Icheoku asks, who does not know of the mean spirited maniacal and murderous disposition of the Nigerian police? Who has forgotten Dele Udo, the Nigerian sprinter who was murdered in cold-blood by the Nigeria police at Suru-lere? Who is not aware of how they corroborate with hoodlums and sometimes, participate themselves in terrorising the citizens of Nigeria as armed robbers, maiming and killing them in the process. There are stories of their killing innocent motorists and motor-cyclists for refusing to give them bribes? Icheoku says, if these police-men could kill innocent Nigeria victims, what fate then awaits someone who allegedly fired at their boss? The extra-judicial murder of Ken Niweigha by the Nigerian police force is condemnable and should be condemned by all men and women of good morality. He was a militant and so what? He had been arrested and in custody, why not let the law take its full course? No, as that was a risk too much to take since the sick man at Aso Rock wants results in putting down the activism in the Niger Delta and taking out one of the identified ring-leaders of the movement is a step in that direction? Probably this murderous police chief of Bayelsa State will be rewarded very soon, with a promotion on the orders of the new Dracula of Nigeria, President Umaru Yar'Adua? He is greatly enjoying his new drink, - the innocent blood of the people of Niger Delta being shed by his armed forces? Ken, a man fighting for his people of the Niger Delta was killed in cold-blood by men of the Nigerian police force, who are paid to protect the citizens of Nigeria with money realized from oil, found and exploited underneath Ken's grounds in the Niger Delta? Ken may be anything to the Nigerian authorities but to his people in the riverines of Bayelsa State, he was a hero and his name shall live forever in their minds. Just like Jesus was made immortal by his death on the cross, by this state murder, Ken Niweigha has now joined the elite club of very few brave men and women, whose names shall forever live on. The pertinent question for the ignoble Nigerian police to answer is, how could a fully manacled, shackled and leg-chain bound prisoner, being escorted by a retinue of fully armed policemen try to escape and was shot in the process? How was he able to pull that Houdini stunt and was shot by the murderous ravaging beasts wearing state issued uniforms and parading themselves as policemen? Yet these discredited men of the Nigerian police take to their heels each time real challenge comes their way such as when armed robbers pay a visit; but here in Odi, Bayelsa they just killed another innocent man, whose only sin was agitating on behalf of his people for a fair share of the oil, exploited from underneath their lands? Like a popular saying goes, you can only kill a person but not a movement; and the Niger Delta issue has made world headlines and people like Ken Niweigha helped make it possible. Ken Niweigha has joined in immortality with the other Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was similarly killed by extra-judicial hanging in the gallows by the Nigerian government? For his bravery in speaking up and doing something about the injustice in the Niger Delta, all freedom lovers and fighters the world over, remain grateful and will forever remember him as a brave man who answered, when duty called. According to the Nigerian police highly incredulous story, Ken Niweigha, was killed by policemen on the early hours of Wednesday, May 27, 2009; when he attempted to escape from custody in Odi, while being escorted to recover more arms and ammunition? Ken was arrested with three others, following alleged attempt by him to kill the Bayelsa Police Commissioner, Onuoha Udeka? In the police own words, “Upon arrest and interrogation, he promised to take us to his hideout in Odi where he hid his weapons? We did not know that he had arranged with his gang to attack us and possibly spring him free? As Ken was being led to his hide-out, he tried to run away through the slums, but the cops chased and fired at him, and he gave up the ghost" Icheoku says, what a baloney of a concocted story? Where is Madam Dora Akunyili and her re-branding of Nigerian in this matter of a criminal murder of a Nigerian citizen, by the Nigerian police who are now lying through their teeth to cover it up? Is the Inspector General of Nigerian Police, Mike Okiro going to write up this commissioner or probe the circumstances surrounding Ken's murder by his policemen? What a nation in dire strait, Nigeria is? Citizens being killed by her government paid, equipped and sponsored police force? Icheoku asks, at what time or opportunity did a prisoner, fully restrained and in police custody arrange with his gang to attack the invading army of police? Continuing, the Nigerian police said, their men put up a stiff resistance in duelling with Ken's gang and that during the exchange of bullets, which lasted several minutes, the militant leader was shot several times before he died, while trying to escape from police custody? Icheoku says, it is very instructive to note the motive of the Nigerian police in taking the laws into their hands; just to visit Ken Niweigha with their own brand of instantaneous justice? Further, the single fact that Ken Niweigha was the only one killed during the alleged gun battle; and at about the hour of midnight confirms the modus operandi of the notorious Nigeria police extra-judicial killings? Stories abound of many Nigerian citizens detained by the police who corroborate stories of their cell-mates being led out at about midnight from their cells by the police and never made it back, only to be declared missing in due course after a short while? So many prisoners never make it out alive from Nigerian police detention/custody and unfortunately now, Ken has also joined the statistics? Until his death, by summary execution by the Nigerian police, Mr Ken Niweigha, led the fearsome Egbesu Boys armed militia in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Icheoku says, Ken died fighting the good fight; his death is one of the necessary sacrifices so far made by the people of Niger Delta in their quest to realize their dream of being no longer exploited by the central authority in Abuja, controlled by the Hausa-Fulani of Nigeria? To die is to live in the hearts of those who loves someone and Ken shall live on in their hearts. Adieu Ken Niweigha, may your restless soul now rest in peace. You were a warrior and died as one; we shall never forget!WORDS ON MARBLE.
"Birth is agony. Life is hard. Death is cruel." - Japanese pithy.
RON DELLUMS: UNAPOLOGETICALLY RADICAL.
"If it’s radical to oppose the insanity and cruelty of the Vietnam War, if it’s radical to oppose racism and sexism and all other forms of oppression, if it’s radical to want to alleviate poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, and other forms of human misery, then I’m proud to be called a radical.” - Ron Vernie Dellums.
WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN LIFE - STEVE JOBS
“I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me. God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth. Memories precipitated by love is the only true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on. The most expensive bed in the world is the sick bed. You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear sickness for you. Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – Life. Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends. Treat yourself well. Cherish others.” - SJ
Sunday, May 31, 2009
KEN NIWEIGHA, A VICTIM OF STATE MURDER?
Icheoku asks, who does not know of the mean spirited maniacal and murderous disposition of the Nigerian police? Who has forgotten Dele Udo, the Nigerian sprinter who was murdered in cold-blood by the Nigeria police at Suru-lere? Who is not aware of how they corroborate with hoodlums and sometimes, participate themselves in terrorising the citizens of Nigeria as armed robbers, maiming and killing them in the process. There are stories of their killing innocent motorists and motor-cyclists for refusing to give them bribes? Icheoku says, if these police-men could kill innocent Nigeria victims, what fate then awaits someone who allegedly fired at their boss? The extra-judicial murder of Ken Niweigha by the Nigerian police force is condemnable and should be condemned by all men and women of good morality. He was a militant and so what? He had been arrested and in custody, why not let the law take its full course? No, as that was a risk too much to take since the sick man at Aso Rock wants results in putting down the activism in the Niger Delta and taking out one of the identified ring-leaders of the movement is a step in that direction? Probably this murderous police chief of Bayelsa State will be rewarded very soon, with a promotion on the orders of the new Dracula of Nigeria, President Umaru Yar'Adua? He is greatly enjoying his new drink, - the innocent blood of the people of Niger Delta being shed by his armed forces? Ken, a man fighting for his people of the Niger Delta was killed in cold-blood by men of the Nigerian police force, who are paid to protect the citizens of Nigeria with money realized from oil, found and exploited underneath Ken's grounds in the Niger Delta? Ken may be anything to the Nigerian authorities but to his people in the riverines of Bayelsa State, he was a hero and his name shall live forever in their minds. Just like Jesus was made immortal by his death on the cross, by this state murder, Ken Niweigha has now joined the elite club of very few brave men and women, whose names shall forever live on. The pertinent question for the ignoble Nigerian police to answer is, how could a fully manacled, shackled and leg-chain bound prisoner, being escorted by a retinue of fully armed policemen try to escape and was shot in the process? How was he able to pull that Houdini stunt and was shot by the murderous ravaging beasts wearing state issued uniforms and parading themselves as policemen? Yet these discredited men of the Nigerian police take to their heels each time real challenge comes their way such as when armed robbers pay a visit; but here in Odi, Bayelsa they just killed another innocent man, whose only sin was agitating on behalf of his people for a fair share of the oil, exploited from underneath their lands? Like a popular saying goes, you can only kill a person but not a movement; and the Niger Delta issue has made world headlines and people like Ken Niweigha helped make it possible. Ken Niweigha has joined in immortality with the other Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was similarly killed by extra-judicial hanging in the gallows by the Nigerian government? For his bravery in speaking up and doing something about the injustice in the Niger Delta, all freedom lovers and fighters the world over, remain grateful and will forever remember him as a brave man who answered, when duty called. According to the Nigerian police highly incredulous story, Ken Niweigha, was killed by policemen on the early hours of Wednesday, May 27, 2009; when he attempted to escape from custody in Odi, while being escorted to recover more arms and ammunition? Ken was arrested with three others, following alleged attempt by him to kill the Bayelsa Police Commissioner, Onuoha Udeka? In the police own words, “Upon arrest and interrogation, he promised to take us to his hideout in Odi where he hid his weapons? We did not know that he had arranged with his gang to attack us and possibly spring him free? As Ken was being led to his hide-out, he tried to run away through the slums, but the cops chased and fired at him, and he gave up the ghost" Icheoku says, what a baloney of a concocted story? Where is Madam Dora Akunyili and her re-branding of Nigerian in this matter of a criminal murder of a Nigerian citizen, by the Nigerian police who are now lying through their teeth to cover it up? Is the Inspector General of Nigerian Police, Mike Okiro going to write up this commissioner or probe the circumstances surrounding Ken's murder by his policemen? What a nation in dire strait, Nigeria is? Citizens being killed by her government paid, equipped and sponsored police force? Icheoku asks, at what time or opportunity did a prisoner, fully restrained and in police custody arrange with his gang to attack the invading army of police? Continuing, the Nigerian police said, their men put up a stiff resistance in duelling with Ken's gang and that during the exchange of bullets, which lasted several minutes, the militant leader was shot several times before he died, while trying to escape from police custody? Icheoku says, it is very instructive to note the motive of the Nigerian police in taking the laws into their hands; just to visit Ken Niweigha with their own brand of instantaneous justice? Further, the single fact that Ken Niweigha was the only one killed during the alleged gun battle; and at about the hour of midnight confirms the modus operandi of the notorious Nigeria police extra-judicial killings? Stories abound of many Nigerian citizens detained by the police who corroborate stories of their cell-mates being led out at about midnight from their cells by the police and never made it back, only to be declared missing in due course after a short while? So many prisoners never make it out alive from Nigerian police detention/custody and unfortunately now, Ken has also joined the statistics? Until his death, by summary execution by the Nigerian police, Mr Ken Niweigha, led the fearsome Egbesu Boys armed militia in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Icheoku says, Ken died fighting the good fight; his death is one of the necessary sacrifices so far made by the people of Niger Delta in their quest to realize their dream of being no longer exploited by the central authority in Abuja, controlled by the Hausa-Fulani of Nigeria? To die is to live in the hearts of those who loves someone and Ken shall live on in their hearts. Adieu Ken Niweigha, may your restless soul now rest in peace. You were a warrior and died as one; we shall never forget!
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I must say that this article is very inconsiderate and malicious. Nigerians never want change. It is thesame Ken who was involved in the Odi massacre that killed nine police men and an assistant commissioner of police. If the writers father was that innocent new commissioner of police, would he not want the police man protected. OH! u would rather prefer the new commissioner of police dead! it is wicked. In london here, U cannot fire at the police and have citizens like the writer take sides with the attacker. What has militancy in Nigeria gained us? innocent lives are lost everyday. Even in more industralised nations, that oil is found in your compound, u have to let it go because it is for everyone. Militancy is giving us a bad name, instead of full bodied men to look for jobs, they resort to kidnappings, what happened to the rule of law, the writer calls it extra judicial killing, the I ask, was Kens killings and militancy judicial, what licence has he to possess weapons and carry them arounds,We Nigerians speak like we do not think atimes, we make speeches to gain cheap popularity and insult the government always but what individual efforts do we make. If that new commissioner of police is promoted tomorrow for the event of that day, I will laud him, because on that day he was almost killed , he went down to Odi to respond to the riotiuos cries of women who openly detasted the presence of Ken in their community for his truancy. Atimes lets get our facts right before we begin to write nonsense
ReplyDeleteoga you are the one who needs to get your facts right i'm a Niweigha and i know my uncle was no kidnapper or disturbance to the peace of the society the peopleof odi from history has great hatred for the Niweigha family this same person fought to protects the interest of their selfish who never listen to the voice of their master if not for the so called boys whom are also members and children of the community whom killed those police officers my uncle wont be blamed for it since he was the boss only his name was heard do you know the corage he took to stand for people he believed were his people and in return they said they are scared this same man embraced peace and kept it in the Kolokuma Opokuma region and Bayelsa at large gather you facts before you comment rubbish people are still hurting from his death cause indeed he was a hero
DeleteI am a former Nigerian but now nationalized and lives in an undisclosed location in Argentina. I must commend the tenacity for truth and impartilaity by the minds behind this website. kudos to you guys. keep the hope alive and one day, hopefully truth shall save Nigerians.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that this last commentator did not get the gist of this article correctly. The article was not an exultation of Ken; but the condemnation of the murder of an otherwise innocent nigerian, afteralll you are innocent until proved guilty? that since ken was already in custody, why kill him without first going through the judicial process.
anyway until change comes to nigeria, i will guard my land of Maradona citizenship jealously. Goodluck Nigeria as another Andrew who checked out since the 80s is staying put in far away Argentina. Arios amigos, a former Nigerian!