be indifferent in the face of injustice and oppressions.

“If the IPOB knows the importance of peace they will not deny their true identity, thereby claiming to be of Jewish origin and trying to impose Judaism on others all in the name of secession. After all, Republic or Independence is the ability to exist “economically” and politically without depending on other nations not trying to use all kinds of lies and propaganda to get the attention foreigners. If the Government knows the importance of peace they will not be using military force to harass and intimidate their citizens, they will apply dialogue first.

“I hereby appeal to my fellow Nigerians, Let there be peace in our families, in our government, schools and places of studies, business centers, even in our churches, mosque and plac