When
the former Anambra state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi refused to sit with Chief
Willy Obiano and the other dignitaries inside the Peter Odili’s Hall inside the
compound of Christ the King College Onitsha, the import of his action was not
lost on the other Old boys of the College, who had gathered to pay their last
respect to Rev. Father Nicholas C. Tagbo, the legendary Principal of the famous
college. Watchers of the underground political currents in Anambra state knew
it was going to be a tough act to bring both men to tread the path of peace and
there was no clue of how to end the feud between the former governor and his
successor.
While the incumbent Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, the State Chief
Judge, The State Chairman of Burial Planning Committee, Chief Mike Ajaegbo, The
Ede of Obosi, The Commissioner for Information, Chief Nanachetta, Chief Obidi
Ekwunife, The National President of C.K.C.Old Boy’s Association, were seated on
the high table, Mr. Peter Obi sat among their Old Students of the school,
totally unassuming and without air of protocol. The body of the departed Rev.
Father Nicholas Chukwuemeka Tagbo had been ushered into the Peter Odili Hall
after a colourful procession along the popular Oguta road, starting from the
Zik’s round about on Awka road. The Casket which was borne by mounted chariot
was accompanied by the police band and members of St. John’s Ambulance. The
route was lined by flag waving young pupils of the school, dressed in their
traditional white uniform. Residents of Oguta road, business people and passers
bye mounted a grand of honour as Governor Whilly Obiano, the State Chief Judge,
Mr. Peter Obi and other members of the Old Boys gracefully moved in convoy and
procession that was planned to accompany the body of the respected school administrator,
Priest, Poet and sportsman on his final journey on earth. They march contingent
sang the school anthem and other religious hymns in the procession that lasted
for 45 minutes. Inside the Hall, the accomplishments of a man who produced
three State Governors, countless number of successful people in their chosen
fields was read out with glee as the body lay in-state. It was a celebration of
life and accomplishment of Rev. Father Tagbo, whom President Muhammadu Buhari
described as” the Hero of Heroes”. The Principal of the World School Cup
Champion in football in 1977 and mentor of 10,000 students. As the cavalcade of
eminent personalities made their way from St. Charles Boromeo Hospital through
Zik’s Round About at Awka/Oguta Road, The colourful procession with the chariot
bearing hearse became a sight to behold. The process of burying the Icon Rev.
Father Tagbo brought the commercial city of Onitsha to standstill. After paying
his last respect to Father Tagbo inside the Peter Odili Hall, Peter Odili walked
down to the lawn tennis court which served as the Assembly ground where Rev.
Father Tagbo addressed his students every morning. Archbishop Valerian Okeke
conducted the Mass and delivery of tributes. The Mass at the Basilica of the
Most Holy Trinity was on August 4, 2016 was conducted by His Eminence Frances
Cardinal Arinze who was a student of Ref Fr. Tagbo and the second Cardinal
after Dominic Cardinal Ekandem who was also of C.K.C. The full house of
worshipers in attendance erupted into joy when Archbishop Valerian Okeke who
assisted Cardinal Arinze announced that the reconciliation between Governor
Willy Obiano and Mr. Peter Obi was indeed the first miracle of peace wrought by
Rev. Fr. Tagbo whose interment took place in a place reserved for Priests in
the Basilica. For the people of Anambra State the opportunity could not have
come at a better time. Pastor Patrick Oguejifor said the feud between the two
old boys was ignited by political jobbers whose interest was to capitalise on
the bad blood to swell their pockets. According to Pastor Oguejifor, “the State
is lucky to have two governors tutored by Rev. Father Tagbo who made
discipline, hardwork and selfless service to humanity, his cardinal principles
of life. He said the feud was a big embarrassment to the entire C.K.C. family
which has produced the likes of Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba who
was the first indigenous Dean of College of Medicine at the University College
Ibadan, Dr. Philip Emeagwali, the father of internet, late Justice Chukwudifu
Oputa, Cardinal Arinze, Prof. Pat Utomi and numerous other successful
Nigerians. There was no need to engage in open acrimony when the mechanism of
old boys could resolve any conflict among the two men. The Ede of Obosi and
Chairman of the burial Committee, Senator Mike Ajaegbo was elated that the path
to peace was paved during the burial of Father Tagbo. He said the Old Boys
would build on the gesture taken by Chief Obiano to bring lasting peace to the
State which is the fastest growing political unit in Nigeria. The State has
witnessed massive development in infrastructure, agriculture, education,
security and steady payment of workers salary. Anambra State is the least
indebted and a reference point in human capital development.
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