Adieu, Tokin George

On August 6, 2011,  the President Emeritus of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. (Dr.) Clifford TalbotTokin

George, passed away. His death marked the departure of one of God’s General and a Kalabari illustrious son. George was a man who was purposefully driven, so committed and outstandingly steadfast in whatever cause he believed in. He was deeply religious and absternious in his lifestyle. Above all, he was an epitome of humility and a moral crusader. His credentials in public office remain untainted. He was also a channel of blessing to many Christian fatefuls.

I first met Rev. (Dr.) C.T.T. George in 1990 during the funeral ceremony of my late mother, Princess Susanah Amachree (nee Owuso). I recalled how he shared the emotion, anquish and gloom that enveloped the Igonye-Dikio Dagogo compound in Buguma City, with us.

George was an engaging intellectual. His background of the scripture also manifested itself in his writings, not just in form, but also in substance. Consider for instance, his quintessentially brilliant and brief book “History of Baptist Work in the Niger Delta (1893-1950).” This work examines critically the politics which the missionaries adopted. It also reviews the organizational structure, life, discipline and worship that are related to the doctrines of the church, as well as the major impetus which inspired the early Baptist faith. In fact, George’s sound background in theology and sound religious belief encapsulates an important aspect of his life style.

Apart from being an author and Christian Missionary, Rev. George was a pleasant and amiable man. His style of leadership as a senior prefect at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt in the fifties marked a measure of difference. He was a school teacher and Principal at Baptist High School (his alma Mater) and Enitonna High School all, in Port Harcourt.

Ever so patient with formalities, Rev George served at different times as Chairman, Rivers State Scholarship Board; Chairman, Primary Schools Management Board and Chairman, Rivers State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Without doubt, Rev. George was a kind, considerate and accommodating personality. He lived an eventful life that made huge difference on the lives of others. Obviously, he touched my life and the lives of so many people who earned scholarship when he was the Chairman of the State Scholarship Board. It was an honour to have known him and a rare privilege to have been a close member of his family. The calibre of personalities that attended the burial of the late Reverend Father testified to his sterling personality. The entire 365 members of the federal House of Representatives was represented by a powerful delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. The historic event witnessed a flood gate of encomium poured on him by people across the country.

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha described: late Rev. George as “an embodiment of humility and hardwork who deserves to be immortalised for living a life of a genuine nationalist, and for impacting greatly on the lives of many Nigerians in the area of education and the spread of the gospel.”

Dr. Soye Asawo and Barrister. Opubo West in their separate tributes described late George as a “legend of our time”.

Rev George was a recipient of many honours and awards in his life time. Apart from being a Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP), he was appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) by the Rivers State government in recognition of various acts of mediation in personal, chieftaincy, communal and other disputes, as well as for his performance as a former member of Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, Rivers State.

As a Baptist Minister, Late George served in a number of capacities such as; Recording Secretary in the old Eastern Baptist conference and Rivers Baptist conference; Secretary and later chairman of the Rivers Baptist conference.

Given Rev George’s contributions to the development of Nigeria and his unparalleled kindness to humanity, it will be if both the Rivers State government and the federal government consider it worthwhile to immortalize this illustrious son of Kalabari kingdom.

Adieu, George. We love you, but God loves you most.