The Passing of Chijioke Nwakodo
Thursday, August 10, 2017 broke out like any other day without an inkling of the darkness that was gathering to snatch away our prized asset from our midst. However, as the day was entering its twilight, rumours (as it seemed then) began to make rounds and at the same time you could see people gathering in groups and speaking in hushed tones with their neck tilting left and right to see if anyone is eavesdropping; the topic was the same: our ebullient mentor, master strategist and the doyen of the progressives has passed on. What naturally followed was a deluge of phone calls to different quarters and sources and behold our worst fears were confirmed. The mayor, the people’s chair and our leader, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo is dead.
Baba large as I used to call him was a quintessential gentleman with knack for frugality and thoroughness in his actions. A consummate politician that believes that government positions are veritable means of service and for advancement of the society. He was a visionary leader with tact and compassion, a detribalised man with a cosmopolitan view of life. As a bridge builder, he related to all the divides in our political setting and thus became a rallying point for the actualisation of the requirement for a paradigm shift in allocation of power in the state.
His kind disposition, amiable nature and forthrightness will be greatly missed. He was one of the prime movers of the Okezuo Abia Movement and the conscience of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration; no wonder he was made the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State.
Sir Chijioke Nwakodo has fulfilled his time on earth but his footprints remains indelible. He was an honest man who abhors discrimination and injustice in any form. He had a meritorious political service to his people spanning close to two decades. He was the Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government (1999 – 2002) and The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ikwuano/Umuahia Candidate for House of Representatives in 2007 general election. He served as the Chief Economic Adviser to Governor T. A. Orji of Abia State and was the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State till his unexpected demise.
My brother, my friend, I will miss you greatly and the government of Abia State will surely miss your valuable experience and contributions in statecraft. Your allies and followers are still in a state of shock as it has become so difficult to accept the reality of your permanent departure. You have fought the good fight and it is our prayer that the good Lord will give all of us the fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss. Chief Kingsley O. Megwara, Umuahia