THINGS CAN'T FALL APART: A Prayer of Tsalla Emmanuel

Can the centre still hold?

I just can't help but wonder why what I thought was harmony now seems like a misconception.
I can't explain the spasm that springs up when I try to think of it.

A Nation comprising of so many ethnic groups, one cherished for its cultural diversity and heritage.
A Nation that has existed for over 100 years with people of so much differences living together, one as beautiful as marriage.

This heavenly endowed Nation is now cracked, at the verge of breaking up.
Some groups no longer share the same vision as the rest, hatred has filled the hearts of so many, the centre is loosing its grip, some don't want it to hold anymore.

Little children are now being told to segregate themselves from those that don't speak the same language as them.

Did I blindly believe that we are a country and not just the result of a mapping of a geographical area?
Was I wrong to think that Enugu and Osun are also part of my home?
Did I make a mistake in believing in the great prophecies revealed for Nigeria?

Is 'WaZoBia' nothing but a lie?
Where did it all go wrong?
Where did I miss it?
How did we become this broken?
Are we truly damaged beyond repairs?
Would my children not call Imo a part of Nigeria?

Oh! I've asked too much questions but they just keep coming!

I don't want to ask anymore questions, I still want to believe in the National Anthem "One Nation bound in freedom, peace and unity".
My children should also have the privilege of pledging to Nigeria our country, her unity should still be defended.

Oh! How I enjoy the sound of plenty voices from different backgrounds and cultures uniting to sing one song.

The joy that feels my heart when I sing 'Ekwueme' by Ochimana, the happiness that overwhelms me with the thought that a Nigerian sang that song to glorify God.

The fun in seeing Mikel Obi score a goal and not minding the ethnic group he hails from.

The beauty in looking at my colleagues just to see a variety of complexions, height differences, size differences, religion differences, cultural differences and not hating them for that.

I very much believe in this country.
I still want to attend cultural events and watch various cultural performances different from mine.

I still want to shake hands with 'Obiora, Anosike, Chinagorom', 'Oyadole, Oyelade, Oladeji', 'Sambo, Isa and Musa' without crossing another country's border.

Nigeria is not complete without you, it is great not because of you alone but because of us all.

I still believe in WaZoBia
I still believe in My Country
I still believe in Nigeria.

Tsalla Emmanuel