Amaechi: The Warrior Spirit

There is more to the warrior spirit than engaging in battle. There are aspects that provide both inner and outer dimensions to the overall human spirit that would otherwise leave us incomplete. While our just longing for peace and harmony might prompt us to reject anything associated with war, we do so only at our peril.

There are no greater friends of history than the magnificent tales of warriors and their mind blowing accomplishments. Through every page in the affairs of man, the universe has maintained a steady supply of men and women who defied the odds, stepped on big toes, accosted the high and mighty, challenged fierce-looking immortals, and broke records in hades within or without. From Hercules, Queen Xena of the Amazons, Alexander the Great, to the King Jaja of Opobo, amongst many others, warriors have always been an integral part of humanity.

Do we still have warriors today? Yes. The number of warriors currently walking the streets of Nigeria are only visible to those who can fine-tune their minds to the reality of our times. The days of sword carrying ninjas might be over, but the fighting spirit in man is yet to die. To maintain peace and harmony, knowing that to every action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction, society must develop good forces to constantly counter evil.

Here in Rivers State, the power struggle is between two sets of people: progressive intellectuals and aggressive non-chalants. Those who have keenly followed the political exodus in the state, cannot agree less that Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State, and the current Minister of Transportation, is the leader of the first set of people mentioned above.

While the aggressive non-chalants hold sway in terms of violence and malice, the progressive intellectuals, led by Amaechi, have continuously maintained the path of honour; they have abstained from violence and malice. They are those who believe that it is better to jaw jaw than to war war. This is not because they are weaklings, but it is simply because, according to the Minister of Transportation, they are cowards to violence, knowing that the main task of a warrior is not to destroy life but to protect and preserve it.

Amaechi will be remembered throughout history as that man who came to the rescue of Rivers people during a time of hopelessness, despair and confusion. At a time when our youths are being recruited for unholy ventures by aggressive non-chalants, the Lion of Niger Delta (like he's fondly called by his followers), has successfully carved out tangible development and empowerment for his people.

The Calabar-Port Harcourt Rail Line and the proposed Industrial Park are some of the benefits of Amaechi's political struggle. There is also the glittering ray of hope in our creeks. The days of sea pirates are over because sooner than later, adequate security will arrive on our waterways. If not for the immense sacrifices of the 'Lion, Rivers people, and Nigerians at large, would have been left to the mischievous quest of failed transformers and violent power mongers. The warrior spirit in Amaechi has saved us from the shadow of mediocrity.

~ Solomon Okocha is the Rivers State Coordinator, Buharian Culture Organisation (BCO), and Spokesman, The Patriots Alliance (TPA)