The trite tradition is that, everybody (especially the Christians), begins to jingle the bells, resoundingly, in celebration of the Christ whom they believe in, as demands their faith every 25th, December.
Over the years, the good people of Nigeria, whether Christian or not, have joined in this supposed Christmas celebration, as a way of ending the year.
This celebration comes with persons, the high and mighty, wining and dining together, from house to house. It is without doubt that this act, fosters unity, peace, love and tranquillity amongst the people.
But the question we should ask ourselves is, how do we merry the Christmas when the economy of the country is at a nadir? How do we merry when there is hunger in the land? How do we merry when perversion of justice is on the rise in the country? How do we merry when the people are arbitrarily and unconstitutionally detained? How do we jingle the bells when there is no food to eat and water to drink? How do we merry when the people are subjected to inhumane and dehumanizing treatments? How do we merry when the national cake that ought to be used for merriment have been carted away by a few?
The Nigerian government have yet again stolen and thwarted the joy, love, unity and peace the people enjoy during this festive season with their draconian policies, constant borrowings, illegal arrest and arbitrary detention, all for their selfish gains and misuse of power.
These acts have only placed the good people of Nigeria in a precarious state.
The date has been set aside, the age long tradition cannot be broken. The people can only but merry amidst hunger, squalor, pains and grief.
Just as the Christians would say, ALL WILL BE WELL, someday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
JOSEPH ALIU is an Oou Law Undergradute, Human Rights Activist, Good Governance Advocate and can be reached via aliujoseph085@gmail.com
