Ode To General Mamman Shuwa – by Aliyu Bala Aliyu @AliyuBalaAliyu

Ode To General Mamman Shuwa – by Aliyu Bala Aliyu @AliyuBalaAliyu

–

Ode To General Mamman Shuwa

The bullets of the secessionists couldn’t fell him

Nor the mortar fires and aerial bombardments

Grenades, petrol bombs and mushroomed soot

For a man of rare bravery and valour he was as told

Respected by superiors; admired by peers so warm

He was revered by subordinates unsought

Platoons and battalions and garrisons of yore

Unto him were bound in obeisance and camaraderie

Esprit de corps like a bouquet did beauty reveal

And indeed like true companies did attain victory in awe

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Foxtrot, Echo; sir yes sir!

Unknown to many a latter generation as a hero of war

Hidden he was from the public and peering of the press

Attention he courted not and none he got indeed

A professional in uniform and gentleman in mufti

He was a soldier’s soldier with abundance of courage

Measured in words; he was in form at peace with all

His life rogue elements that hit did cut abrupt and short

The General and war time hero at home they killed

Blotting out a bright flame of distinguished service

Behold the rivers of tears and grief untold

“The green flags did bow as did the colour party”

“Draped in nostalgic surrender they fluttered”

His uniforms, boots and cap their boss would miss

Headgears, epaulets and bayonets differ not

His weapon and companion though could save him not

Felled from the trigger of rogues not brave to fight

Hit and run killers a great man did take for life

Yet on the road to death his bravery did sprout

But his songs shall ring for years to come

The bugles and gun salutes shall echo till the end

In tears and grief he was lowered to earth

True to the code and pledge of victory from God

A soldier’s creed as sworn to uphold and die for

Live on General Mamman Shuwa! Live on General!!

For though your body forever is gone from us

Certainly memories of you doth our company keep

And prayers to you we send now and always

In salutation and grief we bide you veteran farewell

 —

Aliyu Bala Aliyu

Masters Student, Public and International Affairs,

University of Lagos

email: aliyubala.aliyu@gmail.com

blog: www.illuminationzz.wordpress.com

twitter: @AliyuBalaAliyu