Date Published: 08/18/09
ODILI @ 61: LETTER TO AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER
By Ifeanyi Izeze
Your Excellency, congratulations as you add another golden year to your age. A good number of Rivers people and indeed the entire Niger Delta who are appreciative of your genuine commitment and covert doggedness in search of non-violent emancipation and correction of glaring injustices our people receive from the centre would have longed to watch those your soil-of-the-soil dancing steps in Port Harcourt. Though most people for political reasons may not be able to openly express their love and convictions on your genuineness, you need not to worry sir as the stone that was rejected by builders will surely be the cornerstone of the foundation because the Bible cannot lie.
Sir, it has been long since you traveled and I seek this opportunity of your birthday to acquaint you with some of the interesting developments since you left home for Abuja.
Peace has been returned to the state at least as perceived on the surface. The only problem now is the menacing presence of the military men all over the place. These men have constituted themselves into another kind of “deeh something.” Don’t worry about this your excellency because they say they are in the state to restore peace and security of lives and property.
Sir, blaming you for almost all the woes of rivers state since the days of eastern region has become the fashionable way to play politics and gain acceptance by almost all the people that massively benefited in cash and kind from your government. But this should not bother you as God will surely grant you an opportunity to talk to your people and give them details of your stewardship with names and benefits received by these masquerades who are now dancing naked all over Port Harcourt and beyond.
All those who persecuted you before you started persecuting them have equally turned the heat on Rotimi. Their reasons are similar to the ones they used on you- sharing of state resources to the detriment of the ordinary Rivers people. But the beauty of the present situation is that Amaechi has neither godfathers nor godmothers though he has several god brothers and sisters who are part of the “I believe canoe.”
Your son Rotimi is doing very well, at least so far, in terms of articulating and driving people-oriented projects and programmes. You should be very proud of him because he seems to be using his grah grah to take up all the development concepts you initiated. And he is pursuing their actualization with the resilience of a “yewali.” He is re-visiting the Rainbow estate, the ring road, and the greater Port Harcourt city projects.
Rotimi has also been on the Mile One market project which you also initiated but was started by the interim governor Cele. Oga, Abornema Wharf and Marine Base na government reserve areas now o!
Sir, do you know that one of the first things Chibuike did was to embark on a caterpillar drive round the entire Port Harcourt and environs. He called this urban renewal- an excursion that created roads and open spaces where people had their homes and business premises. Overall sharr, the city looks beautiful now.
The PDP in the state now was not the one you built and left behind. There is a new order with all kinds of factions, some real most fake and strictly for cash drive.
Your excellency, the upland-riverine dichotomy which you completely wiped out from the vocabulary of Rivers people has been revived and it’s being manipulated for cheap political gains and fast tearing the state apart along ethnic lines.
Interestingly, all the traditional rulers and men of God that literally “lived” and “enjoyed” with you in the Brick House have moved into another room in the new Government House. Such is life!
Before I forget sir, the Obi Wali Cultural Centre you built is now a Cinema Hall. We now watch cinemas from 11a.m in the morning particularly for those who do shift jobs- both on the right and wrong sides of shift duties. You know what I mean!
Your excellency, any time you come home please remember not to make or answer phone calls when driving. If you do, you will have direct entry admission at the Psychiatric Hospital Rumuigbo where they will ask you your name and your father’s name over 1000 times within 20 minutes.
Sir, beware of rumour mongers and influence peddlers any time they come to you in Abuja. Whatever you discuss with them, be sure they would download it for Rotimi as you know most of these people are “food is ready” politicians. So beware!
When do we expect you home with the extended family members with you over there in Abuja?
Your son Rotimi and his team salute you. Other children of yours in government both ruling and supposed opposition equally salute you. Your brother and friend Ake at the PDP secretariat salutes you.
Salute Umaru your friend. More importantly, salute them that are of the household of Rivers state with you in Abuja. Tell them we are waiting their joyous home-coming and family re-union. Grace and peace be unto you, Amen! Happy Birthday!
IFEANYI IZEZE, ABUJA ( iizeze@yahoo.com)
