Make Hay While The Sun Shines: A Call To The Arewa People

 Make Hay While The Sun Shines: A Call To The Arewa People 

Nigeria, once hailed as the giant of Africa, has unfortunately become a land where dreams wither and hope is scarce. The ongoing protests and civil unrest are stark reminders of the deep-seated frustrations and disillusionment that have permeated every corner of this nation. Among the voices crying out for change are the Arewa people, who have borne their fair share of Nigeria’s unfulfilled promises. As the nation stands at a crossroads, it is time for the Arewa to seize this moment, to make hay while the sun shines, and consider the opportunity for a separate and sovereign existence.

The Arewa, comprising the Hausa and other northern ethnic groups, have a rich history steeped in tradition and resilience. However, the promise of a united Nigeria, where all ethnic groups coexist in harmony and prosperity, has remained elusive. The Arewa have faced numerous challenges: economic disenfranchisement, political marginalization, and relentless insecurity. Despite their contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural and cultural wealth, the Arewa regions have often been left behind in national development plans.

The loss of loved ones In the quest for a better Nigeria has not only been a personal tragedy for many families but also a collective trauma for the Arewa community. The bloodshed, violence, and persistent insecurity have taken a toll, eroding the faith in a unified Nigerian state. The recent protests and the symbolic act of burning the Nigerian flag signify a breaking point—a moment of collective realization that the status quo is untenable.

The present protests have unveiled the depth of anger and frustration among the Arewa people. The discontent is palpable, driven by years of neglect and broken promises. Insecurity, poverty, and lack of opportunities have left many feeling hopeless. The protests are not just a cry for immediate change but a call for a radical rethinking of Nigeria’s political and social structure.

Burning the Nigerian flag is a powerful act of defiance. It symbolizes the rejection of a nation that has failed to protect and provide for its people. This act is not just a protest against the current government but a statement against the very idea of a Nigeria that disregards the aspirations and needs of the Arewa people. It is a declaration that the time for passive hope is over; the time for decisive action has arrived.

History has shown that nations are built on the aspirations of their people. The Arewa people have reached a pivotal moment where they must decide their future. This is an opportunity to explore the possibility of a separate and sovereign state, where the unique culture, values, and aspirations of the Arewa can thrive. This is not a call for immediate secession but an invitation to begin a serious and thoughtful dialogue about self-determination.

The concept of self-determination is enshrined in international law. It is the right of peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. For the Arewa, this means envisioning a state where resources are managed for the benefit of the people, where security is paramount, and where governance is accountable and inclusive.

The road to self-determination is fraught with challenges. There will be resistance from those who benefit from the current structure of Nigeria. There will be logistical, political, and economic hurdles to overcome. However, history has shown that great nations are built on the resolve and determination of their people.

It is important to add that this topic is as divisive as the tribal make up of Arewa people as some school of thought make valid argument by asking pertinent questions such as: Are the Fulani an Arewa tribe? Are they one with Hausa? Since Arewa people have controlled the rulership of Nigeria, is it not proper to say that they are going through self-destruction? The last president was a Fulani, and even though the economy was worse, the Arewa didn’t protest. If Tinubu is Fulani, will Arewa protest? While the answers to the above questions are important, more important is the understanding that if the protest going on in the north is for economic and political freedom, the Hausa must ensure that they free themselves from Fulani control once and for all.  Arewa republic is acceptable for as long as the Hausa use their large number negotiate an outcome that will not unleash the Fulani as slave masters of Hausa people. To be controlled as it is currently the case 

To achieve this freedom, it is essential to approach this journey with a spirit of inclusivity and dialogue. Not all Arewa people may agree on the path forward, and it is crucial to foster an environment where diverse opinions are respected and considered. Unity within the Arewa community is paramount to achieving a common goal.

Beyond the political and economic arguments, there is a moral imperative for self-determination. The Arewa people have the right to live in a society that respects their dignity, values their contributions, and provides opportunities for their children. They have the right to a future where insecurity, poverty, and marginalization are not the norm.

Making hay while the sun shines means seizing this moment of collective awakening and turning it into a movement for positive change. It means transforming frustration into action, anger into determination, and despair into hope. It is about taking control of the narrative and shaping a future that reflects the true aspirations of the Arewa people.

The Arewa people stand at a historic crossroads. The ongoing protests have illuminated the depth of discontent and the urgent need for change. This is a moment of opportunity, a chance to chart a new course and consider the possibility of a separate and sovereign state. 

Self-determination is not just a political goal; it is a journey towards dignity, respect, and a better future. It is a call to make hay while the sun shines, to act now while the opportunity is ripe. The Arewa people have the power to shape their destiny, to build a society that reflects their values and aspirations. It is now or never. The time for change is here.

Family Writers Press International