26/08/2026
ECHOCHO: THE DOORS HE OPENED, THE PEOPLE WILL SOON UNDERSTAND
By Onoja J. Okpanachi
Surely, for the people, even though many are yet to come to terms with the real battle being fought, I will remain on the path that will usher in the much-desired liberation. Like other ventures in life, desires do not just materialise; they are worked for. The same applies to politics. It is widely believed that victory is not served à la carte—you go out and get it. Therefore, standing up to close one ugly chapter so that a new and beautiful one can be opened is not an easy task, but it is a worthy cause nonetheless.
In the case of Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, when this election cycle is over and the noise dies down, people's sense of reason will begin to return. Then, the clarity of what he stands for today will become obvious for all to see. It will be fascinating to see how many people return to the ideals they have abandoned, as time and events would have reduced politics to its barest truth. This time, the results of what Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has stood and fought for will become the spoils of the battle.
Today, many will see this opinion as mere imagination or an unattainable pursuit. Those in power and those on the opposite side of what I have expressed today will dismiss the possibility of the reality I see because their present positions serve their interests. They can hardly see beyond their paycheques, and that makes them extremely short-sighted about the liberation that is about to come.
Truthfully, many dwell too much on the quiet nature of the frontliner, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, and have therefore failed to see the future for which he stands. He is not the only one, but he is surely the fastest bridge to the other side that the region desires. He could have simply walked away and lost nothing, but for the sake of the people, he has chosen to remain and open new doors. This means opening more doors to the future.
Not everyone sees those doors now. But tomorrow, many more will see them clearly. By the time they do, they will understand the weight of the burden he has carried all along and the foundation he has laid for independence to return.
Devoid of sentiments and emotions, my opinions here, and on Echocho's political journey at this critical time, are based on my convictions. I am bold to declare that I am not on any payroll, nor have I benefited from any contract or empowerment, directly or indirectly—never. Therefore, I am in no way under duress or under any obligation to keep shining the light on him.
I am only compelled to speak for what I believe is right, particularly because Echocho has never been one for media hype. No doubt, he has been a blessing to me, just as he has been to many others who still choose to look the other way at a time when they are needed most. It is a personal choice—one I am sure I will be proud of tomorrow.
Remember, after all is said and done, history will be the final judge. And in Echocho's case, the verdict will be fair.
Posterity will judge him right.
ARISE!
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Photo: Echocho (r) receiving ARISE IGALA Leadership Award at Sheraton, Abuja (now Abuja Continental), 2014. Presented to him by Dr. Rekya Momoh Abaji on behalf of ARISE IGALA Magazine.
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