Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State
today displayed rare humility and capacity to look beyond private injuries for
the greater good of the state when he boldly sued for peace in the raging war
between him and his predecessor and brother, former governor Peter Obi.
Delivering a rousing eulogy at the
funeral mass of the former Principal of Christ The King College Onitsha, Rev Fr
N. C Tagbo, Governor Obiano took the congregation by surprise when he turned
and intoned, "May I use this opportunity to ask the former governor of
Anambra State,my friend and brother, Chief Peter Obi, that whatever I may have
done to him, he should forgive."
Speaking further, Governor Obiano who
noted that the late Father Tagbo had taught them to love and pursue unity with
one another, said it was only proper for him to apologise, although he did not
know what the actual cause of the rift between him and his predecessor.
Demonstrating the spirit of
sportsmanship Governor Obiano further lauded his predecessor and reminded the
audience that his campaign promise was anchored on continuity assuring
that he was giving his best in the service of the State as he was taught
by the late father Tagbo.
Paying glowing tributes to the late
Principal who helped mould notable Nigerians as principal of the renowned CKC,
Governor Obiano described Fr. Tagbo as "one of the greatest shepherds of
our time!"
According to him, the former
principal's death was a personal loss because he was the last of his many sons
to become a governor while he lived.
"Of course before me, there was
his Excellency former governor Peter Odili and my brother, former governor
Peter Obi. But I was the one he saw last before Fr. Tagbo moved on to the ages.
How I wish Fr. Tagbo had lived longer to see what his many other sons would
become tomorrow," he reasoned.
Speaking further, Governor Obiano said,
"I don’t know if my experience
approximates the experience of others but I must confess that the values Father
Tagbo gave to us in our formative years have refused to be eroded by time. I
have not surrendered those values and I will never surrender them."
On the impact the late Principal had on
the community, Obiano declared that " If truly we measure a man by the
impact he has had on his environment, Fr. N.C Tagbo stands taller than almost
all his contemporaries. He never condoned any unruly behaviour and never failed
to put in a word of encouragement or to make us realise that we can be better
than our best."
Concluding his eulogy, Governor Obiano
reasoned that in truth, "Fr. Tagbo did not die. He merely assumed a more
dignified position in our lives because he now lives in us."
Responding to Obiano's olive branch,
former governor, Obi who pointed out that what was at stake was beyond him and
his successor, said as a Christian, he was under obligation to forgive
whenever there was cause to.
He pledged his total support to the
Obiano administration in its efforts to build a better Anambra for the younger
generation whom he noted that the leaders of today must give account of their
stewardship to.
In his own remarks the Catholic
Archbishop of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Okeke who observed that even in death Fr Tagbo had remained a bridge
builder, thanked the duo for putting aside their differences and uniting to
work for the growth of the state, describing them as true Christians.
Other Old Boys who spoke at the event,
including Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Peter Emetulam and Dr Mike Ejiofor took turns to
eulogise the late Father Tagbo as a master moulder of men.
No comments:
Post a Comment