Open Letter To President Bola Tinubu On 2024 International Day Of Peace – By UN-POLAC

This is an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria, on the 2024 International Day of Peace with the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” by the Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC):

His Excellency
Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Villa
Abuja.

September 21, 2024.

Dear President Bola Tinubu,

URGENT NEED TO CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF PEACE IN NIGERIA

“Wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”

Your excellency sir: On this International Day of Peace, we extend our warm regards and goodwill to you, Mr. President and hope that this letter finds you in peace and good health.
We are writing to you with deep concern over the state of Peace and Security in our beloved country, Nigeria.

From the office of the Country President of the United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre, (UN-POLAC), Amb. Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, we join the United Nations, UNESCO and global community in promoting peace and reconciliation and extend our wishes of peace to Nigeria.

We acknowledge your efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the nation, particularly your recent call to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to maintain peace and unity. We appreciate you had directed Vice President Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation to 79th UN General Assembly this year, so you could focus on Nigerian domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges.

Today, while the world marks the United Nations 2024 International Day of Peace, with the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” we at the United Nations – POLAC celebrate and wish to reinstate and re-emphasize to you, your excellency, the importance of cultivating a culture of peace in our nation, Nigeria.

Key Pillars for Cultivating a Culture of Peace are as follows:

• Promoting Dialogue and Understanding by encouraging open communication among diverse groups to foster mutual respect.
• Addressing Inequality and Justice by ensuring equal opportunities and addressing social injustices.
• Fostering Education and Awareness by educating citizens on peace building-and conflict resolution.

We thus urge your administration to prioritize these pillars, ensuring Nigeria becomes a beacon of peace and harmony.

The Country President of UN-POLAC, Amb. Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has called on everyone, “especially Nigerians to be calm and embrace Peace against the background of the nation’s security challenges and national protests in the Nation.”

It’s time for peace to reign in Nigeria, Africa and on the entire planet earth, it’s time to embrace enduring peace, as God our Creator planned the earth to be in the beginning. “..And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (KJV) …Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! “(NIV) Genesis 1:31.

Each year, the International Day of Peace is marked globally as the UN General Assembly has proclaimed this day dedicated to fortifying the principles of peace. Prof. Adesanya-Davies says, “It’s time to maintain peace as individuals and groups, in our hearts, homes, communities, and societies.’

Today epitomizes our joint aspiration for a world devoid of discord and turmoil and this year, attention is particularly directed towards the crucial role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2024 theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” draws inspiration from UNESCO’s foundational belief that, “Wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” Therefore, our nation must be peaceful!

More than just a single day of commemoration, the International Day of Peace represents a rallying cry for individuals, communities, and nations to grasp the significance. In the lead-up to the International Day of Peace 2024, it’s pivotal to recognize how each SDG contributes to the aspiration of a harmonious world.

Also, a core understanding of the International Day of Peace is the connection between economic stability and conflict prevention; by eliminating Poverty and Hunger, we address some primary causes of wars.

Again, Good Health, Education & Gender Equality are of vital importance. Societies in good health are peaceful. Advocating for Well-being, Education, and Gender Balance, while Clean Water, Energy & Economic Growth are sustainable resources; that translate to reducing conflicts over limited supplies. Moreover, Institutions, Justice & Partnerships are cornerstones of the International Day of Peace, advocating for our robust institutions.

The International Day of Peace represents more than a date on the calendar; it’s a movement. By aligning efforts with the SDGs, we move towards not only prosperity but also lasting peace, and 2024 marks a serious step towards that vision.

Therefore, let us use the International Day of Peace as a beacon of our collective mission. Together, if we are equipped with the right resources and steadfast dedication, we can move closer to a world where everyone embraces peace. 2024 actually denotes a significant milestone in the execution of the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 observance of the International Day of Peace is synchronized with the SDG summit (18 – 19 September).

Mr President sir: You will recall in another open letter dated, August 29, 2024 signed by David Ugolor, the Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)/on behalf of the CSOs Representatives, it was documented that:

“Nigeria is at a critical juncture. Since your assumption of office, several of your policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, have led to significant economic hardship for the average Nigerian. Prices of essential commodities have surged, and the exchange rate has deteriorated, exacerbating the challenges faced by millions of citizens. Coupled with the ongoing insecurity in many parts of the country, the situation has become increasingly unbearable for the people.”

“In response to these hardships, from August 1 to 10, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to express their frustration and demand better governance. The peaceful protests were a call to action for your administration to address the suffering of the people and to take decisive steps to improve governance and economic conditions.

“Although we do not condone the actions of some criminals who have been duly tried and found guilty of looting citizens,’ government properties, and sabotaging the protest, we are deeply troubled by the government’s response to these peaceful demonstrations.

“Reports indicate that several individuals have been detained nationwide, with some facing legal action for exercising their constitutional right to protest. Moreover, the excessive use of force by security agencies, resulting in the tragic deaths of several protesters, is alarming and as such unacceptable.

“Even of more concern is the government’s characterization of the protests as an attempt at “regime change” or a “coup,” which has further escalated tensions. While we acknowledge the recent steps taken by your administration, such as the signing of the amended National Minimum Wage Act and the distribution of food aid, we believe these measures, though well-intentioned, were not sufficient to address the root causes of the unrest. More strategic efforts would still have to be put in place.

“Your Excellency, the right to peaceful protest and assembly is a fundamental democratic principle enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). We remind you of your past involvement in protests under previous administrations, which underscores the importance of respecting citizens’ rights to express their grievances.

“In light of this, we strongly appeal to you, to initiate the process of unconditional release of all individuals detained for participating in this peaceful protests. These citizens should not be criminalized for exercising their democratic rights and law enforcement agencies should respect human rights norms as they enforce the use of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

“Your Excellency and Mr President sir, Nigeria stands at a crossroad. The actions your administration takes in the coming days will significantly influence the direction of our country. We believe that with decisive and compassionate leadership, you will continue to restore public confidence and steer Nigeria toward a path of peace, prosperity and justice for all its citizens, and you’re up to it.”

Please remember your excellency that, 2024 International Day of Peace celebration is unique as it also marks the 76th anniversary of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, and accept our plea.

The 2024 International Day of Peace therefore urges us all as individual and government to be more peaceful, proactive, and positive societal agents, joining the peace movement to achieve the SDGs and thereby building enduring peace in and all around our world by the special grace of God.

We look forward to your prompt action on these critical and crucial issues and we do not look forward to any further or more protests in Nigeria, whether on 1st October, 2024 or in the nearest future. Please nip it all at the bud so our citizens would not have to lose their lives nor there be any further vandalization and wanton destruction of properties in Nigeria.

Once again Mr. President, HAPPY 2024 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF of PEACE!

Thank you for your dedication to Nigeria’s progress. ‘Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thess. 3: 16) NIV.

Sincerely yours,

Amb.p Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies,
Country President,
United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre, (UN-POLAC).