Beyond the Immortalization of Ex-Speaker, Harry
Immortalization is a strong feeling, thought and bond for someone so dear, always expressed by action and activity. It is mostly done by a people, group or government to honour one whose contributions are bold and counting. Indeed it is a good gesture.
According to the Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary, to immortalize simply means to prevent somebody or something from being forgotten in the future, especially by mentioning them and painting them etc.
To immortalize an hero is what commendable if it is not done with deceit or on personal affection.
The immortalization of late former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekile Willie Harry by Rivers State Government as announced by the executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was well commended, if that law House otherwise called Rivers State House of Assembly complex would not be renamed after other prominent lawmakers yet to die.
According to Governor Amaechi, Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Willie Harry actually nominated him for speakership in his days in the house. The Governor also testified to late Tonye’s dynamism, patriotism and dedication to duty as well as loyalty to constituted authorities even as he was to him during his days of studying abroad while late Harry was manning the Assembly as deputy speaker then.
This testimony had attested to the facts in issues Abattoir of Vol. 4 No. 42 October 24-30, 2013 entitled “Exit of Rivers Ex-speaker, Court Verdict: An immense Lesson”.
The governor’s statement about the late speaker has many lessons to be derived from it. As said in the above paragraph, the late speaker was a man of integrity and humane nature as observed by the state chief executive.
It is not because of my likeness for the late speaker but because what is good must be commended, hence my applause to the state government for immortalizing the late icon.
However, my worry is the attitude of immortalizing someone at death other than when alive. Why is the government amidst her sycophantic nature, would not honour someone who lives than post humours honour or award.
One of our leader and father, late Harold Dappa Biriye was only talked about when he must have given up the ghost.
Others like Isaac Adaka Boro, U.E. Igbem Adaka, G.B. C. Otoko, Ken Saro-wiwa, etc are barely remembered when they have gone
Does it mean that while on earth, these people of great substance and their works were not noted?
I assume that it is incumbent that our works while on earth should be remembered as it would foster a stronger tie between those concerned and the society.
Let me be tempted to ask, though commendable, now that Rivers State House of Assembly is named after Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Willie Harry, what becomes of a founding lawmaker in the state, a one time speaker Rt. Hon. R.R. Briggs when he joins his ancestors.
This draws us to the position above, that people like Rt. Hon. R.R. Briggs could have been given an award of honour while alive to arose their living standard as well as stimulates people around him for good works. I mean immortalizing the caliber of R. R. Briggs and others while alive would be a welcome development.
Is any of Rt. Hon. Harry’s children awarded scholarship by the many praises and statement? What happens to his family after now that he has just been buried?
There should be something perhaps, job opportunity to either the wife or any of the adult children if any at least to releave the immediate family of the pains of their father’s demise.
Again, immortalization should not only focus on maintaining a literature, infrastructure or otherwise against a dead or living icon but let it also touch the physical and healthy living standard of a people whose services to the state or any government, society and group was noted in the affirmative and positive perspective.
This will engender and force others to live a positive life while on earth even before their death. ###
With James Mgboineme
Jamesprojectgodwin@yahoo.com.
