CHRONOLOGY OF VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA

CHRONOLOGY OF VIOLENCE

 AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA  

Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

2002

2002:                           Many people claim that Boko Haram was formally founded   

2007

2007:                          Buju Foi, an influential Boko Haram member, was appointed by Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, as commissioner of religious affairs.

2009

July 2009:                  Boko Haram attacked Maiduguri police stations.  Mohammed Yusuf released a video and threatened vengeance.

ECHOES FROM “RELIGIONS FOR PEACE”

ECHOES FROM “RELIGIONS FOR PEACE”

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Religions for Peace had the 9^th World Assembly in Vienna, Austria on November 20-22, 2013. This world’s largest multi-religious organization brought together religious leaders from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Indigenous, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Shinto, Taoist and Zoroastrian religions. More than six hundred religious leaders represented all historic faith traditions and every region of the world in the 2013 Assembly in Vienna. I was privileged to be a delegate from Nigeria in this World Assembly along with His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sr. Maria Ifechukwu Udorah (DDL), Sr. Agatha Chikelo (DMMM), Elder Sunday Oibe, Muhammad Kassim and Femi Abbas. I am sincerely grateful to His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III for making it possible for the Nigerian Christian and Muslim communities to be represented in this Assembly. 

MAY THE BOMB BOW TO FOOTBALL FOREVER

MAY THE BOMB BOW TO FOOTBALL FOREVER

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Join me dear compatriots to eulogise the Nigerian youths, our pride and hope for a better tomorrow. Let every Nigerian wear each player of the FIFA UNDER 17 a golden crown. These boys have told the whole world that Nigeria is not all bad news as it is being portrayed in the foreign media. How can Nigerians ever forget the Friday of November 9, 2013 when even the bombs remained silent and forgot to blast in the terrorists’ empires of our dear native land, Nigeria! Perhaps the suicide bombers were in a rhapsody of the thoughts of what youths should be used for. The value of a responsible youth lies in the honour and glory that he offers to the parents instead of shame and disgrace for whatever reason. Let us raise our cups in honour of these most fantastic youths of the century for making Nigerians proud even as our respectable senators refused to say “nay” to the extension of the state of emergency in the terrorist territories.  Congratulation Nigeria! Congratulation Golden Eaglets! May your football continue to blast in the place of the bombs!

DIALOGUE OF ETHNIC NATIONALITIES

DIALOGUE OF ETHNIC NATIONALITIES 

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

The Federal Government of Nigeria has given us a serious job. Since the announcement of the National Dialogue, many Nigerians have started to think of what should and should not be. Those who are positive about the national dialogue have started suggesting guidelines and proposals to the National Committee before the actual “table conference”. Those who are suspicious and negative about the national dialogue are proffering reasons why it should not take place and the attendant implications and possible dangers of the project. From all the points of view so far, whether we support or disagree, the truth is that the dialogue has started. The forms and principles of dialogue do not reduce dialogue to a conference hall and table. That we have started talking in the electronic media and writing in the print media is an indication that the National Conference has indeed taken off. These responses to the Federal Government announcement of “national dialogue” fall within the forms of dialogue of life, action, experience, social engagement and intellectual exchange. What will happen in the conference may be a rejection or confirmation of the feelings of the people. In other words the conversation in the conference hall and the conference table would be a “formal ritual” because the real conversation has started. Among suggestions and recommendations so far made towards the formal National Dialogue, I found the “Proposed Suggestions for the National Conference” of Chinweizu very exciting.

UNITY IN THE HUMAN PSYCHE

UNITY IN THE HUMAN PSYCHE

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

What can bring about unity in our human psyche to make us see ourselves as one? I would like to examine the mind of our political ancestors when they were fighting for the independence of Nigeria. It will be good to know how they perceived the way and manner the colonial masters were governing the amalgamated ethnic regions. Were our political ancestors really matured and prepared to take over governance from the British? What was their vision of an independent Nigeria? What were their expectations? What was the relationship between Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and the other nationalists from the different regions? Was their idea of a united Nigeria realistic or idealistic? Did they have a critical study of how the ethnic groups had administered their regions traditionally as empires, kingdoms and emirates before the amalgamation of 1914?

WHEN THE PRESIDENT QUIVERS

WHEN THE PRESIDENT QUIVERS

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) deduced from the political anarchy of his time that “man is a wolf to man” (L’homme est un loup pour l’homme). He believed that from anarchy people would be driven by self-preservation and the fear of death to band together to form a state. He believed that without government, we would end in a conflict of “war of all against all,” [1]  Aristotle called people who lived without government uncivilized and lawless folk.  The domestic government of any nation is the family where children are nurtured for the future generation. Good home training enables the democratic government of a nation lead the citizens to a promised land that flows with “milk and honey”. To this end, some parents are willing to do anything to ensure that the children are well formed to contribute to nation building. Every parent desires the safety and health of the children in a secure environment. It is a serious agony for any parent to bury the children especially when they are innocently slaughtered by unknown people for whatever reason. 

WHEN THE WORD IS SILENT

WHEN THE WORD IS SILENT

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

It is the wisdom of some sages in ages past that silence plays a significant role in the proclamation of the Word. Today, silence is still very relevant in dialogue. Imagine the result of a conversation of two or more people who are talking at the same time. The divine Word (Logos) existed in silence from the beginning and was made manifest when he took flesh and dwelt among us (John 1). Mary, the mother of Jesus lived in silence and solitude pondering the mystery of the incarnation in her heart. Zechariah was unable to speak for the period Elizabeth conceived John the Baptist who later introduced himself as the voice of one that cries in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus revealed the truth to Pilate in his “dialogue of silence” during his passion. This frightened Pilate to wash his hands to portray that he was innocent of the blood of Jesus.  

THE NATION AND NATIONALISTS IN NIGERIA

THE NATION AND NATIONALISTS IN NIGERIA

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Some time ago, I visited the national Panthéon in Paris. The Panthéon was originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve to house the “reliquary châsse” containing her relics. After many changes, it is now used as a mausoleum where the remains of distinguished French citizens are buried.  It is similar to the Panthéon in Rome. At the entrance is the motto: “Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante”, meaning "To its great men, a grateful fatherland". I read the brief history of some of the great men and women of France beginning from Voltaire whose statue is in the Crypt of the Panthéon. Then I read the literature on the tombs of Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Marie Curie, Louis Braille, Jean Jaurès, Alexandre Dumas and Soufflot. These people contributed to the great nation that is today known as France. 

In their exploration, their focus and motivation was what they would be known for after their death. They believed that a good name is better than personal silver and gold and that it is better to be buried in the heart and memory of human beings than to be forgotten in a lonely marbled sepulchre. On the tomb of Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870), the author of The Three Musketeers is inscribed: "Un pour tous, tous pour un" ("One for all, all for one,"). The interment in the Panthéon is allowed only by a parliamentary act for "National Heroes" irrespective of class and tribe. This is confirmed by the plaque dedicated to those who saved some Jews from death during the Nazi period: “Under the cloak of hate and darkness that spread over France during the years of Nazi occupation, thousands of lights refused to be extinguished. Named as "Righteous among the Nations" or remaining anonymous, women and men, of all backgrounds and social classes, saved Jews from anti-Semitic persecution and the extermination camps. Braving the risks involved, they incarnated the honour of France, and its values of justice, tolerance and humanity.”

This visit rekindled my quest for our national heroes who have sincerely desired the unity and development of Nigeria. I thought about the origin of tribes, cultures and empires that have been amalgamated into Nigeria. I reflected on the series of debates on whether Nigeria can be called a nation. I reflected on the reasoning of some people for the call for the fragmentation of Nigeria. Is it really impossible to make a united Nigeria from our diversified talents of human and natural resources? What does the average Nigerian want to be remembered for? Can each of us write an epitaph that could be placed on the marbles of our tombs for people all over the world to read and be inspired? Can our leaders build a “National Pantheon” that could inspire people to live and lead an unselfish life for the sake of One Nigeria?

I thought of our political history and the personalities that have marked each epoch in the context of our national anthem that appears to define our vision, mission and objectives. Does Nigeria really have compatriots who are willing to obey the call to serve our Fatherland with love and strength and faith? To what extent have we preserved the labour of our heroes past by serving with heart and might one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity? Which of the heroes readily come to mind and where are their graves? Who remembers to visit their tombs to offer prayers on a regular basis? Is there a national holiday in their honour? Why did some Nigerians roared when a university was named after an acclaimed “political martyr”? Do we cooperate with God when we call him to direct our noble cause? In reality how noble are the activities of some Nigerians who are willing to create anarchy if they are not in power? What did some of our leaders do with the opportunity they had to guide and direct the welfare of the citizens? Why do some past rulers want to recycle themselves by all means? Did they perhaps forget something in “Aso Rock” or they want to complete the unfinished heroic offering of their first chance? Did they forget to remember that “opportunity comes but once”? To what extent has some of our privileged elders and leaders helped our youths to know the truth by positively empowering them rather than using them as their political thugs and terrorists. I can not understand why a person could think that he or she only has a solution to national issues just because we live in a country where millions of hidden human talents are oppressed, suppressed and not given the space to perform and be recognised. Perhaps a brief recap of our political journey since independence may help our enquiry in providing answers to our questions and puzzle.

Sir James Roberson was the Colonial Governor General of what is now called Nigeria from 1955 to 1960. From October 1, 1960 to January 16, 1963, Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first civilian president of the Republic of Nigeria. With the military interruption of the democratic process in 1966, Nigeria experienced the dawn of the National Military Government from May 24 to August 31, 1966 with Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi becoming the Head of State from January 16, 1966 to July 29, 1966.  This regime struggled to confirm a conglomeration of “ethnic regions” into a nation.  Yakubu Gowon, who took over power from August 1, 1966 to July 29, 1975 gave the impression that Nigeria must be a nation by all means with the civil war giggle that, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”  Murtala Ramat Muhammad took over power on July 29, 1975. He was assassinated on February 13, 1976 before he could translate his dream into reality.  His design for Nigeria died with him. Olusegun Obasanjo became the military head of state briefly and returned Nigeria to democracy by handing over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979. This democratic process was aborted again when Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the democratically elected government of Shagari in a military coup on December 31, 1983. He introduced war against indiscipline and turned Nigeria into a glorified army barrack. On August 27, 1985, Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari in a coup. He was able to sustain the military government till August 26, 1993. Democracy this time had a miscarriage with the annulment of the election that created the interim government that was headed by Ernest Shonekan who was forced out on November 17, 1993 by General Sani Abacha and remained in power until his death on June 8, 1998. Abdusalam Abubakar headed the military government till May 29, 1999 and returned governance to a democratically elected government of Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007 without military interruption. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became president on May 29, 2007 but could not finish his tenure before his death in 2010. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan became the acting president till May 5, 2010 and became the substantive president with a transformation agenda. 

It is hoped that the Goodluck administration will bring about a country that may be recognised as a nation but the present intra-party and inter-party conflicts is gradually designing another definition for Nigeria. Can anyone tell Nigerians if this political fight is for the common good or selfish ambition? When shall we be tired of the deception of “returning power to the North, South, West and East?”  I keep wondering why poverty is still walking nakedly in some areas that have produced leaders in Nigeria if this drive for power shift is really for the interest of “my people”. What was the national status of Nigeria from 1960 to 1978 when we sang daily: “Nigeria, we hail thee” We prayed that God of all creation should help us to build a nation where no person is oppressed. Perhaps we were not patient enough for the answer to this prayer before the command: “Arise O compatriots, Nigerians call, obey!” May the hidden heroes and compatriots in Nigeria arise with a democratic space to truly shine! But we must keep these questions as guide: When you die, what shall be your epitaph? What shall you be remembered for on earth and in heaven? 

Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua is the Director of Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja and Consultor of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims (C.R.R.M), Vatican City

 

WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

I got a distress call on August 4, 2013 that some Muslim youths were attacking St. Mary’s Catholic Church Karu. Some print media reported that four people were killed in the process. I immediately called one of the Muslim youths in the National Mosque, Abuja who went to the Mosque close to the Catholic Church in Karu to find out what actually happened.  His report was confirmed by the parish priest of the Church that it was not a case between the Christians and the Muslims. On Thursday, August 22, 2013, I led some Muslim and Catholic Youths to meet with the Parish priest and the Imam of the mosque. With us were some staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and staff of the office of Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Abuja. In the meeting we were able to discover that:

THE RENAISSANCE WE NEED IN NIGERIA TODAY

THE RENAISSANCE WE NEED IN NIGERIA TODAY

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Along the road in many places in Abuja and some cities in Nigeria, book-selling has become a lucrative business. Among the “catalogue” of books on the street, I bought a copy written by Lee Kuan Yew titled, “From third world to first world.”   Reading this book, I think of a renaissance in Nigeria akin to Singapore, a third world country that has become a first world country today through the leadership of LEE KUAN YEW who was able to unite his intellectual and political vision to raise Singapore from grass to grace.  Much of this was accomplished through a unique mix of economic freedom and social control. Lee encouraged entrepreneurship, but also cracked down on liberties that most people in the West take for granted”. According to Lee, “We would have been a grosser, ruder, cruder society had we not made these efforts to persuade people to change their ways”.  Lee focussed more on material prosperity, anticommunism, and international politics.  His vision of stewardship especially in a multiethnic society is a lesson to developing nations.

 

GOOD SAMARITAN TO VISIT NIGERIA?

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

A young man was accused of stealing and was taken to a Magistrate Court. During his arraignment in the Court with the usual ritual of swearing that his evidence “shall be the truth and nothing but the truth”, the Prosecutor put to him: “You broke into your brother’s room to steal his money, guilty or not guilty!” The man responded, “Guilty!” The Prosecutor continued, “Why did you do it?” The man responded: “I wanted my name to be published in every newspaper and for people to see me on the television.” The Prosecutor queried, “As a thief?” The man responded, yes! Today I am happy that I have achieved my objective; and here is the money I stole, returned it back to my brother. Sentence me so that I can make more news that I am in prison for stealing from my brother. After all, only evil and crime make news in our country. The judge looked in amazement and said, “This man is not normal. I hereby order that he should be taken to a psychiatric hospital for rehabilitation”.  

RELIGIOUS RE-EDUCATION

RELIGIOUS RE-EDUCATION

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

Some Muslim and Christian youths have expressed the need for religious re-education in Nigeria. When I was first confronted with this need, I tried to enquire if there is anything wrong with the religious education we have had hitherto. I discovered that religious education has been deleted from the syllabus of many schools while it does not even exist in the curriculum of some schools in Nigeria. A further enquiry reveals that many people are afraid of religion because they think that religion has done more harm than good in many parts of the world. 

AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?

AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

I often ponder and wonder why a friend should kill “a very close friend”; why a brother should kill a brother and why a sister should kill a sister. I have reflected on the gospels especially Matthew 10, 22 that a “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. I have loved literature from childhood and I have tried to see if I can find the answers there. All I have seem points to the human pride to subject others under his or her ego. William Shakespeare also battled with a similar problem of the ambitious nature of the human person in his drama of Macbeth and Julius Caesar.

WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME ABOUT INTEGRITY

WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME ABOUT INTEGRITY

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

  

OKHIFO OMONOKHUA, Father of Cornelius 

 

The rays had just left the sun and the earth had just turned to receive the radiant beam some time ago.  Fear and horror had followed the abyss of the dreadful dusk of the night. This was really one of the best mornings when the mind was so fresh, relaxed and the heart was aglow with joy. It was the best time to go and say na’egbia (good morning) to Baba, my dear father. The feeling of becoming a man was already deep in me having just graduated from College and looking forward to the next stage of life. Many of my colleagues were rushing already to Ajaokuta to seek employment in the Iron and steel factory. My father Okhifo thought I was having a similar intention and perhaps waiting for me to introduce the topic. The old man welcomed me to his room even though my knocking at the door must have caused his early rising from bed.

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF OPINION

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF OPINION

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

In our primary school days, one of our teachers, Mr. Matthias Eboetse Elogie” was popularly called: “Opinion Varies” because he had the inscription written on his brand new “Suzuki bike”. Human beings naturally have varied opinions on certain issues but some people sometimes believe so much in their opinions to the extent of allowing anger to take over their minds if some other person contradicts their opinion with a superior argument. According to Pope Francis, we must protect ourselves against our own anger. We need a high level of maturity and the discipline of the mind, heart, intellect and will to accept or reject an opinion. We need not force an opinion on others if we are credible and competent. Today the print and electronic media have created a kind of academy for different views on various issues. Freedom of the press can be liken to a “federal republic of opinion” to report issues, events and various forms of opinions. 

ASCENSION AND SUCCESSION THEORY IN DIALOGUE

ASCENSION AND SUCCESSION THEORY IN DIALOGUE

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

It is the wish and desire of every good leader to leave behind a good name, a good community, a good society or a good organization. One of the strategies to achieve this noble desire is for the leader to know his or her followers and colleagues very closely through intra community dialogue and cordial relationship. This is often aimed at a good and smooth replacements of personnel and successor should the leader retires or dies. Any organization without a good succession planning is bound to suffer different types of chaos, anarchy and insurrection. Some traditional societies try to avoid this anarchy by making the first born of a traditional ruler heir apparent to the throne. The question still remains whether this has really produced the desired result especially when the first son is not capable, competently incompetent or convincingly irresponsible.   .

THE MESSAGE OF THE RESURRECTION

THE MESSAGE OF THE RESURRECTION

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

It appears that the human person is endowed with so much capacity that many people do not exhaust ten percent of the energy in them before they die. According to Mariah Carey, “there’s a hero, if you look inside your heart, you don’t have to be afraid of what you are.”[1] Perhaps Roy Kelly, another musician felt this energy in him when he sang, “I used to think that I could not go on and life was nothing but an awful song. But now I know the meaning of true love. I’m leaning on the everlasting arms. If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it.  I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky!” Some people have used the energy and the hero in them to make life a better place for themselves and for people around them. This is the energy that is channeled and directed positively. Some other people have used the energy in them to destroy themselves and the people around them.

JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at 8.51 am, I receive a message from a Muslim friend, that “the words of Jesus are the reported speeches by Luke, Matthew and John while the speech in Qur’an 4: 159 is the word of Angel Gabriel to Muhammad 600 years after Jesus, that Jesus was not killed or crucified by his enemies. This was a reaction to my publication in Sunday Trust and Pilot Newspapers of April 1, 2013, “The Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross.” I wonder if those who have believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ for 600 years before the compilation of the Qur’an just wasted their time. 

The “empty tomb” has attracted more attention and discussion perhaps than any other subject in the world history of religion. Mankind will forever remember the empty tomb and the historical record of the resurrection and the post resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ. The historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so great that billions of people put their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour as against many theories that attempt to show that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fraud and a myth.  Christians do not question the faith of other religious adherents in their prophets. The Moslem faith is based on the teaching of Mohammed.  Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha; Confucianism on the teachings of Confucius and the ideology of Marxism on the teachings of Karl Marx.  Christianity is founded on the person, teaching and actions of Jesus Christ. The scriptural basis to discourse the founders of other religions is absent in the Judeo-Christian Bible.

Every Christian believes that the Bible is the word of God. The birth, life, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are recorded in the four gospels. The Acts of the Apostles gives an account of the witnesses of the Apostles and disciples who were with Jesus Christ and those like Paul to whom the risen Christ revealed himself. The testimony of Paul who saw the risen Lord in the process of persecuting the Christian faith in the resurrection is very instructive to those who sincerely seek the truth about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15, 14-19).

Paul gives an account of his own personal experience with the risen Jesus. ^“And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ^“And I answered, ‘who are you, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ ^“And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. ^“And I said, ‘what shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go on into Damascus; and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do” (Acts 22, 6-10).

Jesus is the eternal word of God (John 1, 1). Christ himself pointed to his resurrection as the final proof of his person (Matthew 12, 39-40) “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall live even if he dies” (John 11, 25).  Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus: “And after eight days again his disciples were inside and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; bring your hand, and put it into my side; doubt no longer but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “You believe because you have seen me but blessed are they who did not see, and yet believe” (John 20, 26-31).

God has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus whom he has appointed by raising him from the dead (Acts 17, 31). Jesus is declared both Lord and Christ. He is the Messiah of the Old Testament prophecy and expectation. This is confirmed by his resurrection (Acts 10, 36-43; Acts 2, 22-36). Thus Jesus was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness (Romans 1, 4). The resurrection is the final and convincing proof that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1, 4). He died for our sins and was raised for our justification (Romans 4, 25) so that we can have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5, 1). “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4, 12). “For you first, God raised up his Servant, and sent him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3, 26).

In the name of the risen Jesus, the disciples were able to perform miracles (Acts 4, 1-10). Jesus offered himself so that we might be declared righteous by God (Romans 4, 25). Therefore, if he has risen, we become justified through faith in Christ. The resurrection is the only proof or evidence we have for pardon, acceptance of justification and peace with God. No sinner can have peace except on the ground of the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 5, 1) which is a guarantee to newness of life. His resurrection proved that he has conquered sin and Satan and released us from the domination of sin (Romans 6, 4).

Perhaps those who are asking for amnesty even for terrorists are asking in the spirit of Easter. No religion has the basis and the capacity to think of pardon to people who have killed so many innocent people even in their places of worship except the religion of the crucified and risen Lord. Jesus came that we may have life and has it abundantly (John 10, 10). Jesus and his followers did not kill a single human being during his mission on earth. He did not train his followers to fight, rather, he promised to send them the Holy Spirit after his resurrection and his return to glory (John 7, 37-39; 14, 26; 15, 26; 16, 7). Jesus said, “Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14, 19). The words and actions of Jesus serve as a proof of his authority without the use of force and violence even at the highest provocation. Consequently, “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4, 12). 

Jesus stands at the door and knocks seeking the fellowship of believers who have not been with Him. We have the freedom to invite him in by having a renewal of life so that he can dine and fellowship with us (Revelation 3, 20).  The resurrection proves that Jesus is pre-eminent in each of our lives (Colossians 1, 15-18). “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12, 1). The risen Christ sits in heaven as our advocate. As our Lord, he walks amongst the churches examining our lives (Revelations 2, 1). Paul told Timothy, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David” (2 Timothy 2, 8). We can even flash back to the call to faith by Elijah, “How long will you linger between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18, 21). God reminds us of his absolute sovereignty over life and death in resurrecting Jesus from the grave as Paul told the Corinthians, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting” (1 Corinthians 15, 55)? Jesus is risen indeed, alleluia!