ON Friday morning, I sent a small note to Chief Dan Osi Orbih, one of my mentors, wishing him a happy birthday anniversary. The social media was awash with birthday messages, as usual. I couldn’t keep tab with hundred of messages that came tumbling in that day.
That Friday was packed full for me. After midday was the reception for the elected and appointed people from the South South by the South South Community living in Abuja. I was billed to be there as a member of the association. After the reception, which was adjudged to be one of its kinds by the guest speaker, Professor Osunbor, I left for the house of Chief, as I normally simply call him. The place was glittering with dignitaries. The Acting National Chairman, PDP, Amb. Umar Illiya Damagun, in spite of the fact that his son got married the same Friday, he was able to squeeze out time to come and felicitate with Chief. In his company was Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the Vice National Chairman, PDP, as well as other members of the PDP National Working Committee, NWC.
As a matter of fact, the birthday anniversary celebration was not planned like the planned one when Chief was 60. Oh no, few people could forget that event where about 5 governors were in attendance, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku came calling, senators, several top members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and people from all works of life, including those from the opposition, were in attendance.
While there were assorted drinks to take and food to eat, Old School music was serenading the atmosphere charged with lighted bliss. Senator Adams Oshiomole was seated with Chief. Not long after, the Leader, House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Prof Julius Ihonvbere saunted in to join the convivial atmosphere filled with charm and life. I had the privilege of discussing with him before he left the venue. He will later pen a message to journalists in Abuja through his media aide, Mr. Joshua Iraoya, stating the irrevocable relationship he has had with Chief spanning over two decades because of his leadership style and service to humanity irrespective of their political divide.
Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama was there present, so were other leaders and budding politicians from different parts of Edo State and outside.
It is worthy of note that those who came to visiting were not hungry for food nor thirsty for drink, but came to share and tap from the infectious smile and life of Chief, the celebrant. He is naturally a rallying political figure who means so much to different people, even his political enemies. He has been able to etch his name in the minds of a lot of people with his charm. This I have come to learn from him through the curves and bends in politics. Be in the hearts and minds of the people. Be infectious. Give to them, do not always take. Give without asking… Chief has made the life of some persons sweeter and happier through the proximity of political association, you cannot take this away from him. He has helped a lot of persons to grow in politics, testimonies abound. His greatest political investment I know is in humanity, these are trophies he carries about in the tablet of his soul. Attack his person, hundreds will rise against you.
For me, what is really there in life, why not enjoy it to the fullest? Why the bitterness, why the forever acrimony, why court enmity rather than friendship? Why not rather laugh, laugh and laugh than cry all in your lifetime? Why not be at peace with yourself as well as others as much as possible? Why so much desperation for power if the plan is not to use it to better mankind? Why not drink the wine of happiness rather than the poison of sadness? Why not gather the crowd to merry rather than disperse it to be lonely? Why not etch your name on the stones of life rather than erase it on the alter of betrayal? Why will it be known that you are a fighter in every gathering rather than be known as a welcoming man of peace?
The next morning, which was Saturday, Chief called me very early, we discussed lightly about the previous day. He spoke with my family, especially our six year old Princess of Okpe, Oma, which lightened up our day. These are parts of the honour and charm and bliss and gratitude and recognition and gratefulness… in knowing and associating with Chief.
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