by crossriverwatch admin
When I started my human rights activism and agitation to end military rule in Calabar in 1992, it was sacrilegious and anathema to speak out against government.
But right from the University I had decided that is the path I had to chart. So I was prepared to brave the stress, the challenge and hazard that is always the lot of anybody who elect to fight against an entrenched system. One of the journalists in Calabar that encouraged and reported my activism was Jude Okwe.
Other journalists in his league were Bassey Inyang, Anietie Akpan, Kunle Johnson, Increase Ubong, Ernest Chinwo etc. In those days it was difficult and quite a daunting task to report a person whom the government of the day considers radical.
Jude Okwe was an exceptional courageous and thoroughbred journalist. Despite his quiet and pliant mien he was a man of strong conviction and tough.
After the end of military rule in 1999, Donald Duke became Governor of Cross River State. Governor Duke brooked no dissension and opposition in the State. Duke was never comfortable with radical journalists like Okwe who refused to be compromised. Okwe was principled to the hilt.
He was contented with what God gave him. He never sought for unmerited wealth. Jude Okwe died today after battling a life threatening ailment for many years. Notwithstanding his poor health he carried on with life and job with stoicism and equanimity.
May the Almighty God grant Jude Okwe eternal rest. He has surely finished what God has destined and charted for him.
He has played his path and he did it well. Comrade Jude Okwe good night!
From the day we met till when last I saw him in 2013 he always addressed me “comrade” because he believed that we were ideological soul mates! Comrade, Comrade, good bye!
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