Sir: In the courts of our hearts, we want to earnestly celebrate the memory of General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, but for fear of the establishment. Hence, we retreated from taking his name to the heroes’ throne.
In the courts of our hearts, we want to be like the Lebanese, whom, in spite of the fractious wars of the past still inter marry, Christians and Muslims. The Lebanese Muslims and Christians in our day – venerate the blessed virgin Mary and, attend the major religious festivals of either side, telling their children the stories of both sides. But in Nigeria, accidents of birth and faith consign many to the pit of Hell.
In the courts of our hearts, we want to be like John H. Johnson the deceased Founder, Chairman/CEO of Ebony Magazine who was nominated for a traditional title in Nigeria because of his contribution to black causes all over the world but sent in a beautifully worded reply clothed with many “thanks”, “am honoured,” “but I do not feel at ease to receive awards that I do not personally merit and deserve.”
Unlike Johnson, many Nigerians receive(d) honorary degrees, traditional titles and many other awards that they do not merit and deserve. In the courts of our hearts we want to avoid working at cross purposes. We want to appreciate diversity, like the people in the city of Auburn in
Australia, which makes Auburn one of the few places of choice for first time entrants into that country.
What won’t you find in Auburn? The City is home to many places of worship, Churches, Mosques, a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple and a Baha’i centre, side-by-side without bigotry.
As the challenge of providing security festers in Nigeria, multicultural groups and communities can share ideas, collaborate and strengthen networks to nip security threat in the bud.
We can still do better. The court on our hearts condemns us to do better.
•Simon Abah,
Port Harcourt,
Rivers State
