I am not mourning. I am only deeply pained and saddened at the passing of a man whom I have seen as a father figure, role model, and mentor for decades. A man whom I can only probably compare with my own biological father.
Even in that comparison, my father, until his own death in 2020 just before COVID-19 hit, recognised and saluted Buhariโs integrity, forthrightness, spartan lifestyle, and, very importantly, unimpeachable sense of discipline. Deep always calls to deep.
I vividly recall in December 2014 when I travelled home (Umunumo, Ehime Mbano, Imo state) to register with the APC (my first ever political party), and I informed my Dad of my intention.
He asked me, โIs it Buhariโs party?โ I said yes. He said, โHe (referring to Buhari) is a good man.โ He then went on to reminisce on the experiences of the 80s era as a teacher under General Buhari, the War Against Indiscipline, and so on.
Those who knew my father know what it took for him to refer to someone as a good person. That simple statement from my father, Ogbuagu (my hero, whom I literally worshipped), was all the validation and the only proof I needed to know that I was on the right path.
My father never met Buhari in person but his views about Buhari, especially considering the impression many from my South East had about him, which were mostly ill or uninformed, taught me a vital lesson: that in life many are watching you and taking note.
My father passed on in March 2020 also at 82, and interestingly and gratefully, Buhari (as President of Nigeria) honoured us with a condolence message over his death, even though he never knew my father and what my father thought of him, except that he knew my father through my words and deeds, even though he never met me in person.
Today, I am deeply pained and saddened, alright at the passing of another human being, one whom I love deeply, but I am not mourning. On the contrary, I am celebrating a purposeful, impactful, and fulfilled long life, well-lived in self-contentment, sincerity of intention, and integrity.
Every day, I pray that God would grant me the grace to live such a life as my Baba Buhari and my Daddy, Ogbuagu, lived, even if it is not up to 82. It is not how long we live on earth that matters more. It is how well, meaningful, and impactful the life we live.
In passing and in conclusion, I hear and read that some people are mocking. Oh! How ignorant and foolish some people can be, because every soul shall taste death. It is only a matter of Godโs timing. What will be said of a truth about us then? Most importantly, how will God judge us? The death of another is always supposed to be a moment of sombre reflection and meditation.
By the way, how does anyone mock a man who was graced enough to live to be 82, in overall average good health, who never bent or incapacitated at 82? Buy vitamins and supplements
A man who God blessed with children and grandchildren โ boys and girls. Every true Igbo person will understand this.
A man who achieved almost everything he aspired to and set his heart on, including having the rare privilege of leading the most populous black nation on earth.
A man who, even unto death, is genuinely loved, admired, and respected by tens, if not hundreds of millions of people, beyond his village, tribe, religion, region, and nation.
My fervent and sincere prayer today is that almighty Allah would forgive his sins and shortcomings as a human and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Baba na, I shall continue to celebrate your legacy and strive to live your example.
If nothing else, every time I drive on the Second River Niger Bridge on my way home, I will always remember and pray for you.
Credit:The Guardian