Tribute To An Icon

The 18th century English Ballad, George Bernard Shaw wrote; ‘Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I get to hold for a moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before turning it over to future generations’.

A lot of creative ink has been spent in evaluating and sometimes comparing the existence of human beings on planet earth with the chemical bye-product called candle. Celebrated song writers and singers have held the world spell bound with timeless songs depicting the sojourn of man on earth as a candle in the wind. Thus, the most illustrious of such breath taking songs was the rendition by Sir Elton John, the English pop icon in honour of the deceased Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

Talking about my Senator, P.A.E, Me Senator, the bones shall rise again, in the past is surreal, almost unbelievable.

God blessed him with many gifts. He was a hard worker and recognized his opportunities. He had an abundant gift of diligence. He was a remarkably urbane, cosmopolitan, public-spirited and new-age politician; he had a mind that was well attuned to the Winston Churchill dictum that “The price of greatness is responsibility”. He had a moderated view about life and he was far removed from the prevailing haughtiness and vacuous hedonism that rudely characterise our political firmament.

He had an uncommon zeal for touching lives as evident in the massive life-enhancing projects which he delivered to his constituency. His electrifying and magnetising aura gives smiles to faces, inspires hope and raises human dignity.

He had sincerity and integrity ingrained in his human nature, as such, he was a great man in line with Anatole France’s observation that “the first virtue of all great men is that they are sincere; they eradicate hypocrisy from their hearts.” As an epitome of simplicity, he admirably brings grace, simplicity and humility to bear on his endeavours, life and philanthropic works.

He had no supercilious air around him nor was he a slave to wealth; and as a man of deep-seated sense of purpose he continually seeks ways of advancing the common good and making life really good for the low members of the society in the tradition of progressive politics.

He had an incredible capacity for lifelong friendships that cut across age religion, tribe or race. He was focused and gave his all to whatever he set out to do and did not do many things at the same time. As a legislator he legislated to the highest professional standards. As a leader he set us on the path of truth, honesty, dignity, integrity and hard work. He was a friend with whom you could discuss anything under the sun and crack any joke. He loved jokes and a hearty laugh and forever told stories.

He lived life to the fullest and on his terms. Giving, and sharing, were religion to him. His time, his knowledge and his all, life to him was about sharing and he indeed shared. His presence, large heart, energy, legendary status belied his lithe frame.

As you take your place in the bosom of the Almighty whom you faithfully served in truth, in words and in deed, while on this mortal plane, continually plead for us, intercede for us with the Almighty and reconcile us to Him. Rest in Peace in Paradise for you have earned it. As you rest in Heaven, you live forever in our hearts and history that validates and vindicates your life.