Why Muammar Gaddafi Was Not As Bad As Portrayed

 

The people of Amuri Ancient kingdom, located in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, gathered on Tuesday to invoke the spirit of their ancestors in order to avenge the assassination of Oyibo Chukwu, the Labour Party candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District. 

Chukwu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oji-River branch, was brutally assassinated on February 22nd while returning from a campaign event in Amechi Awkunanaw, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA headquarters, just days before the February 25th election.

 

Despite the fact that Chukwu's younger brother, Kelvin Chukwu, was later nominated to replace him and won the senatorial seat on behalf of the Labour Party, condemnation and curses continue to be directed at those responsible for the assassination. The community leaders in Amuri are particularly unhappy with the lack of public condemnation from state government officials, including the sitting governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

 

While security agencies, particularly the police, have attributed Chukwu's killing to the activities of unknown gunmen and separatist agitation, the family of the deceased has debunked the police report, insisting that their son's murder was politically motivated. In response, the people of Amuri decided to perform a traditional ritual at the community's ancestral square to seek justice for Chukwu's death.

 

Natives of Amuri from the four communities that make up the Ancient Kingdom, led by the eldest men in the locality and two traditional rulers - Igwe Charles Nwoye and Igwe Fidelis Nsiegbu - gathered at the popular Obodo Okolo, Chukwu's ancestral square, as early as 9am to "place curses and invoke the spirit of our forefathers and gods of the land to go after those behind the vicious killing of Chukwu," as shared by a community leader.

 

During the ritual, Igwe Nwoye and his colleague, in their separate remarks, emphasized the community's strong belief in natural justice and the philosophy of "live and let live," urging their ancestors to rise and bring justice to their late son. The monarchs also prayed to the gods of the land to ensure that anyone involved, directly or indirectly, in the heinous act would face the consequences of their nefarious actions, stating, "he who kills by sword must surely die by sword."

 

After the rituals, Chukwu's younger brother and senator-elect expressed gratitude to his kinsmen for the love and solidarity extended to his family since the tragic incident occurred. He specifically thanked the two monarchs in attendance and the elders of the kingdom, highlighting that rituals seeking natural justice for his late brother have never failed the community in the past, especially in times of calamity.

 

Chukwu further revealed that his family was still reeling from the shock of his brother's murder and stressed the significance of the community's traditional means of seeking justice. He stated, "So, what our people are doing here today is important because it is in consonance with the tradition of our community, it's our way of seeking justice through traditional means. His spirit, and those of our ancestors, will definitely find the perpetrators and make them pay dearly for their wicked and barbaric act."

 

The crown prince of one of the communities in Amuri, Dr. Ben Nwoye, who is also the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, also spoke during the ritual. He acknowledged that Amuri is a great kingdom and its people are descendants of warriors who are guided by the gods of their ancestors in all they do. Dr. Nwoye further explained that despite being a spiritual people who do not engage in war without just cause and do not spill blood.

 

Nwoye's declaration was met with resounding approval from the gathered community members, who echoed his sentiments and expressed their determination to seek justice through traditional means.

 

One of the elders, who preferred to remain anonymous, spoke passionately about the significance of the ritual and the importance of upholding the traditions of the Amuri Ancient Kingdom.

 

"Our ancestors have always guided us and protected us," he said. "Today, we are invoking their spirit to bring justice to the soul of our son, Barrister Oyibo Chukwu. We will not rest until those responsible for his assassination are held accountable."

 

The atmosphere at the community's ancestral square was charged with emotion as the community leaders, traditional rulers, and elders continued with the ritual. They offered prayers, poured libations, and performed traditional rites, calling on the gods of the land to avenge Chukwu's death and bring justice to his killers.