By Bob Ikpeka
AN OPEN LETTER TO NDI ARIAM ELU ELU
Our Land. Our Heritage. Our Responsibility.
Nde keyi!
Let us pause and remember.
Our forefathers did not build Ariam Elu Elu with big grammar or empty promises. They built it with courage, determination, and selfless sacrifice.
When enemies threatened our borders, they stood with one voice and defended our land with their blood.
When there was no road, they cleared the bush.
When there was no light, they gathered by moonlight to plan for tomorrow.
What kept them strong? Unity. No sentiment. No “my kindred first.” Just one goal: Ariam Elu Elu must stand and must progress.
They handed us a land of dignity. A land where truth was greater than title.
Ndi keyi,today my heart is heavy.
We now have leaders who wear pride like a crown and ego like a robe.
Leadership, which our fathers carried as stewardship “to serve the people” has been turned into a gamble.
The future of our children is being played with like bet.
Those who ask questions are called troublemakers.
Those who speak truth are silenced, not with wisdom, but with threats and manipulation.
Oh Ariam Elu Elu!
How long must we cry over the same wound?
Since time immemorial we have suffered bad representation, fraud, corruption, and evil done in our name.
How many times will we watch our common wealth disappear?
How many times will we watch decisions made in dark rooms affect every home in broad daylight?
Things are no longer at ease.
The center can no longer hold if we keep sleeping.
Ndi Ariam Elu Elu, I beg una, let us open our eyes.
This village belongs to all of us,not to one man, not to one clique.
Let us return to the standard of our fathers where
Courage to speak truth even when it is hard,Determination to demand accountability,Unity that puts Ariam Elu Elu above personal gain,Selflessness to serve, not to be served
Let no one use fear to shut the mouth of those who love this land.
Our forefathers bled so that we could live in peace.
We owe them, and we owe our children, to protect what they built.
If we don’t save Ariam Elu Elu, who will?
If not now, when?
May wisdom guide us. May the spirit of our fathers rise again in us.
Ezi okwu bu ndu. Truth is life.
One People. One Land. One Destiny.
Ariam Elu Elu Ga adiriri
