By Iteveh Ekpokpobe
There is a goat-hooved, pitch fork brandishing apparition, with a black hood, strolling on the political streets of Isoko Nation.
You know it.
Many call it death; the force that cannot be cheated.
Yesterday, the news of Erudite Professor Abednigo Ekoko hit the grapevine. A terrible loss it is.
Today, it is former Commissioner, Arch Ajiri Ogeh. Another sad loss.
Slowly, the irokos, the obeches and the opepes of Isoko politics are being cut down by death. Sadly, we see no viable replacement.
Who will be the next to die?
Isoko South is yet to come to terms with the demise of the peoples president, Late Hon. Kenneth Ogba, who died a sitting lawmaker in Delta State’s parliament.
Before Hon. Ogba, was a former Council Chairman, Hon. (Sir) Mathias Eto. Sadly, Ogba was at the front of the funeral arrangements. Oleh community mourns. Isoko South mourns.
However, in Isoko North, it is quite devastating and adopting a pattern. It seems, this apparition has a fondness for whoever chairs the political enclave.
First it was Hon. Tim Owhefere, Majority Leader of the State’s parliament who at the time of his death, presided as convener of Isoko North political class.
Following his demise, the shoes were passed to Arch Joe Ogeh. Ogeh was to host his first meeting today when he died.
He had been quite unwell for over year. It was gathered that he spoke with several leaders of the party up till about 1am this morning. At 3am he was gone.
Who will be the next to die?
A majority of the older generation prefer to sit on the younger generation. They wish to hold sway forever. The language you hear is, “they will not be loyal if we help them”. How many of them are loyal to God who created and lifted them to their current positions?
The Arewa north has kicked off another 20 years plan for Nigeria. A 25-years old, Prince Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, was pushed in as Youth Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded National convention.
Do you think, Senator Ahmed Markafi, his Godfather, doesn’t think of betrayal? He does. All they see is the larger picture. I am dining with them now, so I know.
Show me governors or politicians in the north made by godfathers who did not revolt? It is happening in Kwara, it is happening in Kano, it is happening in Gombe even as we speak.
Betrayal or rebellion is part of the game. The earlier our people realise it, the better. Chaos remains a ladder in politics.
While we dwell on this political epiphany, let us pray against evils and unbecoming deaths.
Let us pray for the soul of our land. Let us pray for the intellectual liberation of our leaders. Let us pray that everything good come to Isoko.
These are the few prayer points I can muster. You may add yours please….
Speechless…. This is a powerful story that contains all in one.