a lot has been said about former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, since his demise a few weeks ago and a lot more will be said in the days ahead. Predictably, there would be a deluge of eulogies and emotional messages of condolence, in typical Nigerian fashion. As noted by former governor and fellow party associate, Chief James Ibori, many will shed crocodile tears enough to cause the Atlantic to overflow. It becomes difficult to fault such disposition given that the Federal Government which declined to foot his medical bills, has constituted a high powered committee headed by no less a personality than the Secretary to the Federal Government,(SGF), Boss Mustapha, to accord the distinguished architect a befitting “state burial.”
This sudden switch from foe to friend when people transit to the great beyond is in keeping with Greek philosophy and the Latin phrases De mortuis nihil nisi bonum and De mortuis nil nisi bene ( dicendum) (“Of the dead, [say] nothing but good”) admonish us not to speak ill of the dead.
In the case of Dr. Ekwueme, there would be a marked deviation from the norm. There would be no need for euphemism as most accolades would be a clear reflection of the life of one of the finest players that bestrode the Nigerian political space. How do you remonstrate with a rare breed whom the military tribunal that tried him after overthrowing the first civilian government where he served as vice president from 1979 to 1983 discharged him thus: “Dr. Ekwueme left office poorer than he was when he entered it, and to ask more from him was to set a standard which even saints could not meet.” If the sinless saints could not match the standards set by the Ide of Oko Kingdom, then the outpouring of encomium that trailed the announcement of his death are devoid of fabrication. The heavens themselves as foretold by William Shakespeare in his book, Julius Ceasar, did blaze forth the death of the Orumba prince.
Nigerians proved American author and illustrator, Theodor Seuss Geisel, simply known as Dr.Seuss right in his assertion that “Sometimes you will never know the value of something, until it becomes a memory.” Ekwueme was an unsung hero in his lifetime, largely ignored even during his landmark birthday celebration when the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan failed to attend the ceremony. Ekwueme bore what he described as humiliation from different quarters with equanimity. On whether the president was invited to his birthday party, the unassuming achiever replied “the whole of Nigeria was invited. Of course, he was invited but he did not appear personally at any of the events, even the ones in Abuja. So, it is a matter of style.”
The sagacious politician had style. That style was was marked by finesse embracing every aspect of etiquette: respect and consideration for others as well avowed commitment to honesty. The rare sapience distinguished himself as epitome of gentility, polished to the core and spotless in character.
Like the proverbial forerunner of restructuring, some of his views on national discourse did not receive popular acclaim. When berated, he soaked up divergent views with grace and wisdom. Known for his uncommon poise and profundity, the iconic statesman in his political career distanced himself from the dirt and murk associated with politics. His disposition spoke eloquently about his disdain for the baser instincts and gutter electioneering tactics typical of the Nigerian political elite. In spite of his political might as a former vice president, founding father of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Ekwueme refused to metamorphose into a political principality, who would have converted Anambra State to a fiefdom, neither did he wield his enormous influence to disrupt governance in his home state as many in his mould are wont to do.
Ide Oko distinguished himself in every phase of his political career through his strict adherence to civility. A man of impeccable manners, whether in his suit or trade mark native ‘Isi agu’ attire, his personal grooming was unmistakable, making others pale beside him in social circles.
One good way to immortalize the colourful politician is to establish a Department of Civility in Governance at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, to ensure that the legacy is sustained.
Ekwueme exuded class and style. Wouldn’t you rather make etiquette your style?