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Today, one of Ebira’s finest comrades, an intellectual colossus, Comrade I. O. Abdulmaleek (Lee), is lying critically ill in the hospital. Baring any eleventh hour intervening miracle, I mean the direct touch of God, Comrade Lee will have one of his legs amputated moments away.
A refined and selfless patriot, Comrade Lee had put in 35 years of meritorious service in the Kogi State education sector precisely. He is a renowned teacher who had served in various capacities including being a Headmaster, Principal, and retiring early last year as a substantive Head of Section (HOS) and acting Education Secretary (ES), Okehi LGA education department. Comrade Lee has, in his kitty, a robust track records of community service. He had held different executive positions in the EYC and currently, a member of EPA EXCO.
Comrade Lee was diagnosed with diabetes some two years ago following a health challenge that eventually necessitated the severance of three of his toes on the right leg. This was to prevent the spread of contaminants to other vital parts of the body.
Expectedly, Comrade Lee was placed on special diets. Carbohydrate-rich foods were no-go areas for him anymore.
This illustrious son of Ebira nation had been considered lucky then, at least, for not losing a full leg. However, life has not remained the same for him and his family afterwards. They have vainly struggled to maintain his dietary prescriptions. Gradually and very excruciatingly, Lee’s health has relapsed drastically, he has been forced to live on the very set of foods he was forbidden from. Though, conscious of the implications of his actions for his acquired health status, but our comrade had no choice. These foods are cheaper and barely within his reach. “I rather die from eating what is available but not good for my health than subject myself to the slow agony of death through starvation and endless wait for the right food that may never come way given my present penury”. These were some of the words of comrade Lee during one of my visits to him at the Okehi Specialist Hospital before his referral to one of the hospitals in Lokoja where he currently awaits his imminent amputation- if he must live for any foreseeable future.
A government retiree, comrade Lee is being owed several months of pension arrears, at least, to effect of my last discussion with him. Compounding his plight, Lee’s very supportive wife, a state employee, is equally being owed salary arrears of over a year. What a double jeopardy you may say! Lee, his wife and six children have lived life at its lowest, surviving at the mercy of friends, comrades and public spirited individuals in many instances. A very tough future lays in waiting for comrade Lee and his family if providence fails to smile on them. Like many in his condition, Lee has recorded irreversible damages.
Some six months ago, Comrade Lee had to withdraw his two kids from the Federal Government College, Ugwolawo as he could no longer pay their school fees.
Sadly, today, amidst other unsavoury, awful and unfortunate experiences, Lee’s hope of ever walking with his two natural legs will soon be a thing of the past. In case you still don’t understand why Lee’s case has gone this messy; his pension, being the only means of livelihood, has been denied him. Sure, the reason for this denial, no matter how craftily and beautifully presented, will never find justification before humankind and ultimately, God.
Lee’s plight is one of the several pathetic cases out there. The progress community across the State is still grieved by the demise of comrade (Hajia) Iyabo, a staff of Adavi LGA. She died in a similar circumstance, with months salary arrears owed her. A lot of Kogi State workers and pensioners are now walking corpses. They groan under degenerative and terminal ailments that need to be continually managed in some special ways. But how can a people that barely find a square meal a day afford necessary but expensive medications? Yes, before the narratives as to how the “mess” and “rottenness” inflicted on the state by previous administrations are let loosed by their carriers as being responsible for the workers sorrows, it should be emphasized that the idea of the staff verification exercise by the present administration remains commendable and supported by all well-meaning kogites.
It is unfortunate however that the collateral damage and other negative accompaniments of the exercise tend to reduce it to a curse rather than a blessing. May God forbid- amen.
Again, while one can’t but come to terms with the fact that every genuine reform inherently comes with its pains, its necessary to state that no reform, no matter its messianic posture, is worth the life of an innocent man, particularly in a society like ours that is heavily fraught with social inequalities and gross injustices. The cost of this screening is now in a favourable competition with its anticipated gains.
The “NEW DIRECTION” government of Alh. Yahaya Bello has recorded many feats, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security. No one can take these away from her, but workers salaries must get to them without the present untold hardship they suffer.
The welfare of working masses are sine qua non to the peace and development of the state. A people – conscious government should support its citizens to attain their full potentials and aspirations. Kogites (children, students/youths, aged, men/ women) are having their destinies and dreams shattered today. No thanks to the nonpayment menace. Many are compelled by this ugly situation to question the destination where leads the “NEW DIRECTION” government.
Once again, consequent on the foregoing, the government of Kogi State is urged to do the needful with the speed of light. The government should pay its genuine workers and pensioners. This is the only it can and must save itself from being completely and irredeemably drenched with the bloods of the innocents who were never a party to the mess this unending screening seeks to address.
Comrade Lee has selflessly and painstakingly paid his dues. He does not deserve this humiliation from the society he has sacrificed his all for.
– Baba Abdulrazak
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