Message of Peace to our Justice Cafe in Nigeria

[IPJC Office]

The Justice Cafe in Jos, Nigeria began in January 2010.  The group is using the Justice Cafe process to foster dialogue and make peace in a region suffering from ongoing sectarian violence.  Unfortunately, violence has sparked again, this year on Christmas Eve. The following message was received from Godwin Okoko, the Justice Cafe host in Nigeria:

 

"Over here its the worst Christmas we have ever celebrated,on the 24th, Xmas eve while many Christians faithfuls where going for the vigil prayers,some
evil doers were planning atrocities. At the time of sending you this mail we
are all locked within the vicinity of our homes,with the street empty. Multiple
bomb explosion rock the city of Jos killing scores of people and leaving
hundreds injured ...

There is an urgent need to promote community integration,the cooperation among people is vital. The government, NGOs and CSO must work together to bring about unity among this lines,we just can not afford to fail. Whatever
programme,projects,advocacy and sensitization we all can do to drive away
hatred from people mind,and imbibe the culture of love will go a long way in
reducing alot of evil.

Greetings to your family and all JUSTICE CAFE members,we are very strong over here,but we still need you prayers."

 

[Susan Francois, CSJP]

Dear Godwin and all members of the Justice Cafe in Jos, Nigeria.  Please know that I hold you and your community in my prayers always, but especially at this very difficult time.  May peace come to your community, and may it not delay. Peace - Sister Susan

[Raphael Wanjaria Njararuhi]

Sure,its soo unfortunate the people in Jos celebrated their Christmass in turmoil and violence. Woe to the parpetriators of this violence,I dont understand which religion would plan evil to the other religions in the name of showing supremancy.....contrary its show of cowardice and hypocracy!!

 

We here in Kenya stand with you in prayers and we wish you a trouble free 2011!

 

[Funmi Dorcas Yemitan]

Tanx so much sister susan for your prayers and your continual love over us here in jos.@Rapheal from kenya,Tanx so much also,the lord we serve is of good not of evil.Pray d evil doers will be exposed and brought to justice.So that love,peace,unity among people can be restored back.Amen.Long live Justice Cafe Jos,Nigeria.

[Raphael Wanjaria Njararuhi]

Funmi...thanks too.

I believe there will be a wayout that will provide longlasting peace in Jos. It seems Christians are the major target,this violence also happened simultaneously with Egypt attack on the Orthodox Church.

 

It appears as a regional crisis that has more into it than what we are seeing now? Do you think young people have a great role to play in this conflict resolutions and integration of the local people?

[Funmi Dorcas Yemitan]

You welcome.yes i strongly believe that young people have a role to play but in this situation we the young one are not given the opportunity instead they use the young people as instrument.If we the young people are given the opportunity for change,there will be clear difference and an alternative to all this violence and conflict.

[Raphael Wanjaria Njararuhi]

Funmi.....it nice to feel young people have a role to play,which is very true. Opportunities for young people to participate in development issues in Africa have been a major challenge....politicians fear us young people and thats why they misuse us as instruments to cause violence...but thats not the end of us!

 

Gradually, we young people are taking our positions,we might not have all the resources  we require but we have lots of advantages on our side...e.g. numerical advantage,we are learned,sanity,will power and ability...this are some of the major resources we have and we rarely realize. We need to get started with the little we have,others will meet us on the way there.

 

You need to develop a Peace and Reconciliation Forum for young people in Jos. We can assist each other to develop concept papers on the same...??

[Funmi Dorcas Yemitan]

Wanjaria.....,we have so many centers created for peace and reconciliation in jos but d education on the whole idea is still lacking.Can i view any of your ideas?

[Raphael Wanjaria Njararuhi]

Ok...they might not be working at the moment,but in due time their impact will be felt. Nothing happens overnight,you just need to have patience and commitment.

Lets Pray and hope for the best!

[Funmi Dorcas Yemitan]

Amen,Tanx alot.how is your country?

[Raphael Wanjaria Njararuhi]

Kenya is fine. We also had some trouble in 2007,but us we have learnt how to cool our stuff..ha ha ha.

Kenya is a beautiful country with great people.