We Cannot Afford To Waste More Lives

By Ikedi Ohakim

“For my brothers and sisters, Ndi Imo, I would like us to realize that the killing of Gulak on our soil is Aru, (Abomination; Sacrilege), a complete negation of what we stand for, and are known as a people. Imolites, nay, Ndigbo, love strangers, and go out of our way to protect them.”

There has been, quite understandably, so much out pouring of grief and angst over the gruesome murder of my friend, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, last Sunday, in Imo state, but that can never sufficiently situate the gravity of that sordid event. While I join millions of other Nigerians in total condemnation of that dastardly act, I am of the firm belief that the sordid incident offers every well meaning Nigerian an opportunity for sober reflection.

Gulak’s murder in Imo state, several hours of journey from his native home state, Adamawa, if not properly and patriotically handled, may lead to untoward consequences, given the volatile situation our dear Nation is currently in.

While I commiserate with his family, the Government and people of Imo state and, indeed, the entire people of Adamawa state, I join several other fellow compatriots across the country in appealing to the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the search for the masterminds of this unconscionable act.

Although Alhaji Gulak will never return to be with us, investigations into his murder must be thorough, transparent and such that will leave every Nigerian with no iota of doubt.

For my brothers and sisters Ndi Imo, I would like us to realize that the killing of Gulak on our soil is Aru, a complete negation of what we stand for, and are known for, as a people. Imolites, nay, Ndigbo, love strangers and go out of their way to protect them in the event of danger.

Therefore, I expect every adult indigene of the state, irrespective of political leaning or partisan interest, to see this incident as a challenge to our collective integrity as an accommodating and peace-loving people, and a call by humanity to assist and cooperate with the relevant authorities both in sourcing and providing the necessary intelligence in the search for the culprits. The time is now to say a final “Enough Is Enough” to the recent spate of violence in our state.

Gulak’s murder was against the backdrop of the death of our own brothers and sisters, either in the hands of criminals or operatives of state agencies. My heart bleeds over this needless loss of lives, most of them youths. But the question we must find answer to immediately is: Can we afford to have more lives wasted under any guise; either in the process of expressing our dissatisfaction over the state of affairs in the country or through the nefarious acts of criminals who are taking advantage of our agitation for a better country?

If the answer is “NO”, as I expect it would, the question then is, what plans, what strategies do we have, as a people, to make sure that the situation does not further deteriorate? While I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who have died, either in the hands of criminals or security agents, I call on every Imolite to resolve that not a single life shall be lost again in our state in the same circumstances as we have witnessed of recent.

I call on heads of the security agencies to take extra steps to restrain their field operatives from seeing their fellow human beings as instruments for achieving professional competence or advancement. I enjoin fellow political leaders to eschew all partisan differences or personal animosity so that we can come together in search of lasting peace.

I call on the youths to resolve to ensure both their individual and collective survival by distancing themselves from every demeanor that is capable of endangering their lives or make them vulnerable to the conduct of either criminals or ill tempered security operatives.

The challenge for the youths today is to resolve to be alive, not only to contribute to the process that will lead to the inevitable change that is about to happen, but to also be among those that will superintend over the new order.

But it is neither by grand standing, nor by joining non state actors in a mission of violence; as that can only elongate the coming of the new era we all expect and deserve. Rather, I appeal to Imo youths, and, indeed, the entire youths of Igboland, to be ready for dialogue which the current crop of political actors must embrace – whether they like it or not.

Already, there is an ongoing move to amend the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which nearly every knowledgeable Nigerian believes is the root cause of the current national crisis.

Even though some also fault the exercise as inadequate, it is an indication that the current political leaders are ready to take the necessary steps to tackle the problem from its root.

The needless and uncountable deaths of Nigerians either in the hands of criminals or unscrupulous state actors poses an existential question to every Nigerian; and the answer must be found NOW.

It shall be well with our dear Nation, Nigeria.

H.E. Ohakim, is a former Governor of Imo State.