On Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013, the Deputy Director General of Ewherido Campaign Organisation, Olorogun Adelabu Ejiroghene Bodjor, spoke to our News Editor, Frank Efe at Ekpan on the demise of late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido.
Excerpts!
Please, may we know you?
My name is Olorogun Adelabu Ejiroghene Bodjor. I am the Deputy Director General of Ewherido Campaign Organisation.
How would you describe the sudden death of Chief Ewherido?
I have gone through the lexicon and I cannot really find a word to describe his death. It was devastating and it is a total annihilation of a formidable political guru. So for me, I think I need multiple coinages to give me a description. For some of us, it is like a part of us is dead.
Can you describe your last encounter with Chief Ewherido?
Well, my most distinguished senator had always been a wonderful human being. There has never been any form of change in his life. The last time we were together, we were always throwing banters and telling stories, strategizing politically and above all, we still end up eating as one big family. Our last meeting was very memorable. We had a visit from Senator Ezemere and at the end we ate together and came out in our usual way of cracking jokes and enjoying ourselves. And you know strategizing has always been an attribute of a core politician. He was an astute politician. He was a delight to work with.
When was the last time you saw him?
The last time we met he was full of life. He was his own self, ebullient, fun loving, open to his people, receptive and he was still holding meetings as he used to do. He is a man who is so disposed to his people. He wants to attend to everybody’s needs. That was what he was doing until the very last moment we left him.
How is his death going to affect the party?
When you say it is going to affect the party that is an understatement. The death of Ewherido has shaken the party to its foundation. When you have a general, a field marshal who knows about the instrument of warfare, politically, you are never afraid. But now that we have lost him, I must tell you, if I say there is no disarray, then I must be joking. There is absolute disarray and I just pray to God to give us the strength and energy to be able to go through it. If not it is a colossal loss.
Are you not afraid that his demise will cause a lot of disagreement?
Well, politics is all about people competing, struggle for power. We are bound to see all that. Definitely there must be internal struggle to replace him. Living itself is competitive and every living thing competes with one another.
What is your advice to the party?
My candid advice to the party is that they should not forget the ideals that he died for. He was a man committed and dedicated solely to the upliftment of his people and nothing will gladden his heart than continuing on that same line-that is showing love, concern and forthrightness to the people.
