…Eddie Onuzuruike…
It was the psalmist who in one of his numerous texts observed, ‘man is like a breath, his days are like the passing shadow.’ This came to stark reality on 15th February 2014, when the former Ogwumabiri Umuahia ground, played host to a wonderful gathering.
The people of Ikwuano/Umuahia, a socio-cultural amalgam and their friends from the 17 local government areas of Abia and beyond rolled out their red carpet to honor one of their kind, Chief T. A. Orji who by all standards merited the treat and later, bagged the title of OME UDO GBURU GBURU Of Abia State- this means the Global Peace Maker in Igbo Language.
Different Speakers ranging from Senator Adighije, a serving member of Revenue Mobilization and Federation Account (RAMFAC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, erstwhile and pioneer Chairman of NDDC and former PDP governorship candidate in 2006, former PDP Chairman; Prince Vin Ogbulafor, Hon Chidi Nwosu, a current member of Abia State House of Assembly, Colonel Austin Akobundu, PDP Southeast Vice Chairman, Professor Ogbuagu, the VC, Abia State University, all spoke affirmatively, showering high encomiums and urging in strong terms that Chief T.A Orji should proceed to the senate.
This was certainly no surprise as Umunne Ato, comprising Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and South, one half of the Abia Central Senatorial Zone and their neighboring Abia South Zone at the other end, had done similar things, not forgetting that of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom which happened on December 13, 2013. In truth, promotion is an expected acknowledgement of superior performance as is the case with our servant leader. The Governor after listening to the speakers above, addressed the mammoth crowd. The high attendance was the first of its kind in Abia, highly newsworthy in that it was the first event since after the relocation and demolition of the market. Thereafter, he left in his motorcade and entourage including Sarah Jubril, Presidential adviser and Senator Ararume, his in-law.
Few minutes after the Governor’s departure, hell was let loose as a stray bullet zapped through Mr John Ndubuka’s thoracic area, letting blood profusely and tragically snuffed precious life off Johnny’s body.
John Ndubuka was a youth full of life and hailed from Amokwe, Ugba na Nkatta, Umuahia North LGA, same village with Chief T A Orji. Despite spirited efforts to save his life initiated at the FMC Umuahia by Engr Chinedum Orji, his bosom friend, cousin and Soul mate, the evil fate could not be altered. The police in Abia took control immediately by making arrests. It is noteworthy that there was no visible efforts to escape arrest by the erring policemen, which goes to suggest that it may have been accidental discharge as eyewitness accounts speculated.
Despite the shocking occurrence and the loss of life, the degree of tragedy was accentuated by online postings, most of them coming directly from hell.
Few minutes after the shooting, an online social media that goes by the name Igbere TV, posted a seemingly simulated version of the tragedy. John Ndubuka, lying on the ground appeared blood soaked but wrongly attired. Everybody at the venue saw John brilliantly dressed in the costume worn by all the planning committee members of the great event.
John wore a white top on black pair of trousers with a red George wrapper festooned across the waist. Curiously, what was shown at the Igbere TV was John’s body in jeans and canvass. How did all these change? Who took John to the dressing room? Was this expected to happen, so a simulation was made? Concurrently, there was a claim that Engineer Chinedum Orji ordered the execution of John. Who is in a hurry to make Chinedum a fall guy in a murder case? Like in most cases, more facts will emerge but another posting two days after by Odimegwu Onwumere in Ghana Report, another online news media, gave more leads to the smear campaign.
Onwumere wrote lending credence to the story of the Igbere TV. Onwumere who has always been Kalu’s hatchet writer sees nothing good in Abia and has taken it on himself to insult Chief TA Orji as if he is his mate. It is unfortunate that the Kalu house is dancing on the grave of John Ndubuka who was cut down in his prime. The Igbo custom and tradition has a sacred way of treating death. Until a deceased is buried, death of someone is treated with the highest solemnity. Even people who were hitherto enemies reconcile from a bereavement or keep a studied silence. All hostilities are ceased, court cases are halted or withdrawn until after mourning, but in this case, people with blood flowing in them are jubilating like bloodless robots.
Late John Ndubuka was born in 1978, the last son and child of Sir Beremako and Virgy Ndubuka. He obtained his first degree from ABSU and Maris Brothers Secondary School, all at Uturu. Little wonder his urbane mien.
People, especially youths of Abia will miss Johnny. His active but unassuming lifestyle has left a yawning gap where he seemed to have solutions to all problems. His craze for mobilizing the youth is unparalleled. This must have endeared him to Sir T A Orji, a talent hunt who employed and posted him to work with his son, who shared the same dream of uplifting the teeming youths of Abia with Johnny.
Johnny was amiable to a fault! All through his lifetime, Johnny would not give no as an answer in his numerous tasks. When you think he has forgotten an appointment, he will put a surprise call at the nick of time. Most of the time, John may be in Abuja or Lagos and will act as if he was in the next door. He will politely tell you to give him five minutes. Consider your request done and as you zealously want to thank him physically, he will reply, ‘Dee I am not in town.’ When time allows, Johnny will stop at the club for tennis and those around will certainly be sure of some drinks and nourishment.
Johnny left a little boy of about two years who would only recognize him through photographs. His beautiful, twenty-four year old wife has become a widow. Though his nuclear family and extended family may not lack anything as the Governor promised, but grief has descended on them and may not leave in a hurry.
Death so odd! Johnny is gone! According to Joseph Henshaw (1603,
‘ Man’s life is like unto a winter’s day,
Some break their fast and so depart away;
Others stay dinner, then depart full fed;
The longest age but sups and goes to bed.
O reader, then behold and see!
As we are now, so must you be.’