Jimanze Ego-Alowes
He had achieved everything. But like with those whom those angels have blessed, everything remained to be achieved. Tony Okere is dead. Chief, the Right Hon. Tony Okere was the Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment. He has been buried, on the 20th of December, 2019, in his home town Obiakpu, Egbema in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, LGA, of Imo State.
In a scintillating career line that shone like a thousand stars, Okere has become a gem in public service delivery. He was so uncommonly great at his every task that he was forever, literally, called to serve. From being a the Supervisor for Education, Finance and Planning, he quickly followed that with being made the Executive Secretary, 1992 to 1993, all in his Ohaji-Egbema LGA. And in 1999 [to 2003] he was elected by popular will to represent his Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. And from 2004 he has served in various capacities, including being Special Adviser to the then Imo State Governor.
It was on account of Okere’s trademark excellence that he was headhunted by the Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Governor of Imo State. Okere was a part of the Ihedioha Rebuild Imo Administration team. And to remember that he has been commissioner for barely months, is to begin to imagine the loss. And the state is now left to mourn, irretrievably.
As with the passage of all significant personages and events, we mourn the passage of Okere in tribute to his towering achievements and our unvarnished thankfulness for that. He will be mourned and missed by Governor Ihedioha, his colleague commissioners, family, friends and relations. He left behind an inconsolable wife and four lovely children. May his soul rest in peace. Shalom.
