KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE: THE MIND OF AN INMATE   

KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE: THE MIND OF AN INMATE   

By: Balami Lazarus     

Living life is a twist. I have come to see every up and down of it as a lesson to be learnt and nothing is a disappointment for me any longer but a dividend. Since his imprisonment so many things have been said about him, some nice words, others bad and ugly. More of the bad and the ugly came from the mouths of those who are very close to him. His brothers and sisters reasonably are no exception. I had once lived with them in one of his mini estates among the tenants with his sisters Pricilla and Rebecca, in- laws and acclaimed relatives. That was before I was wrongfully accused of Boko Haram and forcefully kicked out.

However, I have an apology from one of them and a police clean bill.     For quite some time I have wanted to visit the inmate but I could not make it even at the time of writing this piece. However, I have been keeping in touch with the progress of his health and wellbeing. I was told a few days ago that he is getting better and in high spirits. I am always wishing him well.    Still in suspense, this high profile inmate never thought deep in his mind that he will someday be prosecuted, and lawfully sentenced to jail for some number of years considering his personality and political antecedent.

Well, life is a twist.     I came to know this inmate through my uncle who to me is a father, a kind- hearted man who had worked with him at the Nigeria Standard Newspaper in Jos. Probably you might have guessed who the inmate is by now. The inmate in the shadows is no one but Joshua Chibi Dariye, one time Governor and a Senator. I will hereby address him as an inmate or Chief Joshua Dariye.     

Most inmates’ minds are working towards when will I be released and what will I do? This is the minds of these classes of inmates because there is hope for them unlike the ones on death row.     To my understanding, Chief Joshua Dariye as an individual away from public offices the man is a good fellow with a large heart, jovial with a good sense of humour. Dariye has wide social contacts but maintained close social relationships with relatives, friends, associates and few acquaintances. And so many persons that have come in contact with him have benefited much from him when he was privileged to have occupied elected public offices.

Today where are they for him?      Let me begin to speak the mind of Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye as an inmate behind the walls in Kuje. Having spent some years I believe you have learnt some good lessons about life and men. You have also reflected back and seen your short- comings and where you need to make amends.     I see your mind telling you now; who your true friends are.  It is also telling you the need to appreciate your caring relatives, brothers, sisters and some good friends who are always there for you.     

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Your mind is now telling you that those you expected to be there for you are nowhere to be seen or heard of and these are the people you had helped tremendously. Your mind is also reminding you that look, those caring and showing concern are no doubt good relatives and old friends you never had time for or never helped when you were up there. And your mind feels guilty and equally confessing saying I have learnt a lesson of which truly men are.     

This is very important because I was informed by one of his close relative who visited him this month that most visitors to Dariye are those who he might have forgotten or least expected they will come all the way from Bokkos and Jos to visit, pray and comfort him, apart from those within Abuja and Nasarawa axis and elsewhere.     I see your mind telling you that when and if you are out, surely you will cherish value and respect those that shared your sufferings and pains as an inmate.     

Chief Dariye, please be informed that not all are true friends and relatives. But the true good ones are those that are there for you in thick and in thin and proudly you call friends or relatives. While most people once surrounded you did so for their selfish interest and nothing but only for such.  I hear your mind telling that you must be more disciplined, humble and tolerant and to forgive the more and forged ahead.     

Your mind tells you that there is the need to establish a Foundation with the sole objective to give back to society. Inmate Dariye, your mind is also telling you that some of your so- friends, relatives and even your brothers and sisters are wishing you death. And are beginning to apportion your states among themselves. You are not far from the truth, because the hearts of men  are desperately wicked and full of evil.     

Finally, Chief Joshua, you being in Kuje Correctional Centre is a space to think more, reflect more and meditate more on the past, present and a peep into the future I suppose. There is alway hope for the living. You will and shall come out of Kuje alive and in good health.    Permit me to recommend to you a book titled “Five Things You Must Do Before You Die” by John Izzo.   

Balami,  a Publisher/ Columnist.    08036779290

KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE: THE MIND OF AN INMATE