GOVERNOR ODODO'S INTERVENTION ON THE ARREST OF COMRADE USMAN AUSTIN OKAI IS SACROSANCT

 OPEN LETTER:

GOVERNOR ODODO'S INTERVENTION ON THE ARREST OF COMRADE USMAN AUSTIN OKAI IS SACROSANCT

The name of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has gained traction and continued to dominate positive conversations on the social and the conventional news media as a Peace Ambassador, Servant Leader and a born Unifier given his antecedents on prompt payment of salaries, arrears and other emoluments for workers and the retired civil servants of Kogi State. 

Your Excellency, Sir, I have been around the men and  women of authority in governance, at the corridor of power and at the helm of affairs within and outside Kogi State and for sure, it is not easy and rosy to be the Governor of Kogi State which is undoubtedly the microcosm of Nigeria given her heterogeneous nature and the borders it shares with ten (10) other sub-nationals in about three (3) sub-regions of South East, South-South and South West including other States within her own North Central geopolitical zone.

It is against the above backdrop that I seek for the sacrosanct and inviolable intervention of the current first citizen of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo over the arrest of the 2023 defunct PDP's Bassa-Dekina  Federal House of Representatives candidate from his Abuja residence as seen in video footage circulated on social media.

I have been personally recognized and inaugurated into the Nigerian Hall of Fame as a PEACE AMBASSADOR WITHOUT BOARDERS in the year 2020 with the Certificate of Authority and Confirmation in my possession and I cannot keep quiet when the name of my current Governor is mentioned and called out over the arrest of Comrade Usman Austin Okai.

 It is a recipe for anarchy when good people keep quiet in the face of violence, oppression and subjugation and it is a fact that silence is another form of acceptance.

The only thing that I wouldn't delve into as a law abiding citizen and peace Ambassador is the subject matter that led to the arrest of Comrade Usman Austin Okai because it is the primary responsibility of the concerned Law enforcement agency to maintain her seamless constitutional role of neutrality devoid of chauvinism, diatribe, narcissism and oppression between the political activist, Comrade Usman Austin Okai and those who called for his arrest yesterday being February 26, 2025.

I call on the users and lovers of social media especially facebook, Whatsapp, Tiktok, X and others to maintain absolute decorum in their utterances as violence is a known liability that has capacity to throw up Kogi State in flames. 

The committee of the Peace Ambassadors in Nigeria is already discussing this particular issue and in the coming days, giant strides would be made to stem the tide of violence and oppression for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Your Excellency, Sir, It is good to give peace a chance because it is the only pathway to harmonious relationships, prosperity and co-existence of Kogites and Kogi State especially in a world filled with conflict, division, and uncertainty, the notion of giving peace a chance may seem like a daunting task. However, it is precisely in these moments of turmoil that we must remind ourselves of the transformative power of peace.

Importantly, before we can give peace a chance, we must first understand what it truly means. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a state of being that encompasses compassion, empathy, and kindness. Peace is a choice that requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to listen.

One of the most significant obstacles to peace is our inability to see things from another person's perspective. Practicing empathy allows us to bridge this gap and connect with others on a deeper level.

Your Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, I urge you as a leader to take time to listen to the parties involved and to the whole stories around the arrest of Comrade Usman Austin Okai in order to understand the struggles and fears of his families, supporters and followers. In doing so, you will begin to break down the barriers that separate us as a people of diverse tongues in Kogi State.

To sum it up, holding onto anger and resentment is a sure way to extinguish the flame of peace. When we choose to let go of these negative emotions, we create space for forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. Remember that forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning hurtful behavior; it is about releasing the hold that anger has on our hearts.

To the rest people of Kogi State and the Lovers of Comrade Usman Austin Okai, just know for sure that mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. When we cultivate mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This increased awareness allows us to respond to situations more thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively.

To the Governor of Kogi State and the Members of his Cabinet, I say that;

in a world filled with differing opinions and beliefs, it can be challenging to find common ground. However, it is precisely this common ground that provides the foundation for peace. Seek to understand the values, needs, and concerns that unite us, rather than focusing on the issues that divide us.

I humbly ask His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to take action on the arrest of Comrade Usman Austin Okai because 

giving peace a chance requires more than just words; it demands action. Take concrete steps to promote peace in our dear State, whether it's through volunteering, mediating conflicts, or simply being a listening ear for those in need of quick release of Comrade Usman Austin Okai. Giving peace a chance is not a naive or idealistic notion; it is a practical and necessary step towards creating a more harmonious world. By practicing empathy, letting go of anger and resentment, cultivating mindfulness, seeking common ground, and taking action, we can begin to build a world that values peace above all else.

As John Lennon so eloquently sang, "Give Peace a Chance." Let us heed these words and work towards a brighter, more peaceful future for all.

Written By Isah Wada Odaudu; an Author, Engineer by Profession, A Politician, an online News Editor and Publisher with The Ototonobi News Planets from Iyale in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. 

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