How Associates Celebrated Odili at 56
Donald Andoor reports how Odili was ambushed by political associates last Sunday while marking his 56th birthday
Last Sunday, the media was awash with birthday goodwill messages for the River State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili. The messages were from friends, political associates and well-wishers to one of their own who has made indelible impression serving humanity. Almost all of the goodwill messages in the media were from individuals and private organizations rather than government ministries and agencies. An indication that those goodwill messages were willingly placed and that the governor did not remote control his political appointees and public servants to sing his praises.
Despite the fact that those messages were couched in the finest of words, Odili was not carried away. It is not sure if he himself remembered that particular day (Sunday) was his birthday. There was no elaborate arrangement to celebrate the day as a special day either by himself or his wife, Justice Mary Odili. An aide to the governor, confided in this reporter that Odili had made it clear (to the aides) that no special arrangement should be made for the celebration of his birthday.
Perhaps, the reason for the directive could be linked to the fact that the Odili's, rather than celebrating, had dedicated the whole of that week for intensive prayers to God for the souls of the departed as well as to deeply reflect on life and ask God's continued protection, strength and wisdom to enable them give their best to the service of humanity. In particular, the prayers for the souls of the departed were for the first year remembrance of HRH B.S.C. Nzenwa (KSJ), the father of Justice Mary Odili who passed on to eternity last year. The Odili who are devoted Christians and knights of the Catholic Church therefore shunned all pressures from their political associates and friends to put together elaborate arrangements for the celebration of the governor's 56th birthday.
Odili and his family's main desire was to successfully cap the prayer week with a memorial service at the paternal home of Justice Mary in Mbaise, Imo state in honour of the late eminent legal practitioner and paramount ruler, Pa Nzenwa. To accomplish this mission, Odili assigned a few of his official engagements for that particular Sunday to his deputy, Sir Gabriel Toby. And as early as 6.30am, the Odili left the Brick House for Mbaise for the memorial service. On return to the power base in the evening at about 6.00pm, Odili's desire to have a quiet birthday reflection with only his nucleus family was altered.
He was ambushed by his close political associates including the Deputy Governor, Sir Toby. Toby, led other members of the state executive council and very close friends stormed the Brick House with birthday cards and other souvenirs. They immediately formed a ring around Odili and the croaking voices of 'Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...' polluted the quiet serenity of the exquisitely furnished living room. Odili expressed surprise for the show of concern and commended all those who came to celebrate with him.
The unwillingness of Odili to engage in expensive annual birthday celebration when millions of Nigerians are reeling in hunger and poverty should be a lesson for today's leaders. They should know that their ostentatious life styles of throwing around tax payers money to boost their personal egos has pushed many people to their untimely graves. They should also know that channeling the scarce resources to laudable projects to help the less privileged in our society will go a long way in minimizing social vices and other criminal activities prevailing thoughout the country.
Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Eme Glory speaking on while Odili does not make a public issue out of his birthday celebration said, "he is more concerned about projects, programmes and policies that would put smiles on the faces of people. You know he is a medical doctor and in keeping to his medical background, he is passionate about things that will bring succour to his patients. Although, he is now a politician, his training is shaping his political footsteps. He is therefore more concerned about what will change the lives of the people of River State for the better rather than organizing grandiose parties in the name of birthday celebration, the funds of the ordinarily could be utilized for better progrmmes, no matter how small they are."
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