By Ikechukwu Ani
It is already a week, and your unexpected and shocking departure still looks like a dream. How I wish it is! When the news hovered without confirmation last week Sunday, there was panic and confusion. Many refused to or chose not to believe it; others went into prayers demanding heavenly intervention. I am really finding it difficult to believe you are no more. You were just too good to exit now, and this brings me to the saying that good things don’t last. But why? You met the Commission on its knees with basically no direction. You came and gave it your all so much that after a year, you had breathed life into it, restored its dignity and gave it a new hope. Your stay was brief but impactful and rewarding that till today, it seems to be the best season for a commission, dithering for freedom and relevance. You fought many battles, stepped on toes, and volunteered to pay the price for our salvation.
For me, your exit is a personal loss too heavy to carry. When you arrived, I was not supposed to be in your plans to manage the Commission’s image. You showed it when you resumed but still gave me an opportunity to prove myself. At my birthday in 2023, which met me in Benin, Edo State, during one of the Commission’s retreat, you sent this message to me; “IK, thanks for keeping the flame aglow for the Commission. I was right, they were wrong about you.” I momentarily cried when I got this message from a boss who valued my contribution to the growth of the Commission even after I learnt you were told to drop me, that I was ‘combative.’ I was only defending the mandate of the Commission that came into serious assault.
My birthday was on the final day of the retreat, and at the closing ceremony, you spoke glowingly about me and for the first time confessed that you came under pressure to drop me but declared that you would have regretted it. Nothing can make more meaning to me than this, and throughout my sojourn here, I will cherish it. You understood me and gave me freedom to do my job without undue interference. And I believe I gave you my best. You were cerebral, organised, and a towering boss who was interested in little details and who knew the direction to success. You were a pathfinder, a jolly good friend, not bossy, but easy going.
I have lost a godfather, who was always ready to appreciate good work. I can’t forget these words “good delivery, go ahead and broadcast” which had always accompanied my draft press releases sent to you. Most times, you called to personally commend me, and at other times, you followed it up with financial motivation. At one time, when I told you my wife, who is an Assistant Editor in one of the newspaper houses in Abuja had an input in one of the draft press releases, you had commended lavishly, you inquired if she was with me and requested to speak with her and thanked her for the support. You were such a humane and kind personality, down to earth and unassuming. It is, however, necessary to note that you do not condone laxity. What ought to be done must be done at the appropriate time.
I have really lost a boss of inestimable value who took me first, as human, and encouraged me to give off my best. It was obvious you loved the Commission and did your best to grow it within the one year you steered its ship.
My boss, the death that took you is very unkind, but God knows why. It is also not how long but how well. You left indelible footprints on the sands of time. You were brave, showed presence, character and strength. Your death was sobering, and I am yet to put myself together to believe this sad development. Good night boss, and may God decorate your soul with heavenly blessings. You will forever remain in my heart.
•Ikechukwu Ani is the Head, Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission.
