A TRIBUTE TO ABDULAZEEZ OMEIZA ALIYU

By Amina-Ann Onozasi Salami

Late Abdulazeez Omeiza Aliyu

On the 14th of March 2015, the clock of change stopped ticking, a huge dark cloud loomed and the embers of sorrow struck light. The evil whispers of the evening wind sang the funeral dirge " Abdulazeez Omeiza Aliyu the gallant unwavering freedom fighter have taken a bow, AOA has gone to the great beyond" Late Abdulazeez Omeiza Aliyu fondly called AOA died in a car accident alongside his brother Late have left many hearts thrown into grief and wailings, although most of us never met him personally, the shock and grief we felt were great-words cannot express.

AOA was not just a distinguished citizen he was also a noble son of Ebiraland. A young man in his prime with a great commitment to his motherland on his shoulders when he was caught mangled in the accident.
Those who rationalise sorrow in circumstance like this would offer comfort that "Only the good die young",but that is poor comfort for his family and the people of Ebiraland who have been deprived of a virtuous and principled young man with ideals which claimed the admiration of all especially the youths and those who believe in the preservation of justice, equal rights, freedom and most importantly democracy. Those of us who have followed him and read his statements over months cannot let pass un-noticed his deep commitment to make Ebiraland in particular and kogi state in general a better place to live in.

We cannot forget the great risk of unpopularity which he took when he declared his intention to run for the gubernatorial seat for Kogi state in the 2016 governorship election.
No one in Ebiraland or Kogi state with a place in their hearts for equal rights and justice and for humanity can but regret the death of the Late AOA.

While some versed philosophers put forward the proposition that " to live is to die, and to die is to live", we lesser mortals are saddened by such cruelty and barbarism.
The Late AOA was the architect of his destiny and though he rightly fought for what he believed, the Ebira nation owe him a great debt of gratitude. His indomitable spirit coupled with his Sterling qualities and his unusual ability to exicte enthusiasm and patriotism have sired the fire of zeal for the liberation of Ebiraland among the youths.

Whether people agree with his political sentiments or not we can all agree that AOA was a fighter to the end of his life.
Now he lies dead, executed by d sharp irons and triggered fire of his vehicle as he pursued his God-given rights in the quest for justice, equal rights and his people dignity.
AOA however, will live because the things which he stood for are deeply engraved in the hearts and minds of his people.

A young man of courage, AOA had no fear of death, he was willing if that was the ultimate price he had to pay in the pursuit of his people liberation. In spite of our sadness over his death,  it is only right for us as Anebiras to dry our tears, end our sorrows and join in the liquidation of hatred,  enslavement, discrimination, oppression and injustice meted to Ebiraland.  Just like in his (AOA) words;
" Its not that i am the wisest or the richest. I am just a representation of the youth whose ambition is inspired by the untold suffering, hardship, oppression and misgovernance driven by the present administration"

It is only proper that we honour and immortalize this young man.

AOA is gone, but he has left the Ebira people with the means and the will to fight for our emancipation,  we  MUST NOT fail him, we CANNOT afford to fail him.
He has created a struggle that will endure for long or forever.
Deep was his longing and love for the land of his birth, he preached love, unity and tolerance among Anebiras, his popular quote " untill every ebira man sees another as an
ebira man and not as an Okene, Eganyi or
Ihima man, we may never progress - His
Excellency Abdulazeez Omeiza" endeared him to many.

Most of us would have hoped he could have lived to see the fulfillment of the things for which he stood and for which he fought and to realize the achievement of the ideals for which he died.
The loss which his parents, wife, children, siblings and family have suffered as a result of his death (and his brother's) is shared by all Anebiras.
AOA was loved by all, his love for others was infectious, his goodwill and humane nature transcends our borders and goes forth to reach all who have had the opportunity to meet him, know him, or work with him.

Little wonder, why his 3 days Fidau prayers was attended by people from all walks of life. The presence governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwoso, the deputy governor, royal fathers led by the Ohinoyi of Anebira in Kano state and prominent religious leaders as well as people who have been touched by this good man, spoke volumes as they all came to pay their respects to his nobility.
As we weep for our brother, a martyr, a freedom fighter, we must pay attention to the things for which he stood and fought for.

It is time for us to reassure ourselves and also reassure his family that he lives and "it is death that is dead" not AOA.

His remarkable footprints will remain indelible in the sands of time. May God be with him and may he Rest in Peace. Amen.