On November 4th, 2017, my friend, brother and colleague ended his sojourn on earth. He answered the call of God and began his journey to eternity. I did not believe it when I heard. I called a few friends and they confirmed that M.S. was buried at the Gudu cemetery Abuja the same day he passed on.
M.S. was a great colleague. He was a reliable friend and brother. A dependable, trusted, amiable and humble person. He was always at the service of those who came across him. He was passionate about pleasing everyone.
An avid campaigner against corruption. He wanted a better country for all of us. Before his illness, he expressed concern about the state of health care in Nigeria. He complained about the lack of facilities in public hospitals and the poor mannerism of medical personnel in such hospitals. He ended up a a victim of the same health care system he complained about in several write up by him.
We should all worry about our country’s health care system. Our tertiary health institutions are deeply lacking in equipment and professionalism. The government does not seem to be making any headway in this area. Even the State House clinic is desolate and ill equipped. Where is the promise of this government on health care? It appears forlorn.
We spoke last Thursday and I promised to visit him on Saturday, November 4th at the National hospital. I did not have the chance to see him alive again.
His stay on earth was short and memorable. He was a good lawyer. A good Muslim. A good writer. A good debater. A good supporter of Chelsea football club. On top of that, a really good guy.
M.S., like Clarence Darrow in his closing defence of Henry Sweet in April, 1926, ” believed in the law of love” not the law of hate. He was convinced that nothing can be done with hatred. My dear brother, for many years, you accompanied me on the road to electoral honour and glory. You were a model of courage and fidelity.
The legal profession will miss you. Your friends and associates will miss you. Jattu town will miss you. Etsako land will miss you. Edo State will miss you and Nigeria will remember that the only thought in your heart was the good of Nigeria.
It has been said that it is appointed on to man to die once and after that, judgment will follow. As M.S. faces his creator, may he find favour and mercy in God’s judgment over his life on earth. May God grant his family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the loss.
In the immortal words of Napoleon Bonaparte on 29th April, 1814, I end this tribute;
Soldiers of my Old Guard: I bid you farewell!
Farewell, Mimsah! Farewell my Pally! Till we meet again, Farewell!
May the soul of M.S. Shuaibu REST IN PERFECT PEACE! Amen.
Dr. West-Idahosa.