A CASE FOR JUSTICE - CHIEF EMMA EJIOFOR.

I have, once again become a year older. My brothers, sisters, friends, well-wishers and associates overwhelmed me with beautiful, soul-stirring messages of goodwill, which continue to strengthen me as I relentlessly wade through labyrinths of life.
I remain indebted to all of you and I can only wish it was possible to pay personal visits to all of you to express my gratitude. As I become a year older, it is only fit and proper for me to have some reflections on one or two issues, especially the much vexed issue of the endless search for justice.
The search or pursuit of justice has never been easy anywhere in the world. It is a noble cause fit only for the focused and determined individuals who are ready to seek the common good for the greater number of people. In the pursuit of justice, which culminated in the historic black man becoming the President of the most powerful nation on earth, Martin Luther King once said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions of and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
In such struggles, not too many people may understand. This explains why some self-deluding individuals will continue to antagonize and live in a cocoon, which they erroneously believe, will insulate them from realities or the truth. But there is always light that will shatter darkness, no matter how long it will take.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I am standing tall on the side of justice. I pursue peace, truth and justice, believing, like Malcom X said, “I am for truth no matter who tells it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against. Let’s remind anyone hiding behind a finger and making vain attempts to obstruct the free flow of justice anywhere in the world, that whatever they do, will inevitably hasten the flow.
Above all, renegades and criminals should please awaken their conscience. Mahatma Gandhi‘s words on marble says it all: “There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.“ Eleanor Roosevelt tells us that “Justice cannot be for one side alone but must be for both.” Surely justice must prevail just as history will inevitably vindicate the just.
In all, let’s strengthen our faith in God. We should all espouse peace and love and lean on the wise counsel of Proverbs 25: 15. You don’t need to acquire or proclaim that you have big titles to obtain the grace of God, which He has freely given to us. The love of Christ starts from the home. If you are unable to love your kith and kin, why mount the pulpit?
We all need understanding of the word of God. Many of us have the knowledge but abysmally lack understanding of the word. It is like having a knowledge of the parts of a car but lacking the understanding of how they work and relate to each other. You may even establish or build a car workshop but lack of knowledge may make you send clients to their untimely death. Understanding is key to the service in the Lord’s vineyard. Jeremiah 3: 15, Acts 8: 29-38, Romans 19: 16, Job 32: 8 among others, will be instructive to both the clergy and the laity. More importantly, we should learn to preach better gospels with our lives and relationships with fellow mortals than our lips.
I leave you with Cat Steven’s view that in most selfless struggles, the end brings joy. His words, “I am confident that in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I am an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after.”
I salute you all!

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