On Thursday, I left the office around 4:20 PM for a spot opposite B Division where I was supposed to meet with a friend. On my way to B Division, we stopped and joined other commuters who were waiting for signal from the traffic controller for them to move.
Just about a minute of waiting in the traffic, in a very dramatic fashion, he turned sharply like lilo, facing us, he began to wave his hand and knot his head like agama lizard giving us permission to move on.
While we were waiting in the traffic, some of the commuters were extolling Mr Patrick Terhemba Ernyam’s display. It was not unusual for anyone plying that road to pass without having a thought about how he conducted himself and carried out his job with profound dedication, commitment, and professionalism which left many with no choice but to dash him money.
We passed and I stopped almost immediately directly opposite B Division Police Station. I had barely worked to where I was going to sit when I heard bystanders shouting “Jesus, Jesus…” and running towards the direction of the traffic warden. I couldn’t go because I was exhausted. I waited for those who could to return and I asked them what happened?
According to them, that the man just fell down (slumped) while controlling the movement of vehicles and okadas at the junction and has been rushed to the hospital. At the time I was leaving B Division which was between 6PM – 7PM, unverified information had it that he had passed on. Somehow, I discarded the news! However, seeing his pictures online today and now leaves me with no iota of doubt that he has been confirmed death. May I used this opportunity to convey my condolences to his family. May God console everyone left behind to mourn him. Amen.
I’ve taken time to write this because I would like to draw our attention to something – Reward. We’re very okay punishing corrupt public office holders but very reluctant rewarding those who serves this nation with uncommon passion, enthusiasm and in justice like late Mr Peter Terhemba Ernyam did. He was an extraordinary traffic warden who in the discharge of his duty, gave us an example of how to serve fatherland.
Though he had passed on, it will be honourable to give him a state burial to honour his memory, celebrate his example and extraordinary services as a traffic warden where he served and died. In this way, those who encountered him at duty post and will see the honour that may be given to him will be inspired and encouraged to follow his example. Let’s reason together, another way to fight corruption is to reward those who are not corrupt.
He died at his duty post doing what he knew how to do best. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful Departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace. Amen.
A Facebook post
