By Suleiman Usman Yusuf
The news of the death of retired D.I.G Ibrahim Lamorde, a former EFCC Chairman, has stirred nostalgic reflections on the fleeting nature of life.
I can still vividly recall my childhood days in primary school when Ibrahim Lamorde joined us at the PTS Barracks in Minna. My late father was a serving officer at the time, and Lamorde, then a young, single man, had recently joined the Police Force as an Assistant Superintendent.
As our new neighbor, we would often play in front of his flat, much to his initial annoyance as our games would disturb his rest. Over time, however, he grew accustomed to our presence and would occasionally send us on errands, rewarding us with gifts upon our return.
He later became the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO). Around the same time, my father was transferred from Niger State to Kebbi State, and my family moved back to Kaduna to join our extended relatives. This was around 1992/1993, and it was the last time I saw the late Lamorde.
Years later, through various social events and circumstances, I became acquainted with the first and second EFCC Chairmen, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Hajiya Farida Waziri. It was only when Farida Waziri was replaced and Ibrahim Lamorde was appointed as the head of the commission that I recognized him as the man from my childhood. His picture was everywhere, and memories of our past interactions came flooding back.
The news of his death this morning stirred a deep sense of nostalgia within me. It was as if my life flashed before my eyes, a film in rewind and then fast forward, only to be abruptly cut short.
In discussing this with my friend, Zakari Mijinyawa, who first shared the news of Lamorde’s death, he said, “Ikon Allah! You knew him in his 20s, saw him rise, acclaimed and retired, and now all that is nothing, absolutely nothing. Indeed, those who have no self-definition will chase time in the dark.”
Life is indeed transient. The enjoyment of life is nothing more than a delusion.
To us, he was retired D.I.G Ibrahim Lamorde, a man of many accomplishments. But to the Almighty Allah, he is simply his servant, Ibrahim, the son of Lamorde, who has now returned to him, as we all will sooner or later. Subhanallah!
May the Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the late Ibrahim Lamorde, the souls of our parents, grandparents, friends, siblings, and all departed ummah from the beginning of creation to date. May we die as true believers, as those that Allah is most pleased with.
Suleiman Writes from Abuja.