Borno also known as yerwa by its locals (the birth place of boko haram) has long since been a crucial player in Nigerias history. Its rich history could be traced back to the emergence of the kanem- Bornu empire in the 1st century.Prior to the insurgency that left the city a shadow of its former self, it has been a a choice for many fun seeking tourist as it embodies in itself a lifelong heritage and history ranging from the lake chad to the beautiful hills of gwoza this city has and will continue to awe its visitors. It has sheltered millions of Nigerians of different tribes and ethnic groups. The kanuris have been known for their hospitable and peace loving nature no wonder they choose to give their land the slogan "the home of peace".
It is rather disheartening that their so called 'brother states' who had once tapped from the flourishing goodies of the land to at this crucial time help in its restoration efforts has decided to tow the path of the 'levites'. As if this is not enough they are now throwing stones at them and subjecting them to all manner of derogatory remarks as if to say they are the architects of their perils.
It is no longer a case that whenever someone identifies himself as a resident of Maiduguri or any of the northern states they are subjected to a very stern and cautious look in addition to their bags and luggages being searched thoroughly searched. To make matters worst they are kept apart from their fellow Nigerians.
It is no longer a case that myself (an Igbo breed in the north) breed in the north, during one of my visits to lagos then as an undergraduate student of the University of Maiduguri. After being questioned by security officials for taking a snapshot of the facade of the Nigerian Stock Exchange building building was subjected to a very brutal investigation for the singular fact that my I.d card revealed that am from Maiduguri.
Just when I was getting used to the whole thing, I was oppourtuned to attend a church in the same lagos , during their testimony session a young man walked to the podium and testified of how God saved him from behind transferred to kano by his employees. I was left stupefied by this testimony and I said to myself when will all these discrimination end? I then realized that I needed to do something in my own little way and the only way was to pick up my pen.
My advice to Nigerians
The battle against insurgency cannot be won with our hand s tied to ourselves. When the apartheid mongers tried to cause havoc in south Africa they never tied their hands.The Berlin wall was brought down by the common resolve of the Germans.When we wrestled our way to freedom from the colonialist it wasn't done with our hands tied to ourselves so therefore let us all come together and fight for the common good of our land and stop this discrimination!.
I must commend the administration of HE President Muhammadu Buhari for his resolve,dedication and commitment in the fight against terrorism and his decision to appoint two illustrious sons of the state as service chiefs as it go a long way in promoting the state and the region at large and more so the efficiency and effectiveness of the armed forces as sons of the soil they know the terrain very well.
By Joshua Jesse Kelvin Twitter handle @realDrjj
