By Deji Adeyanju
‘When the people fear the Government; there’s tyranny. When the Government fears the people; there’s Liberty.” – Thomas Jefferson
Nigerians don’t have to be afraid of their government. Speak up about everything wrong. Demand for the prosecution of president Buhari because he sanctioned the killings of 1,000 innocent Shi’a Muslims in Zaria. This is a war crime. Together, we can ensure Buhari face justice one day at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. These killings were documented. Those killed have names. They have family members. There must be a trial someday at The Hague for those who committed these war crimes. Don’t remain silent, speak up. It can be you next.
I want you to always remember the words of Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) who was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.
Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for this quotation:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
The time to speak up is NOW.
Deji Adeyanu is the Director, New Media for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition political party and writes from Abuja. He can be contacted on Twitter @AdeyanjuDeji
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