By Charles Awuzie
I’ve reached out to those close to Apostle Johnson Suleman to sympathize with his family and the family of those who lost their lives in the sad. I sympathized with the families who were affected by this wicked attack.
As it is in my culture, I speak for the dead whose voice can no longer be heard. During the call, I also mentioned to his associates that many intelligent Nigerians who sympathize with the apostle are equally disappointed that he made a video almost immediately to connect his scandals to the attack and thus making it look like he is using the unfortunate incident which cost 7 lives to launder his image. Even if he thinks that this attack is connected to the Nollywoood actresses who made allegations of love affairs, this shouldn’t be the time to air such theories. This is a time of mourning and a leader must show EMPATHY and COMPASSION first to the families of his dead aides. His image comes last.
The associate agreed with me. He promised that the families of those who lost their lives will be taken care of and that going forward, every statement or testimony shared will take the sentiments of the bereaved into consideration.
We shared a word of prayer and I wished the apostle, his family, the families of the dead and the people of Edo State well.
This incident has broken me in many ways…. The younger brother of the apostle is a very good friend. Most of his aides are close mentees and friends. So to some extent, this attack hit quite close.
Again, this is a case of insecurity. This attack is a reminder that besides those who can afford Bulletproofed cars in Nigeria, the life of the common Nigerian can be lost by a stray bullet anytime.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May our bloody wounds be healed. Unfortunately, I can’t wish that the killers be found because in Nigeria, the police never finds such killers who would soon be tagged UNKNOWN GUN MEN. I weep for my country.
May those who lost their souls rest in perfect peace.
Maranatha.
