• Main News
  • About Us
  • Contact
Premium Times Opinion
Sunday, June 26, 2022
  • Home
  • Democracy and Governance
    • Bámidélé Upfront
    • Jibrin Ibrahim
    • Okey Ndibe
  • Economy
    • Ifeanyi Uddin
  • Issues of the Day
    • Adeolu Ademoyo
    • Aribisala on Tuesday
    • Dele Agekameh
    • Pius Adesanmi
  • Politics
    • Ebeneezer Obadare
    • Femi Fani-Kayode
    • Garba Shehu
    • Hannatu Musawa
    • Zainab Suleiman Okino
  • Guest Columns
  • Faith
    • Article of Faith
    • Sunday Ogidigbo
    • Friday Sermon
    • Elevated Sight
  • Home
  • Democracy and Governance
    • Bámidélé Upfront
    • Jibrin Ibrahim
    • Okey Ndibe
  • Economy
    • Ifeanyi Uddin
  • Issues of the Day
    • Adeolu Ademoyo
    • Aribisala on Tuesday
    • Dele Agekameh
    • Pius Adesanmi
  • Politics
    • Ebeneezer Obadare
    • Femi Fani-Kayode
    • Garba Shehu
    • Hannatu Musawa
    • Zainab Suleiman Okino
  • Guest Columns
  • Faith
    • Article of Faith
    • Sunday Ogidigbo
    • Friday Sermon
    • Elevated Sight
No Result
View All Result
Premium Times Opinion
Home Guest Columns

#BringBackOurGirls: Psychological Terrorists or Peace Warriors, By Fatima K. Mohammed

by Premium Times
August 6, 2014
5 min read
2

“Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.”

– Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that was developed in the early 1900s by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O’ Sensei. Translated into English, “AI” stands for harmony, “KI” is the universal energy and “DO” translates into the way. It can therefore be understood as  “The Way of Harmony of the Spirit”.

Unlike other martial arts, Aikido practices a strict rule of discipline and non-violence; it teaches self-defence by controlling and redirecting the violent energy of an attack away from oneself and directing it towards the aggressor while protecting the attacker in the process. The strength with which this can be achieved is to align body and mind with the spirit or through what is known as the ki, which can be understood as energy.  The ki can be mobilised internally from oneself and that of ones partner. The idea behind this is that ki or energy exists in all things and can be built upon or strengthened by going through different processes. The technique is not for fighting the enemy or defeating but for caring for oneself and also the other, and by extension the world around us.Although Aikido has gone through many evolutions since its geneses, and different styles and interpretations exist today; its fundamentals lay in the promotion of non-violence, peace and harmony. Practitioners are often referred to as ‘Peaceful Warriors’ with principles that include non-resistance to force and emotional non-reaction.

I discovered Aikido during a Peace Studies course, which taught me how to become a ‘Peaceful Warrior’ by taking an attack that is coming and re-directing it to a more harmonious action and a peaceful resolution. When one thinks of Aikido in practical terms, it is it is evident that for the ‘Peaceful Warrior’, size does not matter; it is not about power or might, but about control, focus, discipline and humility. That is why Aikido is studied by diverse fields as a practical tool for social change and personal development.

When the #BringBackOurGirls demonstrations started back in April this year, many of those who joined came out with the sincerity of concerned citizens; unlike the Occupy Nigeria protests and Labour Unions demonstrations, for the first time it was about speaking up and out against what happened to the other, acknowledging that if I do not speak up tomorrow it could be me. Nigerians were coming out to demand for the release of over 200 hundred young girls from a remote local government in North Eastern Borno, unheard of by many prior to the abductions.

Fuelled by the inaction over the senseless murder of dozens of school boys in Bani Yadi and the hundreds that have and continue to be abducted, maimed, and killed for no apparent reason or cause; Nigerians were angry, Nigerians were tired, Nigerians were exercising their rights to freedom of expression, freedom to assemble freely, and freedom of movement as laid out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

They were demanding for accountability for the government to carry out its constitutional responsibility to protect and secure the welfare of each and every citizen of this great nation. They were demanding for social change, and action against the injustice and lack of concern demonstrated after the abductions. Then the unpredictable happened, and the world stood up for us; from politicians to superstars, from renowned activists to the ordinary citizen, across the world people were screaming #BringBackOurGirls!

And then it finally caught the attention our leadership, who even questioned that the kidnappings actually happened in the first place. BBOG’s perseverance led to the acknowledgement and eventual meeting with the Chibok community and some of the girls who escaped. Yet instead of acknowledging the efforts of these brave citizens, they are labeled as ‘psychological terrorists’. An accusation that is so wrong on so many levels, not only because it is simply baseless and unjustifiable but because it is discourteous to every citizen that supports and sympathises with the cause.

Violence be it physical or verbal is still violence and violent words and accusations only fuels rancor and animosity. When statements come out from the highest most respectable office of the nation it should reflect the character of that office. A successful government is one that listens to its citizens and gives them priority over all else. The way it engages with the population shows its capacity and level of sophistication. Using violent communication only reveals a dearth in communication and leadership skills. The objective of BBOG’s advocacy and its daily sit outs have been questioned and the nonchalant attitude of ‘nothing being achieved – they will get tired and go home’ has been nurtured through criticism and reproach.

Yet despite the accusations and name calling, despite the dununciations and threats these citizens continue to come out. Time and time again the BBOG advocacy group has proven that it is a non-violent citizens movement with a singular purpose – to get those innocent girls rescued – a justified cause by any standards. It has responded by continuing its advocacy through various means including its daily sit outs which openly welcome anyone and everyone who sympathises with the issue; demonstrating a level transparency that has become rare in our current society. Everyday before commencing citizens pray for the nation:

“Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause, guide our leaders right, help the youth the truth to know…to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”.

And through its relentlessness, this open group has raised unprecedented awareness on an issue that otherwise would just have been swept under the rug like others before it. These Nigerian citizens have not gone home, have refused to go home, will not go home come rain or shine until something is done. This is a new breed of Nigerians who have chosen to persevere against all odds because they are simply tired of the status quo. I deserve better, they deserve better, we all deserve better.

Therefore instead of challenging it and labeling them as the opposition and critics of the government, they should be embraced and applauded for their courage. BBOG has shown the capacity, resilience, and tenacity of Nigerians to not only endure difficulties, but to stand up for each other and be a brother’s keeper; a concept that is woven into the very fabric of African cultures – the spirit of Ubuntu, I am because we are – putting aside religion, ethnicity or tribe or any other affiliation which unfortunately is becoming increasing alien to the current Nigerian psyche.

An open advocacy group like BBOG and others that will spring up having being inspired by this one is a step in the right direction towards carving a course for a new Nigeria. And each and every person who has shown solidarity particularly those who come out every day against all odds and despite other commitments should be commended for standing for our collective humanity.

BBOG has shown that there are still Nigerians who believe in a new Nigeria and if there is anything that they should be accused of, it should be of being ‘Peaceful Warriors’. Because BBOG is certainly not about one person, it is about over 200 innocent girls from Chibok and every innocent child, woman and man that has suffered in the hands of the insurgents and from violence. It is not about selfish interests, it is about our shared humanity, it is about empathy and the compassion that we should have towards one another. Its about sincerity, discipline and sacrifice and the optimism that there is hope in humanity, that we have been created into peoples and nations so that we may get to know one another, and that our diversity unites us first as Human beings and then as Nigerians. It is not about politics, it is about integrity and upholding moral and ethical principles, it is about the conviction to stand for what is right and the respect we should have for one another despite our differences.

And most certainly it is not about criticizing the government or our leadership. It is about being Nigerian and pledging our allegiance to our country “to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria will all our strength, to defend her unity, uphold her honour and glory, so help us God”!

Fatima Kyari Mohammed is a peace advocate and development consultant. She is currently a senior expert with West Africa Conflict and Security (WACAS) Consulting part of the INCAS Consulting Ltd (Valetta) Family (www.wacasconsulting.org). She is also co-founder and coordinator of the LikeMinds Project, Nigeria (www.likemindsproject.org). 

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Print
  • More
  • Pocket
  • Share on Tumblr

Related

Previous Post

Our Priority is to Rescue the Girls, By Reuben Abati

Next Post

The Bigotry Against Aregbesola, By Yemi Osibajo

Related Posts

Zamfara Gold As Commonwealth, By Zailani Bappa
Opinion

Sheikh Gumi, Governor Matawalle and the Sands of Time, By Zailani Bappa

February 2, 2021
June 12 As Democracy Day Needs To Be Reconsidered, By Bashir Tofa
Opinion

The Need To Act Now To Stop the Ethnic Conflagration!, By Bashir Othman Tofa

February 2, 2021
Kofi Annan: In Service of the World, By Ejeviome Eloho Otobo & Oseloka H. Obaze
Opinion

Biden’s Likely Policy Orientation Toward Africa, By Ejeviome E. Otobo and Oseloka H. Obaze

February 2, 2021
Agenda for ‘Born Again’ JAMB and TETFUND, By Tunde Musibau Akanni
Opinion

Oyeweso, A Celebrated Historian, Ascends the Sixth Floor, By Tunde Akanni

February 2, 2021
Before Nigeria Burns, By Akin Fadeyi
Opinion

Is President Buhari Presiding Over the Last United Nigeria?, By Akin Fadeyi

February 2, 2021
On A Soyinka Prize In ‘Illiteracy’, By Biko Agozino
Opinion

Obasanjo: Only Those Who Did Not Do Well Went Into the Military, By Biko Agozino

February 1, 2021
Next Post
The Bigotry Against Aregbesola, By Yemi Osibajo

The Bigotry Against Aregbesola, By Yemi Osibajo

Different Shades of a National Identity, By Hussaina Ishaya Audu

Time to Take a Stand, By Hussaina Ishaya Audu

Editorial

  • EDITORIAL: The Urgency of Tackling Nigeria’s Second Wave of COVID-19

    EDITORIAL: The Urgency of Tackling Nigeria’s Second Wave of COVID-19

  • EDITORIAL: Unearthing the Cogent Lessons In the NESG-CBN Economic Policy Imbroglio

    EDITORIAL: Unearthing the Cogent Lessons In the NESG-CBN Economic Policy Imbroglio

  • EDITORIAL: COVID-19: Calling On Nigeria’s Billionaires and Religious Leaders To Step Up

    EDITORIAL: COVID-19: Calling On Nigeria’s Billionaires and Religious Leaders To Step Up

  • EDITORIAL: Bichi Must Go; Buhari Must Halt Slide Into Despotism

    EDITORIAL: Bichi Must Go; Buhari Must Halt Slide Into Despotism

  • EDITORIAL: The Flaws In Governor Emefiele’s Five-Year Plan For Central Bank of Nigeria

    EDITORIAL: The Flaws In Governor Emefiele’s Five-Year Plan For Central Bank of Nigeria

Subscribe to our Opinion articles via email

Enter your email address to get notifications of new opinion articles as they are published.

Join 526,540 other subscribers

Most Popular

  • More Fiction than Reality: Anambra’s Purported ‘Golden’ Finances and Grand Legacy of the Obi Era, By Fidelis Nwangwu
    More Fiction than Reality: Anambra’s Purported ‘Golden’ Finances and Grand Legacy of the Obi Era, By Fidelis Nwangwu
  • The Bad Consequences and Dangers of Adultery and Fornication (Zina) In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
    The Bad Consequences and Dangers of Adultery and Fornication (Zina) In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
  • The Qualities of a Good Leader In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
    The Qualities of a Good Leader In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
  • Islam and the Conditions For Marrying More Than One Wife, By Murtadha Gusau
    Islam and the Conditions For Marrying More Than One Wife, By Murtadha Gusau
  • You Will Be Held Responsible On What Happened To Your Children!, By Murtadha Gusau
    You Will Be Held Responsible On What Happened To Your Children!, By Murtadha Gusau
  • World Teachers Day and The Position of Teachers In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
    World Teachers Day and The Position of Teachers In Islam, By Murtadha Gusau
  • Showing Gratitude To Allah For His Bounties, Blessings and Favours, By Murtadha Gusau
    Showing Gratitude To Allah For His Bounties, Blessings and Favours, By Murtadha Gusau

Like us on Facebook

Like us on Facebook

Podcasts

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

  • Main News
  • About Us
  • Contact

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Democracy and Governance
    • Bámidélé Upfront
    • Jibrin Ibrahim
    • Okey Ndibe
  • Economy
    • Ifeanyi Uddin
  • Issues of the Day
    • Adeolu Ademoyo
    • Aribisala on Tuesday
    • Dele Agekameh
    • Pius Adesanmi
  • Politics
    • Ebeneezer Obadare
    • Femi Fani-Kayode
    • Garba Shehu
    • Hannatu Musawa
    • Zainab Suleiman Okino
  • Guest Columns
  • Faith
    • Article of Faith
    • Sunday Ogidigbo
    • Friday Sermon
    • Elevated Sight

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.