By Okeke Mbah
Chief Silas Ejide, the father of one time National football team Super Eagle goalie, Mr Austin Ejide last Sunday marked 85 years anniversary.
Ejide at the programme called on all political proponent irrespective of their political party to embrace peace after electioneering process to enthrone peaceful atmosphere for solid development of the state.
Ejide made the call in his country home, Enu -Agu quaters, Agulu, Anachoa Local Government Area of Anambra, noting that the backdrop of poor manner the current political elite plays politics was wrong.
According to him,, politics is a game of who get what he desires through conviction of the public that he has a better package for the people.
He said that current polity was full of black mail and violence amongst other activities that earns electioneering process name a dirty game which makes polish men to shine away of politics.
Ejide said that during their time despite the fierce nature of then polity that peace returns immediately a winner is emerged and everybody get to work to ensure that democratic dividend is achieved.
“We gather to thinker on the best way to develop the zone either to function as opposition who criticises objectively when necessary as a check to the incumbent, or holders of the power poised to better the lives of the people through instrument of political seats.
“The reverse is the case presently as violence and killing characterises political process of present day, people have thrown caution away, youths engaged in political thuggery, we need political re-orientation” he said.
He appealed to all public of Anambra devoid of political affiliations to embrace the incoming government of Prof. Charles Soludo as the next governor of the state as Gov. Willie Obiano bows out come March 17.
“Politic devoid of bitterness would create safe environment to do business, farmers will be in their farm land happily cultivating their crops, civil servant, contractors, student and other political players would be on ground to put in their best,” he said.
Ejide said that people should live their lives knowing that they would give account of their existence on earth planet and advices the youth to embrace hard work and shun sharp practices for personal enrichment.
Ejide was a former councilor under NPP in former old Njikoka now Anaocha in Anambra and retired as a successful businessman in Onitsha before he returned to his country home to join his kinsmen to proffer peaceful solutions to any community dispute.
He is a titled stakeholder(Odu Agulu) and has brokered peace in the community during its troubled time.
He has many children and daughters in- laws with over ten grand children.
Mrs Ngozi Ofoedu the eldest daughter of the Octogenarian described the father as a straight forward personality who treasure honestly and peace as a way of life.
“ I am happy that I havefather who builds in right altitudes of discipline and contentment, I have learnt a lot and very proud to have him as my father, I wish many more healthy years.
Mr Okeychukwu Ejide his first son said that God has rewarded their father with longevity in good health and disclosed that even at 80 years of age his father still drives himself around the community to attend to any function or conflict resolutions.
Ogbuefi Ezeugo Ofoedu, his first son in-law who spoke on behalf of other sons -in law described Ejide as a man of class and honesty.
Ofoedu said that Ejide believes in fairness, oneness and on any unification element that would blow peaceful environment as he believes strongly that peace builds progress, he is an advocate of peace and hard work.
The highlight of the occasion was the gathering of cream of personalities and musical presentations to mark the day and dance with his guests, children and grandchildren.
Ejide will be in St Stephen Anglican church, Agulu on March 13 to thank God for his various blessings and as well to mark the five years in mind of the death of his wife Lady Mary who passed March 13, 2017.