Tonye Harry: Honour Well Deserved

When beggars die, Shakespeare
wrote in one of his classics, Julius Caesar, “there are no comets seen, but the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” And so it was for late Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Willie Harry, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for whom the entire State and sympathizers from across Nigeria thronged Harry’s Town, last Saturday to pay their last respect.
With his sudden demise, no one was left in doubt that the State, nay Nigeria had lost an illustrious citizen who in so short a period spanning just over 50 years, carved a niche for himself in the political landscape of Rivers State.
Even as eulogies continued to trail his exit, the Rivers State Government confirmed the loss of this political meteor from Harry’s Town by immortalising him. As a mark of honour and in remembrance of his invaluable contributions to the development of the state, the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, apart from ensuring a very befitting State burial for the departed legislator, announced the renaming of the State House of Assembly Complex after Tonye Harry.
This gesture which in no small way underscores the level of appreciation of the role late Tonye Harry played in the socio-political development of the state, is also a call to his former colleagues to endeavour to emulate him so as to leave lasting legacies for themselves.
Tonye Harry who came to political limelight in 1999 will be remembered among other things for his role in stabilizing the assembly, first as Deputy Speaker of the Fourth and Fifth Assembly, Speaker of the Sixth Assembly, and chairman of the House Committee on Works of the Seventh Assembly of the Rivers State House. Described as the “listening Speaker” by his colleagues, the Assembly under his leadership was peaceful, productive and supportive of the development activities of the state government.
It was during his leadership of the Assembly that several bills including the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment Law No. 6), Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency Law (Amendment) 2008, Public Procurement Law, 2008, the Contributory Pension Scheme for Employees in the Public Service of Rivers State among others were passed and assented into law.
Beyond these is the fact that observers of the Rivers Assembly scored the House high under late Tonye Harry’s leadership, during which the peace and cordial relationship he fostered among colleagues and other arms of government was unequalled. In fact, the House also won awards in respect of its contribution to the development of democracy in Nigeria,
As an individual, Nigeria as a nation cannot forget his interest and investment in sports, especially the development of tennis which he also played with passion. His philanthropy and social presence will no doubt, count for him even in the great beyond.
As The Tide joins the Rivers State Government, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Rivers State to commiserate with his family, we think that they should be consoled by the fact that Tonye Harry in his short sojourn, left indelible marks in his society. His place in the history of politics, governance and law-making in Rivers State is assured.
That is why we commend the Rivers State Government for the honour done this illustrious Rivers son. We hope that this recognition would spur others to render selfless service with a view to leaving a worthy legacy behind.
May his untimely departure serve to remind other mortals that political office should be deployed to the service of mankind for the improvement of the greatest good of the people. Indeed, the end justifies the end means and for Tonye Harry, the people are unanimous.