BOLADEI IGALI, PhD
It’s one year today, 30th September, 2018, at the Guy’s Cancer Centre, London Bridge Hospital, God called home our own Senator David Cobbinah Saigha Brigidi to eternal rest. Like a vapour, this own loving husband, father, brother, friend and leader, passed on peacefully on that cold and dready Sunday morning. He was great in life but in death was even more celebrated and venerated.
Senator Brigidi was one of the most enigmatic and impactful leaders the Niger Delta ever produced. He was Teacher, Inspirator, Orator, Lawyer, a born Leader of Men, astute Mentor, Politician, Diplomat, Sports Promoter, and successful Businessman.
From his nascence in 1962 in his maternal home in Beyin Ghana, through the days at University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, he stood out as an unquenchable and most resplendent star in the firmament touching and tranforming human lives at every moment. With entry into politics, from River State to Bayelsa, despite the presence of titans such the authentic Countryman, Chief Melford Okilo, the great Chief Pere Ajuwa, Chief Zebulom Abule and our own Governor General, Chief DSP, Sen. Brigidi was comfortable and carved out a niche despite his young age. In the Nigerian Senate where found himself, though the second youngest, just 37 years at tge time, he was a bridge builder and one of the most vibrant and valued amongst his peers. Bubbling with youthful enthusiasm, he left an indellible mark as an iconoclastic lawmaker, including the role in the passage of the NDDC Bill.
He soon got the name “Oga” and earned for himself the beloved boss and leader of the youths. Much later in his brief political oddyssey, he came to the rescue in Chairing the Presidential Committee on Niger Delta.
Outside politics, he established successful business concerns under his familar KARELA brand with footprint in Oil and Gas, Hotel and Hospitality Industries, both in Nigeria and Ghana.
Above all these, he was a child of God and played great roles in establishing the presence of the Methodist Church both In Rivers State and Bayelsa States and in his maternal home in Beyin, Ghana.
Today, his protegees, followers, disciples and admirers, dominate the politics and leadership in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria and at different levels in the politcs of Ghana. In particular, he has set examples for Niger Delta youth, who be greatly imspired by the fact that from most humble backgrounds, and despite the vissicitudes of life, it is possible for all rise to great heights.
A good man and a sweetest human spirit that shall be remembered and spoken sbout for generations to come. The diverse seeds which he has planted in his children and in the lived of many across the world, will continue to grow,, blossom and even become greater than him.
We thank, most especially the friends and associates, who have stood with his widow, Abena, Karela and the rest of the Children and with all the rest of the families, both in Ghana and Nigeria, during this past one.
Mey his soul rest in peace!
Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, a diplomat, writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.