貝努埃：我們的祖國，我們的責任

在一封致薩姆·祖加大主教的公開信中，西蒙·伊莫博-茨瓦姆對大主教最近引發貝努埃州擔憂的有爭議的視頻表示遺憾。伊莫博-茨瓦姆認為，祖加的影片批評了州長風信子·伊奧爾梅姆·阿利亞，這背離了他平時的形象，不符合國家的最佳利益。他呼籲祖加利用自己的影響力來促進貝努埃的團結和進步，而不是發表分裂言論。

We Have No Other Country But Benue

除了貝努埃，我們沒有其他國家

As the adage goes, "We have no other country than Nigeria, and we will remain here and salvage it together." This sentiment resonates deeply with the people of Benue State today, just as it did with Nigeria as a whole in the 1980s.

正如諺語所說，“除了尼日利亞，我們沒有其他國家，我們將留在這裡，共同拯救它。”這種情緒在今天的貝努埃人民中引起了深刻的共鳴，就像在 20 世紀 80 年代在整個尼日利亞一樣。

Benue: A Land of Unique Attributes

貝努埃：一片具有獨特屬性的土地

While other states may boast of greater wealth, population, or resources, none can compare to the unique qualities of Benue. Its fertile soil and abundant water sources nurture a diverse array of crops, each with its own distinct flavor and nutritional value.

雖然其他州可能擁有更多的財富、人口或資源，但沒有一個州可以與貝努埃的獨特品質相提並論。肥沃的土壤和豐富的水源孕育了多種農作物，每種農作物都有其獨特的風味和營養價值。

The people of Benue are renowned for their patriotism, courage, resourcefulness, and selflessness. Their unwavering spirit has left an indelible mark on history, as evidenced by the countless individuals who have made significant contributions to our nation.

貝努埃人民以愛國、勇敢、足智多謀和無私而聞名。他們堅定不移的精神在歷史上留下了不可磨滅的印記，無數為我們國家做出重大貢獻的人就證明了這一點。

A Call for Unity

呼籲團結

However, these superlatives have not always translated into progress for Benue. Division and a lack of unity have plagued our state, hindering its potential.

然而，這些最高級的說法並不總是能轉化為貝努埃的進步。分裂和缺乏團結一直困擾著我們的國家，阻礙了它的潛力。

We must overcome this fragmentation and embrace the power of unity. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, "United we stand; divided we fall." It is time to stand together and confront the challenges that threaten our land.

我們必須克服這種分裂並擁抱團結的力量。正如亞伯拉罕·林肯的智慧所說：“團結則存，分裂則亡。”現在是團結起來應對威脅我們土地的挑戰的時候了。

The Global Perspective

全球視野

In this interconnected world, the global community offers valuable insights on the importance of unity.

在這個相互關聯的世界中，國際社會就團結的重要性提供了寶貴的見解。

• "There is beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One world, one people." – Lailah Gifty Akita
• "Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." - Ryunosuke Satoro
• "When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." - Anonymous
• "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." - Henry Ford
• "There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret Wheatley

The Threat Within

「團結就是美麗和力量。我們必須在心靈和思想上團結起來。一個世界，一個民族。” – Lailah Gifty Akita“單獨而言，我們只是一滴水。在一起，我們就是一片海洋。” ——悟龍之介“當蜘蛛聯合起來時，它們可以束縛獅子。” ——匿名“走到一起是開始，在一起是進步，共同努力是成功。” ——亨利·福特“沒有什麼力量比一個社區發現它所關心的事情更強大的了。” ——瑪格麗特‧惠特利《內在的威脅》

Our state is under siege from killer-herdsmen who wreak havoc and leave behind a trail of devastation. They have even recruited our own people as mercenaries and collaborators.

我們的國家正遭受殺手牧民的圍攻，他們造成了嚴重破壞，留下了滿目瘡痍的痕跡。他們甚至招募我們自己的人作為僱傭兵和合作者。

As Winston Churchill once said, "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." It is imperative that we address the divisions within our own ranks to strengthen our defenses against external threats.

正如溫斯頓·邱吉爾曾經說過的：“當內部沒有敵人時，外部的敵人就無法傷害你。”當務之急是解決我們內部的分歧，以加強我們對外部威脅的防禦。

The Importance of Responsible Leadership

負責任的領導的重要性

In this time of crisis, we need leaders who inspire hope and unity. Archbishop Sam Zuga, founder of Zuga Coin, has been a prominent figure in our state, but his recent videos have raised concerns.

在這個危機時刻，我們需要激發希望和團結的領導者。 Zuga Coin 的創始人 Sam Zuga 總主教一直是我們州的知名人物，但他最近的影片引起了人們的擔憂。

Instead of using his platform to address the pressing issues facing Benue, such as poverty, insecurity, and disequilibrium, Archbishop Zuga has focused his attention on personal attacks and baseless accusations against Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

祖加大主教沒有利用他的平台來解決貝努埃面臨的緊迫問題，例如貧困、不安全和失衡，而是將注意力集中在對總督海辛斯·伊奧爾梅姆·阿利亞的人身攻擊和毫無根據的指控上。

The Missed Opportunity

錯失的機會

Many had hoped that Archbishop Zuga would use his videos to discuss his poverty alleviation schemes, such as the Ginger Initiative and Zuga Coin. However, these expectations have been met with silence, leaving investors disappointed and questioning his motives.

許多人希望祖加大主教能夠利用他的影片來討論他的扶貧計劃，例如「生薑計劃」和「祖加幣」。然而，這些期望卻遭到了沉默，讓投資者感到失望並質疑他的動機。

The Governor's Principled Stand

總督的原則立場

Governor Alia has maintained a consistent message: "No deals" and "No bazaars." He has pledged to prioritize the well-being of the people of Benue, rather than serving the interests of special groups or vested interests.

阿利亞州長一直保持著一貫的訊息：「沒有交易」和「沒有市集」。他承諾優先考慮貝努埃人民的福祉，而不是為特殊群體或既得利益者的利益服務。

Despite intense pressure, Governor Alia has refused to compromise his principles. He is determined to ensure that the commonwealth serves the common man and that every Naira brings value to the community.

儘管面臨巨大壓力，阿利亞州長拒絕妥協他的原則。他決心確保聯邦為普通人服務，並確保每一奈拉都為社區帶來價值。

The Archbishop's Dilemma

大主教的困境

Archbishop Zuga's aggressive rhetoric and outlandish claims suggest that he is seeking a confrontation with the governor. However, Governor Alia has remained steadfast in his mission, refusing to be distracted by personal attacks or political maneuvering.

祖加大主教的激進言論和古怪主張表明他正在尋求與州長對抗。然而，阿利亞州長始終堅定不移地履行自己的使命，拒絕因人身攻擊或政治操縱而分心。

Like Governor Nehemiah of biblical times, Governor Alia's unwavering focus on his work is a powerful message to those who seek to derail his efforts.

就像聖經時代的尼希米總督一樣，阿利亞總督堅定不移地專注於他的工作，這對那些試圖破壞他的努力的人來說是一個強有力的信息。

A Call for Reflection

呼籲反思

As a respected cleric, Archbishop Zuga has a responsibility to engage in sober reflection. He must ask himself:

身為受人尊敬的神職人員，祖加大主教有責任進行清醒的反思。他必須問自己：

• Who is driving his actions?
• What is motivating his attacks?
• How can he redeem his reputation?
• How can he repair the damage he has inflicted on his ministry and the trust of those he has alienated?

Constructive Criticism vs. Destructive Attacks

誰在推動他的行為？是什麼激發了他的攻擊？他如何挽回自己的聲譽？他如何修復他對他的事工造成的損害以及他疏遠的人的信任？建設性批評與破壞性攻擊

While Governor Alia is not infallible, he deserves respectful and constructive criticism. Archbishop Zuga can voice his concerns without resorting to personal insults or inflammatory language.

雖然阿利亞州長並非絕對正確，但他值得尊重和建設性的批評。祖加大主教可以表達他的擔憂，而無需訴諸人身侮辱或煽動性語言。

Politics is now over, and it is time for governance. Governor Alia is our duly elected leader, and he deserves our support and cooperation.

政治已經結束，是治理的時候了。阿利亞州長是我們正式選舉產生的領導人，他值得我們的支持與合作。

An Appeal to the People of Benue

向貝努埃人民發出的呼籲

We must remain united and vigilant in the face of those who seek to divide us. Let us reject the rabble-rousers and failed politicians who are trying to undermine the progress we have made.

面對那些試圖分裂我們的人，我們必須保持團結和警覺。讓我們拒絕那些試圖破壞我們已經取得的進步的煽動者和失敗的政客。

Conclusion

結論

Archbishop Zuga, I extend my sincere apologies for the length of this letter, but I believe it is necessary to address the concerns you have raised in your videos. I come in peace, and I urge you to do the same.

祖加大主教，我對這封信的長度表示誠摯的歉意，但我認為有必要解決您在影片中提出的擔憂。我是帶著和平而來的，我也敦促你也這麼做。

Let us work together to build a better Benue, where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.

讓我們共同努力建立一個更美好的貝努埃，讓所有公民都有機會蓬勃發展。

Yours sincerely,

此致，

Simon Imobo-Tswam
23/March/2024
Imobo-Tswam, a Benue patriot, writes from Abuja.

西蒙‧伊莫博-茨瓦姆 (Simon Imobo-Tswam)23/3 月/2024貝努埃愛國者伊莫博-茨瓦姆 (Simon Imobo-Tswam) 在阿布賈撰文。