I was in Calabar last weekend for the burial of the father-in-law of my former MP, Legor Idagbo. It was a very well organised and attended event. In place of a service of songs, a star studded musical concert was held. I enjoyed every bit of that. The crowd was entertained by Sunny Neji, Iyanya, Effiom Trombone and some of the members of the band of the late Chief Duke. I was pleasantly surprised to see the array of political attendees, led by Governor Otu who came earlier than anyone and was one of the last to leave. Let’s not forget he hasn’t held a political office in over a year. With what I saw, it’s okay to say Legor remains one of the most popular & cherished politicians from northern Cross River & the life time leader of Bekwarra politics.
The funeral service on Saturday morning took me back to Calabar road, just beside my primary school, Madonna Montessori, & this evoked a lot of pleasant memories. The reception which followed later was equally enjoyable. I was touched by an appeal made by the speaker of the CRSHA, when he called Sunny Neji & Iyanya up to the stage & appealed to them to do everything within their means to make sure local star act, Real P Ajaba, who had just performed earlier, blew on the national scene.
In all, it was great & commendable seeing the family of the deceased celebrating his life the way they did, rather than mourn.