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No Justice No Peace

By Comr. Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri|Grassrootsmirro 

July 5, 2025

Peace isn't just when there's no war. It's when things are fair, everyone's equal, the truth matters, and people are treated with respect. If things aren't fair, peace is just fake – it's quiet now, but trouble's coming. No peace without justice is an age-old saying for countries with oppression, lies, and corruption. It's especially true now for some governments, particularly in parts of Africa.

When leaders don't care about what's right, when money meant for people is misused or stolen, when people who tell the truth are in danger, and when loyalty to a political party is seen as more important than the people, it points to a serious problem: bad leadership. And if this problem isn't fixed, real peace will never happen.

1. Bad Leadership: Where the Country Goes Wrong

Bad leaders aren't always loud or obvious. Sometimes they are sneaky, methodical and plan things. They like keeping secrets, lying, and taking reward over people who don't know what is going on. A bad leader isn't just someone who steals. They stop people from having chances, shut down anyone who speaks up for what's right, and put their own interests or their party's wants ahead of what's good for everyone.

Bad leaders wreck important systems. They cheat in elections to stay in charge. They use poverty to keep people weak and dependent. They let roads fall apart, hospitals get run-down, and schools become ruins, and meanwhile, they and their families spend money on fancy things overseas.

This kind of leadership makes people scared and angry. It destroys peoples trust and normalizes the abuse. That's why when bad leaders are in charge, a country can't have peace. No matter how much they talk about being united, it's impossible if things aren't fair.

2. When Money Isn't Used Right

Every year, the government gives money to states and towns to help people. This money is for fixing roads, providing healthcare, running schools, helping young people, supporting farmers, and keeping things safe. But often, the money disappears or is spent on useless projects that don't help anyone.

So where did the money go?

*   Roads are a mess, but the government said it spent ₦5 billion on them.

*   Hospitals don't have basic stuff, but the government said it spent ₦2 billion on healthcare.

*   Young people can't find jobs, but the government said it had projects to help them.

This isn't just being careless – it's plain evil. It's choosing not to help poor people rise up, and instead keeping them desperate so they'll beg for help during elections.

Not giving right use to government funds is completely unfair. And if people are treated unfairly, there won't be peace.

3. Shutting Up People Who Speak the Truth

One of the worst things that can happen to a country is when telling the truth becomes a crime. Often, reporters, activists, religious leaders, students, and government workers who speak out against lying or bad leadership are harassed, arrested, or even killed.

*   Activists are called enemies of the country.

*   Writers are accused of causing trouble.

*   Preachers who speak about unfairness are threatened or left out.

The government scares people into being quiet. And sadly, it often works. People become afraid to speak. They get tired of saying things without anyone listening. Staying quiet becomes a way to survive.

But here's the problem: Silence doesn't bring peace. It just makes the trouble come later. A country where you can't speak the truth is like a bomb about to go off. Sooner or later, people who are being mistreated will speak up or even do something violent. Unless people can speak freely, there won't be peace.

4. When Loyalty Is to a Party Instead of the People

One of the most damaging things in politics today is when people are loyal to their party before doing what's right for the public. People who are elected to help everyone often end up just doing what their political party tells them to do. They start caring more about the leaders than the people who voted for them.

They defend their party even when it hurts their own towns. They ignore what the public says and instead try to protect their own jobs in politics. They forget about the people who voted them into power.

This type of politics is very divisive. It leaves people out and causes disagreements. The people are only seen as votes and are treated badly.

There can't be real peace when this happens. Democracy isn't just about voting; it's about representing people, being fair, and helping the public. Leaders shouldn't forget this because doing so causes trouble, instability, and corruption.

5. When Leaders Neglect Regular People: A Major Letdown

Maybe the biggest injustice is when leaders totally ignore regular people, especially those who are poor, not educated, old, or don't have jobs. These are the people that government policies should focus on, but often they're the most forgotten.

*   Schools in the country are not taken care of.

*   Farmers can't get equipment to help them.

*   Workers don't have the skills or money they need.

*   Women don't get the same chances as men.

*   Young people are told to work hard without being given any kind of support.

This isn't just the government making mistakes. It's morally wrong. It's refusing to realize that every person has value and potential. It's breaking the promises made between the government and the people.

There can't be peace when millions are suffering in silence, when hungry people see the rich living it up, when talented young people are ignored, and when the government becomes like a private club for the wealthy.

6. Justice is How We Get to Peace

So, how do we fix this?

By being fair. By treating everyone equally. By holding people responsible. By including everyone.

These are the things that need to come together to build peace. A government that wants peace has to sincerely pursue justice.

That means:

*   Punishing corrupt officials, no matter what party they belong to.

*   Showing where the money goes by sharing budgets and getting the public involved.

*   Protecting people who tell the truth and not punishing them.

*   focusing on the needs of regular people, communities.

*   Changing the election system so that it truly shows what the people want.

Justice isn't an option – it's a basic right. If it's not there, people will demand it. If not peacefully, then with force.

The Nigerian civil war, the Niger Delta militancy, the End SARS protests– all of these started because people wanted justice. When people feel ignored, they start yelling. When they yell and nobody listens, things may explode.

The only way to have lasting peace is if fairness and righteousness is constant

7. A Message to the Leaders: People Will Remember

To those with power—governors, senators, ministers, and people in charge of parties—the people will see. You won't be remembered for how many buildings you opened or parties you threw. You'll be remembered for how you treated those who are weak, poor, and can't speak for themselves.

Did you steal or did you serve?

Did you silence people or did you support them?

Did you build things up or did you tear them down?

The people aren't blind. They're just quiet—for now. But quietness doesn't mean they agree. The people are watching, and when the time comes, they will rise up.

Justice First, Peace Will Follow

There's no easy way to get to peace. No amount of soldiers, political talk, or religious sayings can replace fairness. Until bad leaders are stopped, government money is used correctly, people are allowed to tell the truth, loyalty goes back to the people, and regular people are taken care of there won't be peace.


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