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A Trip With Ambivalence (2)
By Acho Orabuchi
Newsdiaryonline
Fri Sep 23,2011
Luke 6:27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do
good to those who hate you, Luke 6:28 Bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as
your Father is merciful.” These verses captured the central
theme of a scintillating sermon at St. Michaels Anglican Church,
Okohia in Mbano on August 7, 2011.
But
first, while the earliest part of my story provoked unnecessary
forays on the internet due to a reference to Owelle Rochas
Okorocha’s performance or lack thereof as seen by the people on
the ground, I hope that this concluding part will be soothing
for its religiously-tinged overtone.
In any case, mom was getting stronger and eager to resume
her church activities that were so dear to her—as she gets
older, mom’s life revolves around our local church.
Interestingly, speaking of church activities, by
happenstance I
attended a special service during my two-week hiatus in Nigeria.
Upon realizing that I was in Owerri during my first week in the
country, a special chum, Gov. Ikedi Ohakim, sent for me. When I
arrived at his residence in Okohia, Isiala, Mbano, many people
were there—trooping in and out—rarely genuflecting.
As
I stepped down from the truck that picked me up, Ohakim’s
Personal Assistant recognized me, immediately took me to the
governor’s private sitting room, and left to inform his boss of
my arrival. The governor asked him to bring me to the general
parlor where he was meeting with scores of people. As I sat
there looking around, people were flowing in and out reminiscent
of a market square—but in this case they were neither buying nor
selling. Gov. Ikedi Ohakim, in jeans and a casual long sleeved
shirt, walked toward me and hugged me in welcome to his
residence. After exchanging pleasantries, he introduced me as
his pal from
America
to some people there. I saw some familiar faces, including Prof.
Obioma Iheduru, who was living in the same city with me when
both of us were in our respective doctoral programs. It was
really nice to see some other friends. Ikedi was cordial and the
environment was conducive for the candid and unfettered
discussions that I relish and savor.
What struck me most was the manner in which Ikedi Ohakim
personalized his contact with each person that came in—both men
and women, young and old, including children.
Surreptitiously, as I was making a mental
note of what was happening there, I was contrasting my
experience at his residence with some trenchant negative stories
I read about him. I concluded that the negative stories were
based on fallacies. In fact, I was
amazed at Ohakim’s energy and demeanor—the down-to-earth
attitude he exhibited throughout my stay. As a matter of fact,
when I was sitting with him privately in a corner, two
individuals came to tell him that they were about to leave.
Ikedi viscerally pleaded with them in a soft manner for them to
stay a little while so that he could see them before they
departed. I was moved by his attitude of concern—relating to
individuals with a modest, unassuming nature. I was struck by
the spontaneity and sincerity of Ikedi Ohakim’s countenance. He
welcomed everyone with open arms. I did not see an iota of
arrogance in his attitude. Needless to say that Ohakim’s wife,
Atty. Chioma Ohakim, showed an unparalleled grace as she
personally served people with her loving heart and consummate
humility.
Before I left that Saturday evening, Ohakim invited me to a
church service to mark the celebration of his 54th
birthday. The next day, I was at his residence at about 8:00
a.m. From there we went to the church service at St. Michael’s
Anglican Church, Okohia in Isiala, Mbano. Unknown to me at the
time, the officiating Bishop, Our Lord Bishop Godson Ukanwa,
began his career as a Catechist in my town.
The
church was filled to the brim with an overflow of people on the
upstairs balcony and surrounding spaces around the church. Many
dignitaries, including HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, were there for
the thanksgiving service—indicative of a person who still
attracts the love and admiration of his people.
The
moving sermon with occasional echoes of harmony, Love for
Enemies, which centered on
Luke 6:27-36, was
befitting for the occasion because it provided a window through
which most people viewed Dr. Ikedi Godson Ohakim. The Bishop
crystallized the sermon with the following excerpts:
27 “But to you who are
listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate
you, 28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat
you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the
other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your
shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone
takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. …34 And if you
lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is
that to you? …35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and
lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your
reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High,
because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful,
just as your Father is merciful.
In
the pew and without compunction, Bishop Godson Ukanwa reminded
the congregation of the character of Ikedi Ohakim emphasizing
that the man Ohakim lives his life with the aforementioned
guiding principles. He said, “Ikedi is a churchman, a spiritual
man,” indicating that Ikedi loved his enemies and would not
hesitate to do good for them. Bishop Ukanwa also reminded people
that Ikedi Ohakim has continuously exhibited the Christian
principles; Ikedi gave and continues to give to people,
including those who hate him. He further stated that Ikedi
Ohakim has a forgiving heart and has never been at war with
anyone. “We thank God that Ikedi is not at war with anyone,”
Bishop Ukanwa said. He assured the congregation that whatever
may be the setback, it is temporary. Realizing that Ohakim has a
strong character and personality, Ukanwa opined, “Tough times
never last, but tough people do.” He knew full well that Ikedi
Ohakim would eventually re-emerge because he was a tough man,
and he reassured the audience that the man, Ikedi, would be
vindicated with the passing of time. The recurring theme was
that Ohakim’s reemergence was seemingly eminent.
Although, Bishop Ukanwa attributed the problem in
Imo State to overheated polity and warned of pretenders
that he referred to as “Belgium
rats in religious garbs”. “Our problem is only with the
masqueraders in Imo
State,” Ukanwa alarmed. Perhaps,
that was a veiled criticism of religious leaders who delved too
much into politics of
Imo
State at the expense of
their religious obligations—just like vermin prowling for a sop.
“Beware of religious
Belgium
rats,” he admonished the Governor Rochas Okorocha. He cautioned
that these individuals would bring any political leader down for
venality.
Ohakim, who spoke in a melodious, charismatic tone, as he
recapped his well known and established accomplishments as
Imo
State governor, expressed
profound gratitude to his community and Imo citizens in general
for the opportunity to serve them. Ikedi appealed to all, not to
be bitter about what happened in the past election, but to have
a joyous heart and abide by the principles enumerated in Luke
6:27-36. He shared with the congregation that he and his family
are happy and thankful to God for His blessings. Ohakim used the
opportunity to reassure the community that as long as he lives,
he would continue to give scholarships to the youths who qualify
to attend any university. He said, “No youth who qualifies to
enter a university should stay home for lack of finance.” “I
will fund the university education of our youth who qualify to
attend university,” he asserted. Ohakim concluded his remarks,
much to the admiration of the congregation, with a song, “This
is my story, this is my song…” I was delighted to be a part of
an important historical moment. Indeed, it was a Sunday to
cherish!
Dr. Acho Orabuchi, an
Opinion Writer/Commentator and Analyst, lives in USA.
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