t was easy to understand why Senator Joy Emodi’s last Senatorial campaign was famously described as a mosquito campaign at her homecoming last Saturday. The feeling of goodwill that poured at the thanksgiving and the reception that followed could have been likened to the effect of a brood of hungry mosquitoes swarming upon human flesh.
From different sections of the country they came to honour Mrs. Emodi at the thanksgiving service in Onitsha, Anambra State on her recent appointment as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters.
The state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and his predecessors in office set aside their fundamental political differences to grace the occasion, albeit staging their appearances at different times during the day long reception.
Mr. Obi in reference to Emodi’s graceful charm and character told newsmen that day, “She is one woman who is committed to serving humanity.
You can feel it yourself how everybody is here celebrating with her, you don’t do it often in politics, but because of her person every person is here.”
Dr. Chinwoke Mbadiniju who was the only one of the former Governors not physically present sent a handsome delegation.
The outpouring of affection was appropriately epitomised by the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Father Ndulue who while noting Emodi’s life of service to her people said the acronym of her name was reflective of a typical Christian ministry.
”JOY means Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last,” the priest said with a hilarity from the congregration that included such other dignitaries as former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, Chief Emmanuel Inwanyanwu who Senator Emodi described as her political mentor, the national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, presidential aides, serving and former lawmakers, among others.
Following the thanksgiving mass, Mrs. Emodi was called upon by the parish priest to give her testimony.
While noting God’s grace on her she thanked the several dignitaries who turned out for her invitation saying that thanks must be given to God who according to her has kept all present alive.
Speaking at the church service Chief Inwanyanwu described Senator Emodi as a pride to the whole Igbo race and not only to the people of her native Anambra State.
”Joy is for all of us Ndigbo, not for only you in Anambra State. She is a combination of many things. Joy has intellect, she has beauty, she has perseverance,” the business mogul and politician said.
Umeh also speaking at the thanksgiving service, said: ”In Nigeria there is nobody more qualified than Senator Joy Emodi for this position.”
Mrs. Emodi used the occasion to raise funds for the church as she mobilised her friends to donate millions for the church.
She also used the opportunity to solicit prayers for God’s guidance for President Goodluck Jonathan.
Following the church thanksgiving the train proceeded to her residence for a reception.
While Mrs. Emodi in her blouse and wrapper was all about receiving congratulations from her numerous supporters and associates, her husband, Dr. Okey Emodi a former university lecturer also flowed through the huge crowed brimming at the continued progress of the woman he described as his successful student.
“I am very happy I feel fulfilled. You know when you are a teacher and your student performs very well you are happy. I pray God to continue to assist her not to deviate from the path we chatted from the day we decided she should go into politics. I was part of it but when people started calling white red, I said not for me, but you can go and I will be behind you and that is the role I have been playing,” the happy husband of Senator Emodi said at the reception at their Onitsha residence.
Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili –Clair in a comment described Senator Emodi as a role model for women like her in the State. Indeed, Governor Obi in his comments to newsmen at the occasion described Mrs. Emodi as a reasonably deserving of the appointment even as he jovially claimed that women in the state were now taking over majority of the political appointments in the State.
His two predecessors both turned Senators, Senators Chris Ngige (ACN, Anambra Central) and Andy Uba (PDP, Anambra South) were equally in attendance.
Former Senator Ugochukwu Uba, who represented Anambra South before Senator Obiorah was also there and so was former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria Ambassador to Ireland, Mrs. Kema Chikwe.
