John Hussein

The veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie is one of the best artists ever in Africa. The 73 year old was born in Kaduna on March 7, 1947 and live in Zaria till the civil War then he left. He started his media career in Radio as a junior programme assistant in 1967 at the age of 20. When he turn to films he became popular for playing the leading role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation for the best selling novel of great Chinua Achebe 'Things fall apart' during the 1980s.

The Chief as he was popularly known now by his funs got married at the age of 22 to his wife Josephine and was blessed with 6 kids of which two are now Nollywood actors, Yul and Linc Edochie. He speaks Hausa, English, Latin, German and French. He acted in over 300 films in his career and still acting some of which include Oracle, Dons in Abuja, Lost kingdom, Billoniers club, Azima, Igodo, Freedom, End of money just to mention a few.

He receives so many awards one is of an industry merit award by by Africa Magic. In 2003 he was honored by president Obasanjo as a Member of the order of the Niger.

Chief was liked by many watching Nollywood films not only that he was also respected, in an interview he said even president Jonathan waved his hand to him at a gathering in Abuja and pronounce the title cheif to him while smiling.

He has so many Hausa friends during his youth age at Zaria which he dearly maintain the relationship till date. Hardly you find someone who is not a fun of the actor in the Northern part of this country.

Pete was kidnapped in 2009 but released unharmed by the Kidnappers, this is surely telling you something about him. When he was released lots of Nigerians shi'ites inclusive sends their prayers and congratulations to him.

Sadly the veteran actor was seen on social media recently in film sponsored by Nigerian army to tarnish the image of the shi'ites and it's leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (h), one wonders what goes wrong.

As Pete is aware of the culture and religion of the Northerners it's seriously ridiculous to see him take such a role no matter the amount of money in it. Many Nigerians sees him as a role model for the respect he has. How can a professional and intellectual personality like Pete got so law to work and advocate false to the tyrannical Nigerian army generals who are periodically arresting killing his own tribes men for having any symbol of agitation for their freedom against the oppressed, innocent, armless shi'ites who were massacred in Zaria and dump in mass grave. Surely after the shi'ites it will be the agitators, I wonder if cheif can also act there.

Am sure the Chief is not aware that over 1000 shi'ites were mercilessly murdered in 3 days women and children among by the army. Am certain the Chief didn't know of the mass grave at Mando, Kaduna were SG to the state confess of dumping the shi'ites bodies some not even completely dead. The chief ought to know that Sheikh Zakzaky was shot severally along with his wife at close range, his 3 children killed by his eyes, his elder sister burnt alive in a room, his residential house rase to ground zero, afterwards he was arrested since then despite court order of his release. Moreover, they even went ahead to destroy and exhumed his mother's grave who died years back. Since that day December 14th, 2015 his followers are constantly attacked by either the military or the police or both for peaceful protests or exercising a religious right. Cheif just search on fcbk, twitter, Instagram to see for yourself. Pictures are available for the attacks, the killings, the deads, the wounded, the arrested and all victims of the security atrocities on shi'ites.

I couldn't believe my eyes seeing some one I respect and cherish, some one we prayed and congratulate during his release from the Kidnappers collaborating with the oppressors against the oppressed.

Am sure chief no one not even the army generals can buy your dignity and reputation at the industry. As you are getting to your retirement likely soon we expect to see Okonkwo keeping to his principles because when " things fall apart the centre can not hold".