Imo Ex – Gov. Ohakim Mourns Over Gulak’s Murder Others, Sues For Peace

The former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has joined other Nigerian leaders to condemn in its entirety the gruesome murder of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, an All Progressives Congress Chieftain and former Political Adviser to the President during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Chief Ohakim’s regrets and appeal was expressed in a statement he personally signed.

While commiserating with Gulak’s family, the people and government of Adamawa and Imo State State Government over the irreparable loss, he admonished that the condemnable dastardly act calls for sober reflection.

He espoused that the act is strange to the ways of life of ndi Imo and indeed Ndigbo in general. He appealed to Ahmed Gulak’s family, the people of Adamawa, the Northern leaders for understanding urging all the relevant authorities to be thorough in their investigations to ensure that the mystery surrounding his murder is unraveled.

Ohakim bemoaned the wanton killings so far perpetrated either by criminal elements of security agents, for which most of them are youths, call for an immediate stop of the violence and killings.

He calls for distillation of strategies to ensure that the frightening waste of lives and property do not deteriorate.

the statement reads:

“There has been, quite understandably, so much out pouring of grief and angst over the gruesome murder of my friend, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak last Sunday in Imo state but that can never sufficiently situate the gravity of that sordid event. While I join millions of other Nigerians in total condemnation of that dastardly act, I am of the firm belief that the sordid incident offers every well meaning Nigerian an opportunity for sober reflection.

“Gulak’s murder in Imo state, several hours of journey from his native home state, Adamawa, if not properly and patriotically handled, may lead to untoward consequences, given the volatile situation our dear nation is currently in. While I commiserate with his family, the government and people of Imo state and, indeed, the entire people of Adamawa state, I join several other fellow compatriots across the country in appealing to the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the search for the masterminds of this unconscionable act. Although Alhaji Gulak will never return to be with us, investigations into his murder must be thorough, transparent and such that will leave every Nigerian with no iota of doubt.

“For my brothers and sisters is Uma, I would like us to realize that the killing of Gulak on our soil is Abu, a complete negation of what we stand for and are known for as a people. Imolites, nay, Ndigbo, love strangers and go out of their way to protect them in the event of danger.

Therefore, I expect every adult indigene of the state, irrespective of political leaning or partisan interest, to see this incident as a challenge to our collective integrity as an accommodating and peace-loving people and a call by humanity to assist and cooperate with the relevant authorities both in sourcing and providing the necessary intelligence in the search for the culprits. 

“The time is now to say a final “Enough Is Enough” to the recent spate of violence in our state.

“Gulak’s murder was against the backdrop of the death of our own brothers and sisters, either in the hands of criminals or operatives of state agencies. My heart bleeds over this needless loss of lives, most of them youths. But the question we must find answer to immediately is: Can we afford to have more lives wasted under any guise; either in the process of expressing our dissatisfaction over the state of affairs in the country or through the nefarious acts of criminals who are taking advantage of our agitation for a better country?

“If the answer is “NO”, as I expect it would, the question then is, what plans, what strategies do we have, as d people, to make sure that the situation does not further deteriorate? While I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who have died, either in the hands of criminals or security agents, I call on every ImoIite to resolve that not a single life shall be lost again in our state in the same circumstances as we have witnessed of recent.

“I call on head i Of the security agencies to take extra steps to restrain their field operatives from seeing their fellow human beings as instruments for achieving professional competence or advancement. I enjoin fellow political leaders to eschew all partisan differences or personal animosity so that we can come together in search of lasting peace.

“I call on the youths to resolve to ensure both their individual and collective survival by distancing themselves from every demeanor that is capable of endangering their lives or make them vulnerable to the conduct of either criminals or ill tempered security operatives. The challenge for the youths today is to resolve to be alive, not only to contribute to the process that will lead to the inevitable change that is about to happen, but to also be among those that will superintend over the new order.”