Adaobi on Sunday: Even In Death, Still, They Move!

Through the struggle, we accomplish a great bond that can’t be broken. We marched on, though the journey is tough, through the rough paths we march on, even as we stumble and fall, with bruised arms and knees we gather a strength that is almost gone, soaked in sweat and trickles of tears its saltiness overpowers that of our sweat.

Just as we take a bend, heaving a sigh at what we often thought was the end, only for the road to widen and the distance to cover only but a mirage.

Through all of these, we march on, feet sour, from torn shoes that can no longer keep the toes in place, blood oozing from wounds that are nothing compared to our bleeding hearts. What a journey, what a moment in time.

We keep marching in tears, in laughter and hope that in no time we shall arrive at our desired destination, even with the uncertainty of not knowing. Still, we move! Even through the fearful nights of darkness because they removed the lamps that would at least light up our paths as we march on. Tired and famished we put our bodies on the coal tar only for a moment’s rest and as we sang with pride and waved the honor of who we are, it rained on us, harmless and trusting that they are hearing us…like that we saw our compatriots fall on each side of us who are lucky to be breathing, helplessly in horror we scream out from our bellies but alas death everywhere and like lambs quiet and humble, as doves free in spirit at last, as powerful and bold as the eagle ready to launch another flight, WE MOVE!

My Take…
This has been the most confusing and difficult article in all my writings for, as a child lay in his mother’s arms lifeless, as beautiful souls sing and chant happily at a prospect of a great future. I have been through many kinds of emotions from pain, hurt, fear, and anger yet I can’t say what it is I feel. It must be numb I guess, one child said ” MAY NIGERIA NOT END MY LIFE, AND ON TUESDAY HE LAY IN HIS MOTHER’S ARMS JUST THE SAME WAY HE BEGAN IN HIS LIFE, IN THOSE ARMS THAT NURTURED HIM, HE LAY BACK IN THEM ONLY THIS TIME HIS LIFE CAME TO AN END BEFORE IT EVEN BEGAN! OKE-OBI as you light up the sky as a sweet bright star, do kiss every pain away from your loved ones in your warmth. Thank you for touching my heart the way you did as you lay still in your mother’s arms REST IN PEACE.

For all those who while dying on dark Tuesday 20/10/2020 at the Lekki toll plaza still prayed for our peace and unity as they took their last breath. What great love what great courage! This tells the motive for which they moved. To you young fellas you haven’t died in vain. You are the true HEROES and SHEROES of a great and better NIGERIA. As your spirits have moved from this cruel world, we too shall move on to achieve. Keep resting in peace.

OK folks till I write again I love you for reading. #ENDSARS#ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY.
Ada.

Adaobi O. Alex-Oni is an Honorary Ambassador and a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award by the African Youth Parliament. A broadcaster and writer, she is the convener of the ROWEAD conference. A social and women’s rights activist, she is a promoter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit her website www.rowead.org