By Dan Agbese
The bells tolled for Dr Alex
Ekwueme on November 19. And the former vice-president answered the call that no
mortal has the power to reject. In his going, we have lost the most
level-headed politician our country has ever produced. If you describe Nigerian
politicians as gentlemen, you waste the word. If you describe Ekwueme as a
gentleman, you nail the word. It is the word that best describes him as a
politician and as a statesman.
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| President Buhari with Dr. Ekwueme at the State House |
I first met the then
vice-president sometime in 1983. I was editor of the New Nigerian at the time.
I sought an appointment to see him because I was increasingly worried about the
allegations of corruption against the Shehu Shagari administration that had
become disturbingly rife. He graciously received me in his well-appointed
office. I did not go through a phalanx of protocol and security men to see him.
He was alone in his office when he welcomed me with a moderated smile. He had
not yet cultivated the grey mane of his later years. I saw a handsome man who,
I thought, did not quite cut the picture of the expansive Nigerian politician.
What he exuded was the air of political power but the cool, calm air infused
with intellectualism. He was so disarming that I felt momentarily disarmed. He
asked after my family. I found that both unusual and interesting. He said my
newspaper was doing a good job with its editorial stand on national issues. I
felt my head expanding with pride.
