BY Austin Uganwa, PhD

Asokoro is an elitist part of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It’s known for its tranquility which mingles with widespread pleasant vegetation and attractive landscape to emphasize the uniqueness and serenity of the environment. Top political office holders and successful industrialists, as a result, fall over themselves to own a home in this highbrow place. Besides, International organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat and the World Bank office in Nigeria are located in the area with the roads in Asokoro awesomely sophisticated that the traffics usually flow so freely

But on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 , the free traffics and known serenity that set Asokoro apart predictably bowed, shoved and budged to an uncommon event of the day. It was the service of songs organized by Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo State Governor and House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker in honour of his deceased mother, Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha at Saint James Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, following her death on April 20, 2023 at the age of 90. Unprecedented heavy vehicular movements within Asokoro and its environs and unbroken blaring of sirens on that auspicious day were instructive that an exceptional event was wearing on

Prior to the commencement of the service of songs at about 5pm in the evening, long convoys of vehicles snaked incessantly through the sophisticated Asokoro Roads. They streamed into St. James Anglican Church premises and its neighborhoods. All roads seemingly led to the Church. Hordes of security operatives were seen devotedly engaged in traffic management so as to ease the vehicular congestion. The residents who were used to the quietness of Asokoro knew an unusual event was ongoing

In attendance and organization, the event was historic. Although the occasion organized to honour the departed jewel is inherently forlorn and solemn, the event was nonetheless colourful and provided a distinctive assemblage of top political gladiators from across the six regions in Nigeria. The roll call is expansive but just to mention a few : People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar represented by his wife, Titi Abubakar; Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governor Sokoto State Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governor Abia State Senator Theodore Orji and former Senate President and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim

Others were: Former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Austin Opara; several lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives; past ministers, PDP’s present and past National Working Committee members including the national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and a host of others.

Saint James Anglican Church building, venue of the service of songs is an imposing edifice that sits arrogantly at the epicenter of Asokoro. As the dignitaries were ushered in to take their seats, the magnificently ornamental expansive Church hall blended harmoniously with the exquisite outfits paraded by the distinguished invitees.
The officiating priest, Arch-Deacon Andrew Ukejiofor drew the attention of the congregation to Dame Dorothy Ihedioha’s manifest faith in the Lord, selfless service to humanity and love for others. He accordingly admonished everyone present to emulate her virtues to ensure that they lead a happy, impactful and commendable life

A wide range of the political gladiators took turns to pay tributes to the deceased, extolling her virtues .They noted that Dame Dorothy Ihedioha was not just a mother but a jewel of inestimable value and a pillar of support to all who came across her during her life time.
They described her as a devout Christian who for decades remained a role model to the younger generations and impacted on them meaningfully.

Atiku Abubakar represented by her wife, Titi Abubakar emphasized the need to celebrate the deceased because of the enormous legacies and footprints she has left behind. She elaborates: ” Mama was a virtuous woman. This is confirmed by the encomiums that have been poured on her. She was a great teacher, disciplinarian who led a life worthy of emulations”.

Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the last election spoke of Dame Dorothy Ihedioha’s kindness, selflessness, piousness and humility. He noted: ” My brother Emeka and I are in different parties but it will shock you that I was always in his house to see Mama and not for politics. She always prayed for me saying God will continue to guide me and whatever I am looking for God would grant it”.
Emphasizing that the deceased was a mother figure to most political leaders including himself he said that he would not forget the advice she usually gave him each time he came visiting that he should take Emeka as a brother and not allow politics to divide them.

Obi told the congregation the promise he made to Mama that Ihedioha and himself would remain good friends in spite of their political differences. He described her as a true mother and advocate of peace.

Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal corroborated that the deceased took him like a son. “Honestly, I am still in mourning mood because Mama took me as his son. I feel fulfilled because Mama is being celebrated today on account of a good and fruitful life she led”, he noted

Tambuwal added that she would be remembered as a God-fearing, cheerful, tolerant and a virtuous woman

Those who honoured the invitation to the service of songs were later treated to a grand reception organized by H.E Emeka Ihedioha in his Asokoro home