PAYING a tribute to Alex Ekwueme is not such an easy task, especially when you consider his diverse array of accomplishments in community philanthropy, architecture, academics, politics and the Church.

Only a text book of several volumes can really capture the depth of the human ingenuity which has defined the life of this great Nigerian.

However, on this momentous occasion of his 80th birthday, I cannot help but join many Nigerians in celebrating a man of excellence, courageous and visionary political icon, architect, historian, sociologist and legal practitioner. Ide is to me the greatest Nigerian patriot of our time- always making the right choices for the unity of Nigeria.

His choice of NPN in 1978 as his political platform was informed by the need to steer Nigeria away from the perennial ethnic tensions that characterised the Nigerian civil war. Awo’s UPN and Zik’s NPP were to draw the country back to those tendencies which Nigeria could hardly afford. Even in government, Ide utilized his intellectual background and urbane nature to the fullest. His probity of character and integrity came under judicial review and Justice Samson Uwaifo upheld Ide’s conduct as a public officer.

Undeterred by the indignities he suffered in prison, in the 1994 Constitutional Conference, Ide took time to x-ray the evolution of the Nigerian state and by sheer force of inner conviction and visionary clarity, he came up inter alia with the idea of the six geopolitical zones which was viewed with suspicion by the reactionary politicians. Yet, by excellent political brinkmanship he navigated his ideas from a minority report of his committee to the endorsement of the plenary. This was later to deny him the Presidency in 1999 when he presented himself for nomination in Jos. By accepting the result of the primaries Ide’s character and sense of patriotism became even more evident. Rather than view his conduct as a mark of strength, many saw it as evidence of weakness; very tragic indeed!!!

Under the Obasanjo regime, Ide became the quintessence father of the party with his several interventions, using the platform of the BOT which he chaired. The self-inflicted executive and legislative tensions were resolved on several occasions.

It is doubtful whether the PDP has reciprocated the sacrifices of their leading light. With the balkanization of the party in Anambra State and the marginalization of the founding fathers, Abraham Lincoln’s famous address in New Salem, Illinois in March 9, 1832 is helpful. He said:

“If the good people, in their wisdom, shall see it fit to keep me in the background, I have been too familiar with disappointments to be very much chagrined”.

Ide deserves to be honoured not only on his birthdays but by the party living up to the vision of its founding fathers which includes inclusiveness, adherence to the rule of law, party discipline and supremacy.

I do not know how else to honour Ide whom I served (and still serve) as a Special Assistant than to assure him that his light, like the Olympic torch, will continue to shine through us in Oko, the South East and Nigeria.

Happy birthday, Sir!!

Mr. HANDEL OKOLI, former SA to ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, wrote from Abuja.