International Day of Rwandan Genocide: Obi Preaches Love over Hate

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

As the world marked the International Day of the Rwanda’s Genocide that claimed  over 800 lives of the Hutus and Tutsis, the presidential candidate of the Labour party in the last general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to enshrine the spirit of love over hated for mankind.

Obi in a statement in his X account said that there is nothing love can not do over hatred, explaining that is the greatest gift over hate.

He also urged Nigerians to learn from the lessons of history and commit ourselves to fostering a society where every individual is valued and respected, regardless of their background.

Ultimately, the choice between building barriers or bridges lies within each of us, he stated.

The world was taken aback by the genocidal atrocities in Rwanda from April 7th to July 4th, 1994 that resulted in the death of many people both the Hutus and Tutsis that speak the same language.

According to Obi, “Let us choose love over hate, compassion over indifference, and solidarity over division. Together, let us strive to create a future where the scars of the past serve as a reminder of our shared humanity, and where the bonds of unity triumph over the forces of division.

“Let us heed the lessons of history and commit ourselves to fostering a society where every individual is valued and respected, regardless of their background. Ultimately, the choice between building barriers or bridges lies within each of us.”

He stated further: “Yesterday, we solemnly observed the International Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Rwandan genocide. The occasion invites us to pause and honour the memory of the 800,000 Rwandans – Tutsis and moderate Hutus – who perished within the span of 100 days,

“From April 7th to July 4th, 1994. This period stands as a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for unspeakable cruelty, evil and devastation, as extremist forces fueled by hate sought to cleanse their society along ethnic lines.

“As we reflect on the horrors of the Rwandan genocide, let us also look inwards and examine the state of our own societies, including Nigeria and the broader African continent.

“May the power of love overcome hatred and division. It is a poignant truth that in Rwanda, the distinctions between Tutsis and Hutus were often arbitrary, discernible only by the labels on their identification cards.

“Let us recognize the diversity that enriches our communities and embrace the notion that unity in diversity is not merely a slogan, but a guiding principle for progress and peace.

“’Despite speaking the same language, sharing the same customs, and even intermarrying, they were torn apart by forces of intolerance, hate  and animosity. But let us not allow the shadows of the past to dim the light of our shared humanity.

“”A great nation must first be a pool of compassion, fellow feeling and unity of purpose”,