Being a tribute to the late Comrade Sanctus Odey; A lover of God, Nature and Man which sad event occurred in a manner too gruesome to recall.
When mummy, my siblings and I could not reach you for some days, we became worried and began reaching out to neighbors around to check up on you for us, only to be greeted with the most devastating news ever!
You had served in almost all parts of Nigeria during your civil service years; escaped the web of the dreaded Boko Haram during your service in the far North; endured a leg pain for several years that defied all scientific medical diagnosis and treatment as a result of an unknown poisonous substance thrown at you and got God’s intervention…
The enemy did not stop there; spiritually, you defeated your enemies and so, they decided to come physically by attacking you right in your home at the village in one of the most gruesome ways ever – machetes.
We know God allowed your murderers have their way, perhaps it was the appropriate time for you to go meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… I have no doubt that you are resting.
Imagine the whole family were with you that day! And so, even in this situation, we give glory to God.
My Daddy, as I fondly called him right from my tender days when he cautioned us against referring to him as ‘Sir,’ but Daddy to differentiate between him, Uncles and other male visitors.
He was a disciplinarian, a no nonsense “Military Officer” with the highest unofficial rank and when Daddy was at home, we knew we cant mess around and the impact greatly help to shape our lives(my siblings and I) till this day.
He gave my siblings and I the best life possible, promising to build up from there.
Daddy loved “Nature,” he loved plants and could get really furious when you treat a plant unjustly, no wonder his home where he built to relax after a meritorious retirement still has an array of beautiful flowers, economic plants around the house he christened, “My Resort” to exhume serenity… and when I got this message from you dated, July 11, 2018.
“SANCTUS G.E. ODEY (Comrade) LANDSCAPING DESIGNERS AND GARDENING. DEALERS IN ALL TYPES OF ORNAMENTAL’s BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FLOWERS AND IMPROVED FRUIT TREES. ADDRESS: … MOBILE: …”
I was gladdened that, you had your life after retirement well planned out… I looked forward to patronizing you too! We won’t let your dreams just fade away daddy; we will immortalize you and carry on, your name from where you stopped.
At 62, you achieved a lot in every ramification of your life, I recall how you began struggling at a very tender age, all by yourself to ensure you had a good future and provided same for your family – and even till death, you choose to remain independent.
Death, daddy cheated you because when you came for him, he may not have been physically prepared but he was undoubtedly, spiritually ready which is our consolation.
The huge sacrifice of dying, by shedding your blood will continually speak in positive light for the family you left behind.
You remain irreplaceable in my life, daddy.
Let your murderers be exposed and disgraced.
Until we meet to part no more, Goodnight daddy.
From your beloved daughter as you always referred to me.
BLESSING.
Imani Blessing is a journalist and writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
NOTE:Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Imani Blessing, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.