Princewill Odidi|31 May 2016|7:35
In May 2011, the phrase "For God and country" was used as a confirmation signal by U.S. Navy SEALs during the Death of Osama bin Laden in Abottabad, Pakistan. On his radio, the U.S. Navy SEAL responsible for killing bin Laden reported over a radio, “For God and country, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo.” After a pause, he added, “Geronimo EKIA” (enemy killed in action). For God and Country they are proud to say!
A young American kid who signs up to join the American army, Navy or Airforce, does so, not because he needs a job, they do not consider working in military as a job, they see it as a service to their country. When they die on duty, their families and friends celeberate their lives rather than mourn their deaths. For God and country they are proud to say
Can we say the same of our country? what can we do for an average Nigerian to believe in Nigeria? how can we regain popular confidence on the government? how can we feel as one Nigeria again? When can we proudly say, Geronimo, Geronimo as the American does, for God and Country?
At National level we define ourselves based on regions, at regional levels we define ourselves based on states, at state level we define ourselves based on North Central and South, at zonal levels we still define define ourselves based on local government origins, and at local government levels we define ourselves based on villages, and even at village level, we still define ourselves based on streets and families, where will the division end? When can we proudly say, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo, For God and Country?
We fail to appreciate the best from our brothers because they are from a different region, ethnic group, state, zone and even local government. We dislike ourselves not because of incompetency but because of place of origin, while the American celebrate place of residence, we celebrate place of origin, we criticize and fail to acknowledge one another, not because of incompetence, but because of tongues and tribes, when will the spirit of brotherhood dawn on our collective consciousness? When can we truly say Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo, for God and Country?
How many of our young men fighting Boko Haram today, can genuinely say, for God and Country,if i die i die proudly defending my country? And if they die while in active service, will the Nigerian state remember their families left behind as a sacrifice for God and Country? While we all clamor for good leadership, good roads, hospitals, street lights, clean environments, housing and education, the provision of all these infrastructure will be meaningless to our social satisfaction if we still cannot genuinely say and mean it in our hearts, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo-For God and Country. Yes, for God and Country that's where the true national healing will begin!
Princewill Odidi
Is an Atlanta-based Social Commentator
