By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
In a world often plagued by political trouble, social divisions, and conflicts, the pursuit of peace remains an essential and noble endeavour. In Nigeria, a country with diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, fostering peace and unity is crucial for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence. In this regard, the recent peace march organized by the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS in Ebonyi State stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to bring about positive change and reconciliation throughout Nigeria.
Promoting Unity
The Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS as a faith-based organization rooted in the principles of peace, love and unity, undertook a remarkable initiative to promote peace in Nigeria. Their peace march in Ebonyi, the youngest Nigerian state in Igbo land this year's September sought to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians from various backgrounds.
By organizing a peaceful demonstration, the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS aimed to create an inclusive platform that transcends religious, ethnic, and political boundaries. The march brought together people from different walks of life, enabling them to express their aspirations for peace and unity in Nigeria. It provided a space for constructive conversations, where individuals could engage in open dialogue and share their perspectives on national reconciliation.
Addressing Root Causes
The peace march in Ebonyi State also sought to address the underlying issues that contribute to tensions and conflicts in Nigeria. Recognizing that sustainable peace requires tackling the root causes of division, the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS emphasized the importance of social justice, equitable distribution of resources, and respect for diversity.
Through their march, the organization aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. By encouraging dialogue and understanding, they hoped to break down barriers and promote a sense of empathy and compassion among Nigerians. The peace march served as a reminder that a united Nigeria can only be achieved by addressing the grievances and concerns of all its citizens, above all by keeping God's precepts.
Inspiring Positive Change
The significance of the peace march in Ebonyi State extends beyond the event itself. By mobilizing people and attracting national attention, the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS has sparked conversations about peace and unity across Nigeria. The march has inspired individuals, communities, and even policymakers to reflect upon the importance of peaceful coexistence and to actively work towards achieving it.
The collective efforts of organizations like the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS can contribute to a transformative shift in Nigeria's social and political landscape. By promoting peace education, fostering interfaith and interethnic dialogue, and engaging in community-building initiatives, they lay the foundation for lasting peace and reconciliation.
Indeed, the peace march organized by the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS in Ebonyi State serves as a powerful testament to the potential for positive change in Nigeria. By providing a platform for dialogue, addressing root causes of division, and inspiring individuals to work towards peace, the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS has made a significant contribution to fostering unity in the country.
While achieving peace at a national level is a complex and multifaceted task, initiatives like these are instrumental in building bridges, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding among Nigerians. It is through collective efforts, rooted in empathy, respect, and inclusivity, that Nigeria can move closer to its aspirations of a peaceful and harmonious nation. The peace march in Ebonyi, one of the Igbo-speaking states in Nigeria stands as a symbol of hope, reminding us all that peace is attainable when we come together as one.
The Message
It could be recalled that Nigeria as a nation has encountered different unpleasant knocks and left no sector and tribe stable for a very long time now. The nation's tragic experiences cut across the religious, health, economic, political municipal divisions, among other human areas of vocation for survival.
The most frightening impression among the harsh realities facing Nigerians is that none of their leaders had ever come and left office, without generating a worse situation in their area. This ugly development has continued swinging around and widely drying up the peace of the country, the popular Giant of Africa.
Against the background, the Universal Leader of the Brotherhood of Cross and Star (BCS), His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has put forward ways to deal with the issues bedevilling Nigeria as a nation and the world at large. In his speech, during the occasion of the 2023 BCS Annual Convention of the Brotherhood All Youth Assembly (BAYA) Peace March held in Ebonyi State, the event was meant to usher in divine peace across the nation.
Addressing pressmen at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the BCS Spokesman, Dr Amah Williams said the event was organized to bring lasting peace to the southeast states, Nigeria and the global community.
"It is imperative to state here that you have not been invited to listen to a sermon from yet another Church leader or to be told about religious supremacy, rather the information we have, though deeply rooted in Bible prophecies goes beyond religion. What we tell you today is the only pathway to enduring peace. It is a message meant for leaders at all levels of governance. This message is for the general public irrespective of religious inclination. This is why you must publish this message on your respective print and electronic media platforms so that the world may not have an excuse," Amah said.
He explained that the BCS was not and can never be a church but the Kingdom of God, established on earth as a fulfilment to the third statement in the Lord's Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6.9, which pleaded for the Kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven. He also described the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS as the Tabernacle of God, the new Jerusalem, referred to the Biblical John saw descending from above in which God Himself dwells with men and be their God as recorded in Revelations 21:3.
"It is that Kingdom set up by God which shall never be destroyed, but shall stand forever as was revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in a dream and interpreted by Daniel in Daniel 2:44," he added.
He recommended that mankind must know that it is the will of God as part of His Salvation plan to establish His Kingdom physically on earth and not somewhere in heaven. According to him, this is why Revelations 11:15 reveals that the Kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord and that of Christ and He shall reign and reign forever and therefore, described BCS as a place of refuge to all nations while citing Isaiah 2:2. The BCS mouthpiece described His Holiness Oluma Olumba Obu as the King over all kings, authorities and principalities of the universe, the Lord over all lords, dominions and divisions of powers in the cosmos, the Prince of Peace and the Sole giver of Peace revealed to John and recorded in Revelations 19:11-15. Amah maintained that all spirits including the spirit of violence and conflict, angels and men now in reverence for His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu as stated in Hebrew 1:6.
He accordingly informed the entire Igbo nation and all the inhabitants of the globe that God has made manifest His first begotten into the world with a new name; Olumba Oluma Obu as recorded in Isaiah 62:2; and Revelations 2:17 and 19:12 respectively.
In his words, "His Holiness Olumba Olumba Olumba demonstrates the true meaning of Christianity. He shows peace, mercy, truth, meekness, faith, patience, forgiveness, and godliness. He heals the broken-hearted, feeds the hungry, clothes the wretched, comforts the wearing and teaches the oneness of the human family. Through His spoken words, nations of the earth (Nigeria inclusive) have been healed, men have been exalted and the dead bones brought back to life. As the ultimate custodian of all the powers across realms of manifest, Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu sits in one place, yet His power is felt everywhere in the world. His name exudes power, authority and salvation. He has reformed sinners and reconciled men with God.
"Today, it has pleased Him as a sole giver of peace to direct that His children who are the emissaries of peace should take His message of peace through this Peace March to the Igbo nation. If Igbo people would humble themselves and accept this message, Peace shall be permanently established in all Igbo lands in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The BCS spokesman further clarified that His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu established the Peace March as a means of instituting Peace in the world. He disclosed that similar events of that sort had been held in major cities in Nigeria and other countries including Acra in Ghana, Kampala in Uganda, Abuja in Nigeria, etc. He said the event gave birth to many good testimonies especially those who accepted the message of peace in considering its efficacy.
Amah testified that, "This year, it has pleased Him to bring this message of Peace to Ebonyi State" and enumerated activities to be observed during the event as preaching the gospel of peace, by highlighting the need for all people and ethnic nationalities to live together in harmony, peace procession, singing of peace songs at strategic locations in the city to bring down the spirit of peace upon the state, among others.
While calling all and sundry to embrace perfect peace, he said, the Igbo people must know that they are a chosen nation and beloved of God, who created them to be a shining example of His manifold blessing upon the chosen generations and urged them to eschew violence and hatred by becoming peace lovers and advocates, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
"His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu says it is time for all Nigerians to eschew violence, forgive one another and embrace the Brotherhood of man as that is the only sure path to enduring peace. Every leader and citizen must therefore rise above ethnicity, prejudice and corruption and live in oneness and love. Until these lofty ideals as taught by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu are practiced, the problems of mankind shall persist. Everyone should know that there is no amount of violence, killings or agitations that can solve any problem. Once love is practised, all problems will be solved," Amah declared.
He also assured the Igbo people that God is closer to them than the tongue is to the teeth, advising them not to search for Him in the moon, stars or the skies.
To him, "Jerusalem is no more dwelling with men, His dwelling place, but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit now dwells with men. He is the giver of peace, Nation and people rise and fall at His command, and from His mouth proceeds a two-aged sword with which He smites the Nation. He alone is the giver of justice, the Hope of the hopeless, the Defender of the weak, the God of reconstruction, and He has come with a new name Olumba Olumba Obu. The Igbo people as well as Nigerian citizens must embrace Him and practice His teachings of love, forgiveness, oneness, and peace, for this is the last bus stop. This is not the time to engage in religious controversy and hate. This is not the time to discriminate between white or black Christians or Muslims but it is the time to love one another irrespective of religion or ethnicity and seek God in spirit with a humble heart and you shall find Him. It is the divine will of our Holy. Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, the King of kings and Lord of lords decided to use this BAYA peace march in Abakaliki to establish peace in the whole nation and unite Igbos into an indivisible entity, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Ebonyi people should therefore humble themselves and embrace these great blessings that will be dispatched to them through the BAYA peace march. It is also a great opportunity for the Igbo nation to imbibe this peace message, practice the same and be restored to their pride of place in the spiritual and physical scheme of things. The people of Iboland shall forever experience peace and prosperity."
He continued: "...The audacity of this message and the authority with which we proclaim it stems from the fact that it is coming from God Almighty and it is the truth. We must proclaim this truth the way it is so that the world may not perish. Our Lord Jesus Christ was very clear in His message. He looked the Pharisees, the Chief Priests, the Sadducees, and the Roman leaders of His time in the eyes and told them the truth about the Kingdom of God. It is with the same audacity that we tell governments and people of the world that God is dwelling on earth with men and unless the leaders of the world turn to Him, the challenges of mankind will persist. It should be noted that the sure path to the prosperity and salvation of man lies in the core values and basic principles taught by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.
"It is on this note that we make it abundantly clear that the Prince of Peace, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu is in Nigeria and the leaders of this country should practice His teachings of servant leadership, purity, love and fear of God and seek His divine intervention in the problem besieging the nation for He alone can give peace to the world."
Citing the cases connected with the International community, the BCS spokesman said that the global occurrences have exposed the limits of man's knowledge and ability to solve his challenges. He cited the depletion of man's natural resources, war, climate change, natural disasters, outbreak of pandemic, increase in crime rate and numerous challenges faced by the world today, saying "all show that we are seeing the signs of the end time as spoken about by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24. However, despite these situations, hope is not lost. Leaders of the world and government at all levels must know that the solution to the myriads of problems bedevilling mankind today can be found in the teachings of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu as encapsulated in His Everlasting Gospels.
"Again, we boldly declare to the hearing of all that except leaders of the world embrace the divine precepts of the Brotherhood of man, where all forms of discrimination shall cease to exist and the fatherhood of God, where all men shall worship the only living God as thought by the Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, man shall continue to wallow in trouble."
Conclusion
By implication, the above message by the BCS leader comes off to be valid for the peace creation, building and keeping of human civilization. It is because the advocates of peace creation initiative think that they have a strategy to create peace but the myriad challenges facing the nation have shown that nobody can bring peace except God, the Prince of Peace.
For instance, the United Nations (UN) has been sponsoring peace-building missions. The peace-building may have taken the form of democratic reforms, but it turned ironic since almost two decades, the UN kept talking about the reforms, setting up panels for such reforms, and yet so many years after its reformation, the Security Council's permanent membership was not reformed to bring in new ideas that can assuage the situation.
Affirming the above hints, the BCS Deputy Spokesman, His Grace, Archbishop Emmanuel Ekuri while delivering a lecture on a topic tagged, "Global Peace and Security," said, most times, what the peace-builders work to achieve themselves may lack peace, asserting the considerably important criticism for those who want to build peace is that one cannot give what he/she does not have.
He disclosed that the UN in different war-ravaged countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bosnia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Darfur, among others has been going on for decades without much success in establishing lasting peace in these areas. He advised those who talk about peacekeeping to know that peace cannot be kept by force, but it is a free gift of God, citing Numbers 6:24-26. "The Lord will give thee peace Himself," he hinted. Ekuri concluded that the God of Brotherhood of Cross and Star, BCS, the Ancient of Days, who manifested as Leader Olumba Olumba Obu is the only source of peace to Nigeria and the world at large, insisting that when the citizens hand their challenges over to Him, He would bring lasting peace and prosperity in their lands.
