The atmosphere at OKWADIKE close, Asokoro, Abuja was that of mixed feelings on this Monday (18/12/23) afternoon. The third wife of OKWADIKE, Mrs Grace Ezeife was seated in the middle of the modest parlour where OKWADIKE always sat, receiving guests and granting interviews to the press with other Igbo elders in tow. She was receiving guests as one of the Chief mourners and acknowledging greetings and words of sobriety from the different shades of people who came calling to commiserate over the demise of Okwadike NDIGBO, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the PhD Harvard trained Economist and elder statesman who was the first executive governor of Anambra state in the shortlived third Republic.
I had barely signed the condolences’ register after commiserating with the Igbanke- born wife of OKWADIKE and Mr Erasmus Ukanwa, the Chief Security Officer cum PA to Okwadike who sacrificed for more than 32 years to assist him in the discharge of his duties to humanity when the current minister for special duties and former HORs member representing AMAC/Bwari constituency, Abuja, Hon Zaphaniah Jisalo sauntered in with his aides and we exchanged banters because we had not seen since 2015 after losing his senatorial bid for FCT Abuja. He was closely followed by Dr. Ifedi Okwenna , a former commissioner under Peter Obi in Anambra state. A man of tall frame ,He walked briskly into the parlour while my colleague painted the picture of his obtuse encounter in his office at Gudu, Abuja and his failed gubernatorial bid under the PDP in Anambra state some years back. It was at this point I asked about the whereabouts of workaholic Prof Charles Nwekaku who is a very close ally to Okwadike even as Secretary , Igbo Consultative elders forum. I was reliably informed that he had being coming regularly to pray for Okwadike and that he would soon be around as a normal routine almost everyday.
The galaxy of Igbo red cap chiefs and colourful attires competed with the array of modern automobiles parked in Okwadike’s enclave as dozens of former & retired government officials drove in to commiserate with the family of a man who stoutly stood for justice, fairness and equity in our quet for nationhood. He was also one of the pricking advocates of rotational Presidency amongst the six geopolitical zones to be enshrined in our constitution . I submit unequivocally that is one of the panacea to a peaceful and calm entity. The NASS under the Chairmanship of Godswill Akpabio should look in this direction. It will reduce political tension & opprobrium in the shark – infested waters of our polity.
My path with OKWADIKE crossed around 2013 while working in Abuja. I had visited to enlist Okwadike’s support to work at NEXIM bank after leaving one of the commercial banks in Kaduna a year ago. He worked through the lines to link me with the then governor of CBN who
was so much engrossed in the politics of the emergence of its subsidiary code named NIRSAL Plc. Okwadike’s profound hospitality and simplicity endeared me after several visits. His first wife, Late Mrs Njideka Ezeife preached & gave me a biblical tract in one of my several visits and invited me to one of her numerous prayer meetings in Abuja. It was wonderful .She was a prayer warrior per excellence despite her age. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Since her demise in 2021, I had not visited because of my work in Kaduna and tight schedules whenever in Abuja. The kidnapping spree and Kaduna/Abuja train carnage and saga was an albatross of some sorts. While the first wife died 13th December 2021, Okwadike demised 14th December 2023. Exactly two years apart !
My last meeting with OKWADIKE was at the Abuja residence of Aha eji aga mba NDIGBO, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE precisely on Friday, Nov 1st 2023 during his meeting with the OHANAEZE NDIGBO in the 19 Northern states and Abuja and the need for harmony amongst the disparate Igbo groups in the North. OKWADIKE sat majestically in his trade mark white apparel with his white ‘ustaz beards’, traditional red cap and walking stick to match acknowledging greetings and shaking hands intermittently with some guests . You cannot encounter OKWADIKE and remain the same. You must be happy even when your troubles tingle you. He was an effervescent personality.He had to leave for another meeting with Mr Erasmus, his PA/CSO directing the way..
You can imagine my bewilderment over his demise four days ago. After a hectic journey from Enugu to Abuja. I had vowed to pay my condolences to this revered Igbo Leader who had a cosmopolitan bent to issues of life before his burial which will certainly take place in Igbo Ukwu, Anambra state soon. Any delay may cause me some regrets as I soliloquize.
He was an enigma with an open door policy and never segregated or treated anyone with levity. He spoke out eloquently uncountable times over the uncomfortable state of affairs of Ndigbo in the political chessboard of Nigeria politics.
He spoke truth to power vehemently. He was a fighter without bruises. He spoke of a beautiful Nigeria where all citizens were to be treated equally and fairly. He delved into restructuring and threw the political conscience of Leaders into overdrive. He asked former President Buhari to hand over Mazi Nnamdi Kalu to him as he could tame him as a father. In one instance during the several trials of MNK at the Federal high court in Nigeria, he was asked what he was doing there, He told the battery of reporters and overzealous police officers that he had come to see his ‘son’- MNK in court , urging the government to release his son while the IGBO 1 of FCT Abuja, Eze Ibe Nwosu looked on emotionally and intermittently shook his head. Both of them as elders were always in court during MNK’s trial in their trademark Igbo regalia. The story of the revered Igbo 1 in the FCT is a story for another day. As governor of Anambra state, he left over a staggering N400 million in the coffers of the state which is about three decades ago with his head high and integrity intact coupled with infrastructural developments witnessed within the short span of his reign as governor. He was incorruptible to a fault and refused to dance the music of any godfather. He remained resolute to his simple convictions till death.
In my condolence message, I had opined that an Iroko has truly fallen. He came, saw and conquered. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu Okwadike!
For some of us who will be paying visits to OKWADIKE enclave in Asokoro and the burial proper when it is announced, Please remember ASP Erasmus Ukanwa rtd, he stood by OKWADIKE for more than 32 years. While other aides left to find their bearings, he refused to leave OKWADIKE. He vowed to stay to the end and remained loyal. He took bullets for Okwadike. He lived in Okwadike’s enclave, traveled with him to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. He ensured that Okwadike didn’t fall to harm’s way. He sacrificed his family to live with OKWADIKE even when he retired from the Nigeria Police Force as ASP. He retired 8 years ago. He was too loyal to a fault.
In a polygamous setting, It seems over when the lifewire is gone. I know what am talking about. Such characters are rare to find. OKWADIKE is gone already and Erasmus is left in the lurch with all promises gone to the wind. He was with OKWADIKE as Governor and years after he left government, this man remained firm. We should remember Mr Erasmus with whatever we have,no matter how little. He needs it. He has a family of five yet no house nor a car . As we saunter in, It will not be out of place to interact with him and assist him in changing his level. He needs our help. He is always there. He can be reached on 09122857780. May the Almighty make it easy for us.
Chris Emeka Oha is a writer with a journalistic bent, freelancer, Political economist, Lecturer, campaign strategist,
administrator and a public relations czar. He hovers between Kaduna, Abuja & Enugu for your attention & service. He can be reached on 08037636121.
