Rights Activist Cancels 24th Wedding Anniversary, Starts 7-Days Hunger Strike over Insecurity

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme has disappointed guests who stormed his residence to celebrate his 24th wedding anniversary with his wife following sudden cancelation of the celebration.

He said the cancelation of the celebration was informed by spate of violent crimes in Nigeria with the latest being abduction of school children nationwide by unknown gunmen.

He rather announced a self imposed week long hunger strike.

According to him, there was nothing to celebrate in view of escalating insecurity challenges bedeviling the country, insisting that lives of Nigerians were more important to me than celebration.

He said, “There is nothing to celebrate when our kids are being abducted here and there and the Federal Government has not done anything serious to restore the lost glory of this nation.

“These kids that have been abducted are related to us in one way or the other. This time it is not ethnic, religious, colour, language or political attack on Nigerians. So all hands must be on deck if we must win this battle.

“Nigerians should ensure enthronement of peace, security, good governance, love, tolerance, patriotism, empathy, harmonious and peaceful coexistence for us to forge ahead.

“Lives of Nigerians are more important to me than celebration of my 24th wedding anniversary. There is nothing to celebrate in view of the escalating insecurity challenges bedeviling the country.

“It is a period of sober reflection not celebration, offering fervent prayers to God to intervene in multi facet problems confronting the country. Kindly join us in seeking divine solutions to unprecedented insecurity in the country.

“I appeal to perpetrators of these devilish acts to give peace a chance and respect the sanctity, dignity and sacredness of human persons in tandem with God’s commandment, “Thou shall not kill”.

“Let us bear it in mind postulation of Sussan Callings that “Anyone who kills an innocent person will lose anything he is and he has.

“I’m equally embarking on a seven day self imposed hunger strike in solidarity with abducted school children, citizens, their families, injured and those who lost their lives.

“May God grant them eternal repose, give bereaved families the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and repentance unto perpetrators.

“Security is collective and collaborative responsibility of both the government and the governed, hence if you see something, you must say something.”

Contributing, spokesman of the group, Comrade Hyginus Agharaekwe, extolled the virtues, impeccable character and integrity of Comrade Ezekwueme.

“He is a dogged advocate, uncompromising fighter in human rights activism, socio-economic, political justice, good governance and as well as moral compass.

“We wish you more fruitful, peaceful, healthy and prosperous years ahead beyond measures,” he prayed.