President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east, Dr. Josef Onoh has extolled the virtues of the former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani in the 65th Birthday of the pan statesman.

Onoh recalled with emotion how his former boss (Nnamani) have cared for him and refused to take any appreciation for his mentorship.

“I recall during the build up of the presidential campaign, as you were focused on your senatorial campaign and I myself was healing from the political disappointment of losing the PDP Enugu State Gubernatorial ticket, I channeled my energy to a greater calling to my nation which was greater than my loss.

I put everything into the Renewed Hope of Mr. President. It was the dark period the entire south east lost brave men who were scared of identifying or campaigning for the president. I was a man alone and the only man standing.

I recall your deep concern and worry about my political future after my loss and we both had lunch in your home at Ajagu Agbani, to cheer me up you tried distracting me by convincing me to give you a durag like the one I wore to your home. You put it on, and we both had a great laugh.

Such was the soft considerate side of you very few have ever seen. In 2002, you stood by me, encouraged me, and ensured I won my election into the State House of Assembly.

Even after I lost the Gubernatorial ticket you were so worried to the extent you were making consultations for me to take the National Assembly ticket of Enugu North Federal Constituency which you had to stop when I refused the offer and told you I can’t step low after I’ve aimed higher to becoming a Governor.

This is the Chimaroke Nnamani who believes in building his team. I called you around 2am from London and simply told you I was joining the Tinubu campaign and asked if you would support me and be a major stakeholder from the Southeast and Nigeria to support.

I remember you simply asked me which other people are with me in that journey and I said nobody, you cracked up laughing and said they don’t want to die and they don’t want the fury of the obedient mob.

Despite being a PDP Senatorial candidate, all you said to me was “Honorable, you have always stood by me, do you believe Tinubu will win, I answered in the affirmative and you said “lets fire!

Unfortunately, this support cost you your senatorial election, I felt bad but was shocked that despite the sad situation you were more interested that I be appointed a minister in the president’s cabinet.

Tensions built up so much that during a visit to you by a select South west prominent politicians and traditional rulers in your Asokoro Abuja residence, you were asked if you will accept a ministerial position in the president’s cabinet.

To the astonishment of every one in the room you flatly refused and told them that any appointment or reward the president wants to give you for your support should go to me! Tears ran down my eyes but such is the rare quality of a true leader you have always displayed.

Unfortunately many of those you helped have continuously betrayed you and only God knows why.

Beckoned on you and you answered my call during that challenging time. So today as you celebrate your 65th birthday, I can only pray that God continue to bless you in good health, peace of mind and happiness.

Happy birthday my Boss of all seasons, Happy birthday my brother, Happy Birthday Ebe-ano ndi spare parts, Happy Birthday the last Field Marshall of Enugu state politics!