CORE VALUES FOR REBUILDING THE UNITY OF AMO LAND: (TIBO NWORU KIMAP MUNUATI)

                                              ABSTRACT

 

“In Amo land, dis-unity and backbiting continues to receive unpretentious social endorsement, while genuine industry and righteousness get scorned. In this land, the hitherto revered consciences of society and custodians and co-offers in the temple of Justice have conspired to betray Justice for a mesh of porridge. In the land, malice has climbed the high walls of the entire social structures including the sacrosanct wall of religious institutions. Hence, there is an aggressive need to rebuild the unity of the land as experienced in the time of Ugo Adana, Katura and etc.”

 

                                   INTRODUCTION

 

When the celebrated writer and a great sociologist Frantz Fanon postulated that “every generation of people out of relative obscurity discovers their mission and that they either fulfill or they betray it”. He was in fact, making a statement that neither restricted by geographical Jurisdiction nor limited by chronological calculations. That statement has universal applicability and gains even more currency in our land (Amo) of curious socio-political ironies and exciting economic contradictions which paved way for Dis-unity in the land. Ours is a society where there is the unholy amalgam between extreme abundance and intolerable want, between enviable wealth and unenviable misery.

Amo land is a nation where crime and criminality, dis-unity and back biting receive unpretentious social endorsement while genuine industry and righteousness get scorn. It is a hand where the hitherto revered consciences of society and custodians and co-offers in the temple of justice have conspired to betray justice for a mesh of porridge. Amo land is a nation where malice, bribery and corruption, killings of one another have climbed the high walls of the entire social structures including the sacrosanct wall of religious institutions and the judicial system. Interestingly, that is the same society the Amo under graduate is being prepared for. The Nation (Amo land) has fallen on its knees and requires re-building Thus even in the midst of these glooms, we should have a vision, we should have a vision of unity and forgiveness of one another in the land, a vision of a corrupt-free society, a vision of justice-oriented society, a vision of a society truly anchored on God. Here in lies the fulcrum of this essay.

 

This article is divided into different sections the section immediately succeeding this introductory part examines the conception of values in general and core values for rebuilding the unity of Amo land. The article then goes on to undertake an X-ray of the social situations in the country today, observing pervasive break down of civility and patterns of behavior required to move Amo land forward. The last section undertakes a glimpse into the future by calling for appropriate values for re-building the unity of Amo land.

 

                                CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION

 

Values may be defined as the highest ethical parameters, standards and Criteria through which individuals, groups and societies order their goals and determine their choices and judge their social life. Core values therefore provide dispassionate basic yardstick by which wrong and right postures or attitudes are decided in societal matters of an essentially holistic nature.

 

The concept of unity on the other hand may be define as the state or quality of being one; singleness. It may also mean the state or quality of being in accord; harmony or in agreement.

            The values required for rebuilding the unity of Amo land include the following;

-Removal of regional, clan identities and sectionalism -                                             ----Ability to identify sychophants

-True forgiveness

-Cooperation

-Self-denial

-Justice and fair play

-Honesty and impartiality.

 

                                 ISSUES AND PROSPECTS

 

As this article seeks to achieve an intellectual framework for the realization of the values out lined above, the land is once again, involved in the cyclical ritual of introspection and self-criticism. In the course of this debate, one can be rest assured that many of the land’s chronic I’ll will be exposed to public view. These maladies, which include large scale embezzlement of public funds, excessive display of materialism, mismanagement of national economy corrupt leadership and above all, killing of one another caused by malice and back biting, have contributed to the current state of under development in the land, despite the immense human  and material resources at her disposal.

            As we view these issues and their debilitating effects very seriously, it would be hard to disagree that they are symptomatic of more fundamental problem. This obvious problem is the inherent disharmony created by the imposition of the values and thought system of colonial experience on experiences of the past. From the turbulent of the present time; as it affects not only the condition of our nation but also of others which find themselves in similar circumstances. It may well be fair reflection to assume that real and meaningful development can occur only when this disjuncture is resolved and the indigenous systems and their values and social morality take a prominent position in shaping public policy and the management of public affairs.

 

There is an urgent need to broaden our conception of community to allow for different levels of association and affiliation at both national and regional levels. It is ironic that as the European states and similar continental blocs are moving even closer to economic and political union, Amo land is paying scant attention to the needs and advantages of integration. We must realize that our survival lies in the strength of our unity and any effort to accentuate our cleavages will serve only to reinforce our position as mere spectators on the global arena.

Another fundamental issue is the imperative of equity and justice in the management of public affairs. Those who find themselves in charge of running the affairs of the land must hold themselves in sacred trust, accountable to the people. Undoubtedly, no nation can endure and prosper where fair access to opportunities and resources are denied innovation and hard work go unrewarded and the circulation of national wealth is restricted to a handful of individuals as the majority of its citizenry dwell in object penury.

 

Let us look at the views of the following personalities and take them seriously in our quest for rebuilding the unity of Amo Land.

1.     Ciroma (1999) argued that “we must stop viewing politics as a game. Leadership is a great societal responsibilities and the process of choosing a leader must be handled responsibly”. Serious minded people, who have the interest of this land at heart, must come together in a strong alliance, to take part in the political process and help salvage the land. The group should be intellectually robust, politically astute, morally upright, imbued with the values and aspirations of their environment and enjoying full support of their communities. Only such groups will be able to build bridges, negotiate disputes, develop a broad consensus on issues and launch the Amo land on the part of stability and rapid development.

2.     Maitama Sule (1997) asserted, “Talking of economies and economic development, one cannot but admire the remarkable achievement of Japan, a country that was despised before the Second World War because of its low quality products. Today, Japan admittedly with the help of the west initially has emerged with a buoyant economy that is fast becoming a threat to the Western economy“. The secret of Japan’s development is her culture. He concluded by suggesting that Nigeria and I will also say Amo land should take a cue from Japan and go into “close door policy” to produce and utilize resources available in the country.

 

At a critical moment like this, it is apposite to ask if the purpose of our existence as apolitical community is served. Over four decades after we celebrated the transition from colonialism with so much fanfare, we remain fractioned and divided as ever by the primordialism of sectionalism, regionalism and religion. Our land remains prostrate and dependent with many people living in object poverty in a land that is otherwise so richly blessed. The levels of hunger, disease, ignorance, inequality unemployment and other indices of poverty have worsened considerably and are simply unacceptable in Amo land. The teeming thousands of unemployed youths are veritable reserve army for recruitment into militant ethnic militias and extremist religious fundamentalist groups.

 

In view of the above, we must be sensitive than ever before in the quest for rebuilding our unity in Amo land. In the words of Tafawa Balewa “Nigerians must continue to think and act in terms of belonging to one and only one Nigeria so that we could all succeed in our task of nation building”. There is need for the establishment of mutual respect and trust among all our regional groups and to unite in working together for the common course of rebuilding the unity of Amo land.

 

CORE VALUES FOR RE-BUILDING THE UNITY OF AMO LAND (TIBO NWORU KIMAP MUNUATI)

 


Amo land had three regions namely: Kitara, Kides and Kazuri (Runzu). However, amidst these regions there was unity in diversity as shown in the diagram below,                                      

                                                                                                              A (Kitara)   

 

                                                                                                    Amo Regions

 

                                  Kazuri (Runzu) C                                                                                                                        B (Kides)

         

Even though, the unity of Amo land has been distorted, this article attempt to provide the following as core values for rebuilding the unity of the land. Thus;

1.     REMOVAL OF REGIONAL CLAN IDENTITIES AND SECTIONALISM

Regional and Clan chauvinism and differences in sectional persuasions’ such as KITARA, KIDES and KAZURI (RUNZU) have played a negative role in matters of politics in Amo land from the past to the present. This situation has continued to persist because the process of evolution of Amo land as a single political entity has not yet been fully embraced by the various regions and sections in the land. Each regional political sub-unit still holds strongly to its individual identity. Because of this, power politics is now viewed or perceived as a contest between rival regional groups rather than political parties.

 

In an environment where poverty is widespread, access to political power in Amo land is seen as an opportunity to enrich oneself or better the living conditions of people from where such a leader comes from or his or her immediate family.

 

This explains why there is uneven development across the land in terms of employment opportunities, construction and maintenance of roads and social amenities such as electricity, water as well as health and educational institutions.

 

In view of the above, there is the need to sensitize the entire citizenry of Amo land towards Amo consciousness and unity in order to forge the development of the land. Therefore, we should all endeavor to sustain unity in Amo land in all ramifications. 

 

2.     IDENTIFICATION OF PSYCHOPHANTS

Sycophants are deadly personalities that derive pleasures in causing disharmony within the personal comfort of Amo people in general. If their attitudes are unchecked in Amo land, they will continue to dislocate, fractures and weakens the unity of the land and even make the efforts of those who have the Amo interest at heart in vain.

 

Even though, they are already causing cold war among our elites, but permit me to say they might even cause physical war in the land if they are unchecked. This is because of their selfish desire to extract money in the hands of our elites as easy and at all cost.

 

In view of the above, the clarion call to all Amo Elites is for them to be able to identify and expose all the sycophants who flood the streets with praises of the elites, they prostrate in hypocritical reverence to our elites licking and kissing their guts. Yet in their dungeons, they chant the uncharitable and un-intelligent things about them.

 

3.     TRUE FORGIVENESS

Another factor that encouraged hostility, suspicion and distrust among the various segments of AMO LAND and thus limiting the possibilities of extensive social integration and unity in Amo land is lack of true forgiveness among some elites. Malice has climbed the walls of the entire social structure including the sacrosanct walls of religious institutions in the land.

 

Some elites have failed to acquire the virtues of forgiven those who have done wrong against them for quite a longtime. They continue to nurture and nourish this enmity from generation to generation to their children`s children thereby making unity and peaceful co-existence unattainable and as a mirage in the land. This is evident in the various Amo palies upon Amo palies organized by the UGO KISSORO NAMAP, which yielded no positive results.

 

Therefore, my passionate appeal to this set of people in the land is to “let bygone be bygone” and to also “allow the sleeping dog lie”, I also want to call their attention to one of the holy books that said; “God will forgive us our wrongs, when we forgive others”. Hence, as we put on our sociological imagination caps, we will realize that God’s forgiveness is conditional. So a return to true forgiveness in totality is one of the means in which we can cripple all the forces that fragments the unity of Amo people for our brighter future.

4. Cooperation

A cooperative interaction occurs when people act together to promote common interests or achieve shared goals. For instance, members of a basket ball teams pass to one another to achieve a common goal of winning the game. Likewise, family members cooperate to promote their interest as a family and students cooperate by studying together for tests.

 

The above example has universal applicability and gains even more currency in Amo Land where dis-unity and back-biting receive unpretentious social endorsement while genuine industry and righteousness get scorn. Therefore, Amo people must act together to promote a common interest or achieve shared goals for a positive development in our father’s land.

 

For unity to be achieved in Amo land, we must maintain a “razor-edged focus” by cooperating with one another, even when responses were disappointing. We should keep faith the Almighty God will “make our good better, and our better, best”.

5.     JUSTICE AND FAIR PLAY

This is a key value because only through commitment to justice and fair play can guarantee harmonious and peaceful society.

 

6.     HONESTY AND IMPARTIALITY

We must show impartiality in terms of employment opportunities, admissions into various institutions of learning, appointment into public offices and equal opportunities to contest in an election, and above all equal opportunities to vote and be voted for, in an election. Without family, regional and any other parochial interest in the land will continue to increase.

 

There is no leadership that can be successful if it is corrupt, deceitful or discriminatory. If needs also be understood by our future leaders that power is a trust from society and that its exercise demands accountability. Consequently, accountability has both an intrinsic worth and a restraining influence in that it strength the resolve of leaders to act within the provisions of law and etiquette.

 

7.     Self Denial

The self represents the sum total of people’s conscious perception of their own identity as distinct from other. The self is not a static phenomenon but continues to develop and change throughout our lives. For instance, as new statuses are occupied, old ones are abandoned. A social identity is the total of all the statuses that define an individual. The individual develops and modifies a sense of the self as a result of social interaction (Gecas, 1982).

 

Self-denial also requires emphasis. This is particularly important in a situation where hedonism and easy living have all but threatened the very existence of high virtues such as sacrifice and abstinence.

 

It is pertinent to note that the values required for re-building the unity of Amo land are no doubt inconvenient and tantamount to self-inflicted deprivation by the elite, who are used to easy life and absence of a core morality. It has to be admitted that steps towards realizing the ideals are hereby suggested to begin immediately with a total ethical and self orientation in all facets of our lands life.

 

In the words of Tafawa Balewa; “Nigerians must continue to think and act in terms of belonging to one and only one Nigeria so that we could all succeed in our task of nation building”. There is need for us to create a better understanding of our selves, to establish mutual respect and trust among all our regional (Kitara, Kedes and Kazuri (Runzu)) groups and to unite in working together for the common course of re-building the unity of Amo land.

 

The foundation which the new society system would be build is unity of purpose and harmony with a view to building a new Amo land whose value articulations will transcend selfish and parochial identification. This new Amo land will be liberated from the decadent ethics of sectionalism, disunity and malice.

 

Recommendations

We must be committed to evolving Amo land that would be regulated by a body of laws, which suits the majority of Amo people in their everyday life.

 

The laws should be such that can strengthen our culture, facilitate the orientation of the way of life of the ordinary Amo man. This would constitute a deliberate departure from an arrangement, which saps the vitality of our culture causes the atomization of Amo land, undermines the possibilities of integrating the land both vertically and horizontally and creates a way of life which suits all segments and regions of the land.

 

Establishment of an appropriate framework for the positive mobilization and education of all Amo people, towards economic recovery and development of all the people in the land.

 

Inculcate in all the land, the value and spirit of civic responsibility and commitment to social justice through mobilization and harnessing of their energies and human resources into productive uses. 

 

Propagate the need to eschew all vices in public life including dishonesty, disunity, malice back biting, killings and religious bigotry.

 

Propagate the virtues of hard work, honesty commitment to and promotion of Amo integration and above all inculcate the virtues of patriotism and positive participation in Amo affairs.

 

The recommendations suggested here are not exhaustive but could serve as propellants to repositioning Amo land for a better tomorrow where we would live happily in an atmosphere of socio-economic and political Eldorado amid Jocundity.

 

   CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we cannot fail to re-affirm that this work seeks to achieve an intellectual framework for the realization of the core values for rebuilding the unity of Amo land as outline above. Amo land is once again, involved in the cyclical ritual of introspection and self criticism. This is because of the maladies which include, dis-unity caused by lack of true forgiveness, regional and clan, identities, sectionalism, lack of cooperation and self denial, lack of honesty and impartiality above all attitudes of sycophants have all contributed to the current state of Amo land’s underdevelopment, despite the immense human  and material resources at her disposal.

 

My task was to correct wrong impressions about works done by some people that we cannot re-build the unity of Amo-land. That is exactly the impression I tried to remove in this article. Now, Judge me as you put on your sociological imagination cap. Ask questions, argue, disagree, and criticize. However, I challenge you not tear the article or refuse the ideas. It reflects my opinion or someone’s opinion and level of thought. May the Almighty God make our good, better and our better best.

 

REFERENCES

Gboyega, A. (1987). Political Values and Local Government Vision in Nigeria.

Lagos Malthouse Press.

Okadigbo, C. (1987) Power and Leadership in Nigeria.

          Enugu: Fourth Dimension

Onage, F. (1993). Nigeria The Way Forward. Ibadan Spectrum.

Tukur, M and Tunji, O. (1971). Nigeria in Search of a Viable Polity. Zaria.

Jos Journal of Social Issues. Volume 3, 1999. Published by Sociology               

 Department. University of Jos, Jos Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

                                               Written by Mr. Jonathan Amos Timbau.

B.Sc., M.Sc.Sociology.  First Executive Secretary of AMONSA