By Seyi Babalola
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has extended his condolence to ex-Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, over the demise of one of his trusted aides, Aso Wenah.
Wenah’s sudden departure has dealt a big blow to the Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi political family, the Rivers APC and the entire good people of Rivers State.
Describing the news of Mr. Wenah’s untimely exit from the earthly sojourn as heavily aching, Eze said a few weeks to his passing, sensing an unusual quietude over certain political developments, he engaged the departed Wenah in a phone convo to be sure he was fine and in the course of the brotherly chitchat, Aso Wenah confirmed he was good and doing great. And true to his words, he was in high spirits.
However, the party Chief said on Wednesday, November 1, he got a text from a close ally trying to enquire what had happened to Aso. The text triggered a sense of restlessness and engaged him in an inquisitive voyage to discover the situation of things. And upon confirmation that Aso was gone, Eze said himself and family was thrown into mourning.
Amaechi, erstwhile Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation would be more devastated given that he considered the deceased not only as a trusted ally but an aide to whom he can assign tasks and go to sleep with the assurance that the task assigned would be well delivered accordingly.
Amaechi who was so shocked about the death of his very brother after speaking with him few hours before he departed this world highlighted as follows:
“I spoke with Aso at about 11.47am on Tuesday. I just came out of class on break at the Nigerian Law School and we spoke on phone. We didn’t conclude our discussions before I went back to class. So we agreed to talk again in the night.
“Then at about 3pm, I got a call from one of us telling me that Aso, a man I discussed with barely three hours earlier was dead. They said he complained of chest pain and that was it. He was rushed to the hospital.
“I am devastated. I still can’t believe it.”
Aso Wenah’s last public outing was at the 2023 TheNiche Lecture which was delivered by Amaechi at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Thursday, October 26.
He was hale and hearty at the occasion. Even when Amaechi, missed his 2pm flight back to Abuja, Aso ensured that he got another flight at 4.30pm.
Speaking on Hon. Wenah’s death, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of TheNiche, Mr. Ikechukwu stated:
“I was with Aso on Wednesday night prior to the lecture. In fact, I didn’t leave his hotel room until about 11pm. Then, on Thursday, he was all over the place at the NIIA. Everyone who came for the lecture and even those who watched online noticed him,” .
“He was the most efficient and loyal aide anyone could pray to have. He was a friend to all. This is sad and very devastating not only to Rotimi Amaechi but all who knew Aso.”
Continuing, Eze noted that for the number of years he came in contact with this genius, Aso, he had been writing about his in-outs towards improving the political family of Amaechi and the national politics as a concerned patriot.
In mourning this great son of Rivers State, Chief Eze deemed it expedient to reproduce below, a birthday message drafted for Aso during his 53rd birth anniversary in 2022 to refresh the minds of the people of this world the calibre of person the state has lost to the cold hand of death.
“EZE CELEBRATES ASONDU TEMPLE WENAH @ 53….a Philanthropist par excellence, the engine room of the political family of AMAECHI, humility personified, inspirational and a multifaceted Leader.
Though I am down for some obvious reasons when I got the news about the birthday celebration of my very good friend and brother, Hon. Asondu Temple Wenah on this auspice day of 12th June 2022; I have to postpone other issues before me to pen down this statement to celebrate the birthday of this special friend and brother.
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party nPDP in a statement he issued to celebrate the birthday of this enigma described him as one of the greatest influence and heroes of democracy in Rivers State which may have caused among other events for the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to declare his day of birth as a Democracy Day, 12th June. In his drive to restore peace and freedom to his country, this unique gift to the people of Rivers State was so prepared to play a key role in the affairs of not only his State but his country considering that he was born during the Nigerian Civil war.
Eze stated that when it becomes fashionable in order to gain relevance in the politics of Rivers State, one is expected to defect, sabotage and rain abuses on their political mentor and benefactor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the workaholic, visionary and inspiring former Minister of Transportation but not Hon. Aso Wenah who have stood firm as one of the most trusted aides and allies of the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State.
Eze describes Hon. Asondu Temple Wenah as a Philanthropist par excellence, the engine room of the political family of AMAECHI, humility personified, inspirational and a multifaceted Leader whose future in the politics of Nigeria gives hope that we still have some educated and God fearing youths that will reshape the destiny of this country positively.
Looking at the life of this young and energetic fellow three great quotes from three great minds came to my mind: Maya Angelou who stated, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”. This great Amaechi disciple whose principle of life is stewed in living his life for others is in tandem with the belief of Maya Angelou.
Orison Swett Marden on the other hand while emulating Maya Angelou described this great but unsung son of Rivers State thus, “There is no investment you can make which will pay you so well as the effort to scatter sunshine and good cheer through your establishment”. Asondu Wenah is a fellow who believes that you can only be helped when you help others out of their problems.”
Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside erstwhile Director General of NIMASA and one of the bright faces of Rivers State politics stated in his birthday message on this great Unifier, “Aso, you are one in a million ;dependable , symbol of true friendship ,straightforward and generous You shine so much brightness and joy into the lives of all around you .May God keep and bless you in Jesus name . HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER “
While the Leader of the Leaders, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in his birthday message to this future of Rivers State politics postulated, “It is my prayer that from this day, the hand of the Almighty shall guard and guide you in a new dimension and build you into the image of his thoughts towards you.”
One of the unique principles of Amaechi as a seasoned administrator is his belief in building the youths of Nigeria and assigning to them responsibility to enable them prove themselves as the future leaders of this country. He exhibited it not only assigning the likes of Aso sensitive roles to play in the politics of Nigeria but through his educational policy where he approved scholarship and sponsored most of them to study professional courses outside Nigeria. Amaechi also craves for younger ones to enjoy what was not possible for him; unlike many leaders who find it difficult to see younger ones enjoy what eluded them.
The fact remains that Amaechi, no matter the thinking of anybody, is an Institution as far as Nigerian politics is concerned; a man who out of nothing but by divine grace and influence has become a rallying point for the unity, greatness, and brighter future for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Eze further highlighted that Hon. Asondu Temple Wenah has played and is still playing very key role in the political Institution (Amaechi) as he has established himself as an outstanding Registrar of this institution thereby making it one of the most remarkable and outstanding Political Institutions in Nigeria today.
In this regard Ronald Reagan one of the most outstanding Presidents of USA with Aso in mind stated and I quote, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” while John C. Maxwell in his input stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Asondu in exhibition of the stand of both Reagan and John Maxwell above showcased his political prowess during the first APC Primary to elect her Presidential Flag-Bearer for the 2015 general elections. This man who doesn’t know what sleep means whenever he embarks upon any project for the number of days that the Primary was organised was everywhere organising the Delegates to ensure that they were comfortable and to vote rightly.
I was privileged to watch this gentle man from a distance at Lagos and I told myself that this Amaechi knows how to raise true and capable leaders.
Aso as Rivers State Liaison Officer In Charge of Lagos State Office
It is on record that since the inception of Rivers State in 1967 Hon Aso Wenah’s feats and innovative ideals and policies as the Rivers State Liaison Officer in Lagos dwarfed both the past and present officers appointed to handle that sensitive organ of government administration.
His feats earned him the title of Ambassador Extraordinary of Rivers State as he used his office to attract foreign and local investments to Rivers State. He ensured that Lagos and Rivers states maintain wonderful and cordial relationship throughout his period of stewardship.
The leading role he played to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari got the ticket of APC during the party’s primaries held in Lagos is still evergreen in the minds of most of the delegates.
Aso as a Member of RMAFC
Sequel to his confirmation by the Senate, President Muhammadu Buhari on June 27, 2019 swore in Hon. Wenah Asondu Temple as a commissioner of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) representing Rivers State together with Elias Mbam from Ebonyi State as the chairman of the Commission alongside these other Commissioners:
The body is also responsible for fixing the remuneration of political office holders as well as monitoring the revenues accruing to the federation account from revenue-generating agencies.
Asondu Wenah apart from politics and adminstration is a seasoned and respected philanthropist,
In conclusion, Eze reiterated that a man must look like his mentor. Amaechi’s legacy and contribution to Nigeria and Rivers State may go beyond what he did as a person but the kind of philosophy and leaders he would leave behind.
I pray Aso not for any reason forgoes his style of leadership and his humanitarian approach to leadership as God will always guide and prepare him for higher assignments.
The fact remains that Aso is a good man with a selfless attitude and candor.
Happy birthday to a true brother, friend and associate as I pray God to grant you more fruitful years for better services to humanity.”
“Sadly, instead pf celebrating the 54th birthday of my brother I am here today talking about his demise. I am sad but what can I do than to console our big brother and leader, Rt. Hon. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI over this ugly incident and pray God to grant Aso’s gentle soul eternal rest and those of us he left behind the fortitude to bear his departure.”
“Adieu my own very brother as we meet again not to depart from each other evermore” Eze penned in tears and a heavy heart.
