ENYIMBA FC VS ENUGU RANGERS FC SAGA
Last weekend’s match between Enyimba and Rangers FC was overshadowed by several embarrassing and disgusting incidents associated with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and our local league organization.
How can we grow a league with this kind of attitude? I was just commending the large turnout at the stadium when all hell broke loose. It is indeed a shame.
Two weeks ago, we watched Manchester City vs. Manchester United, and no lives were lost. In stark contrast, the youths in the South East are becoming increasingly daring and are turning their region into a war zone.
Last month, five military officers were brutally murdered in Aba, and two policemen were killed in Owerri. My friend and brother, General Duru, who traveled to his hometown in the East, was kidnapped three months ago and has yet to return to his family in Abuja. The once peaceful region is turning into a war zone, and the leaders in the South East are maintaining a sealed lip.
Two years ago, when some of our brothers started the Yoruba Nation movement, I told a gathering of our political leaders in Akure that if we allowed this menace to go unchecked, it could start our road to extinction as a tribe.
The Yorubas have never gone to war with other regions to correct perceived injustices. We always use our pens and papers. NADECO fought the military in the courts and media, despite the fact that many of their leaders were killed by agents of the state.
The Yorubas are a class on their own because of their education and exposure. It is an open secret that the South West remains the most peaceful region in Nigeria.
We must learn to live with ourselves in peace if we want our country to grow. A word is enough for the wise.
The match between Enyimba and Rangers FC last weekend was meant to be a thrilling sporting event, a showcase of the talents and passions that drive the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Unfortunately, what unfolded was a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing our local league organization. The incidents of violence and disorder were not just embarrassing; they were a testament to the underlying problems that continue to hinder the growth and development of our football league.
It’s a perplexing situation. On one hand, we see a growing fan base, enthusiastic supporters, and a genuine love for the game. On the other hand, the behavior displayed by some individuals and the lack of effective management and control turn these events into chaotic and dangerous affairs.
How do we expect to grow a league with this kind of attitude? The large turnout at the stadium, which initially seemed promising, quickly became a scene of turmoil and chaos, marring what could have been a celebratory occasion.
Such incidents beg the question: what kind of example are we setting for the next generation of football fans and players? The importance of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect seems to be overshadowed by aggression and recklessness.
It’s a troubling trend that needs immediate attention and action from all stakeholders involved in the NPFL.
Reflecting on a different context, two weeks ago, we watched Manchester City vs. Manchester United.
The match was intense, filled with high stakes and passionate play, yet it concluded without any loss of life or major incidents. It was a demonstration of how football, even at its most competitive, can be enjoyed safely and responsibly. This stark contrast with our local league is disheartening and calls for serious introspection and reform.
Beyond the realm of football, the situation in the South East of Nigeria is alarming. The escalating violence and unrest are turning a once peaceful region into a war zone.
Just last month, five military officers were brutally murdered in Aba, and two policemen were killed in Owerri. These are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of violence and lawlessness that is spreading across the region.
My personal connection to this crisis makes it all the more distressing. My friend and brother, General Duru, who traveled to his hometown, was kidnapped three months ago and has yet to return to his family in Abuja. The fear and uncertainty faced by his family are shared by many others who are caught in the crossfire of this growing violence.
The leaders in the South East, unfortunately, seem to be turning a blind eye to these issues, maintaining a sealed lip while the situation deteriorates.
This decline in security and order is not just a regional issue; it is a national concern.
The once peaceful region is turning into a war zone, and the consequences are far-reaching. The lack of effective leadership and governance in addressing these issues is a significant part of the problem. Leaders must take decisive action to restore peace and stability, ensuring that the region does not spiral further into chaos.
Looking back two years, when some of our brothers started the Yoruba Nation movement, I warned our political leaders in Akure that allowing such movements to go unchecked could lead to dire consequences for our tribe and nation.
The Yoruba people have a history of addressing perceived injustices through peaceful means, using pens and papers rather than violence.
The struggle of NADECO against the military, despite the heavy toll it took on its leaders, is a testament to this approach. The Yorubas have relied on their education and exposure to navigate and address issues, maintaining peace and order.
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The South West remains the most peaceful region in Nigeria, an achievement that underscores the importance of education, dialogue, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It is a model that other regions can learn from, particularly in these troubled times.
The ongoing violence in the South East serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved grievances and the failure to address underlying issues through dialogue and constructive engagement.
We must all learn to live together in peace if we want our country to grow and thrive. The path to national development is paved with unity, understanding, and mutual respect.
The violent incidents at the Enyimba vs. Rangers FC match and the escalating unrest in the South East are wake-up calls for all of us. We must address these issues with urgency and commitment, ensuring that our country moves towards a future of peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, the lessons from the recent incidents in our football league and the ongoing violence in the South East are clear. We need better management, stronger leadership, and a collective commitment to peace and development. Only then can we hope to build a nation that reflects the values and aspirations of all its people. A word is enough for the wise.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
