Ocholi: The passing of a brother

Traditionally the Igalas, the ninth largest ethnic group in Nigeria are their brother’s keepers. They are hospitable, old fashioned and have a rich cultural history. It is against this premise that James Ocholi (SAN) Hon. Minister of State for Labour reached out to me as he prepared for his thanksgiving service. “Omaiye”, I said to him “I am otherwise engaged so I would not be in attendance”. He understood.

Later, a text came in to say the thanksgiving went well. I was glad.

News of his demise began to filter into my phone and on social media on Sunday evening. At first I wondered if someone was playing tricks on me. How could it be? My feet became clammy and my palms began to sweat when further news indicated that indeed he had passed with his son, while his wife was badly hurt. I prayed intensely, I hoped. I had jitters. It’s difficult for mortal man to understand how a family loses three members in one day in such tragic circumstances.

The late Minister had come into my consciousness when, with his fresh outlook, he appeared on the list of those working to get a ticket to run for his party’s (APC)governorship ticket for Kogi state and did not make it. President Muhammadu Buhari found him worthy to occupy a seat in his cabinet as Minister of State, Labour. He was as erudite as he was brilliant. A people’s person, humble, deeply religious, a man of the cloth, one of Igala’s shinning stars.

We called each other in shock when his wife also died. But as Christians we understand the saying “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh; Blessed be the name of the Lord”.

Three days ago, I visited with the family. I watched as streams of people trooped in and out: captains of industry, government officials, politicians, family members and friends. The house was full of many sympathisers. Then I met his first son, fresh like his father, warm in his greetings, pain in his eyes. I imagined the storm in his heart. His father, his mum, his brother! He greeted with a calm disposition that belied his age, the mantle of leadership of his immediate family now firmly on his shoulders. As a growing young man little did he know that one day so soon, he will be charged with becoming a father and a son. He will be asked to inhabit his father’s role and play mother and father to the rest of his siblings. As we all said hello, he barely spoke his answers. He was deep in thought and overwhelmed by his circumstances. We all said a silent prayer for him as we left. But the impact of the loss, as all grievings go, will not be felt until the burials have come and gone. May God grant this young man the fortitude to bear the loss and carry on his father’s legacy, Amen!

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Hon. Minister and his late wife Fatima. His son Joshua who departed so soon with his parents will continue to be in our thoughts as he went along with his parents for a religious event. This is in an era where young persons of today find matters of morality and value very boring.

One must not forget Hon. Ocholi’s driver who served diligently as drivers are wont to do. One must remember at all times that he did not plan on bringing to an end the lives of three persons, his boss, his boss’s wife and their son, talk less of bringing an end to his own life.

Let us remember in spite of the many official commentaries on the cause of the accident that a personal driver is often carefully picked and some of the qualities considered are hard work, working over and beyond the call of duty, loyalty, cleanliness, kindness, politeness, general good behaviour and good management of the vehicle both on the road and in its parked state. Hon. Ocholi would have carefully selected his driver. The circumstances of the accident are unfortunate. We mourn with the driver’s family. A family has lost its breadwinner. With this accident there are many lessons to be learnt. Let us use this moment as a moment of sober reflection for all of us. We neither know the time nor the place. These moments are reserved for the Almighty. Let us all resolve to do our jobs honestly, be kind to our fellowmen and stop the rat race.

My condolences to the family of the late Hon. Minister, the body of SAN, all lawyers, University of Jos, ministry of labour, his friends, the Igala nation and members of the Federal Executive council.

A thought for Mr. President at this time, the government and the entire people of Kogi state. Indeed we have lost a son, a father, a brother, a thoroughbred professional, a friend and a citizen whose star shone bright. May his soul rest in peace and may the souls of his devoted wife and his amiable son rest in peace, Amen. May the soul of their loyal driver rest in peace Amen.

 

May God stem the tide. Amen.

 

Eugenia Abu