Dr. Nwaka, who described the late former Deputy Governor as a classic definition of a true gentleman, dutiful, unassuming, detribalized, unflinchingly loyal to his boss and a caring father to his staff, said, “he was the first Deputy Governor of Delta State; elected alongside His Excellency Felix Ibru of blessed memory.
Hear him: “I am able to speak so confidently about Sir Simeon Ebonka because I was about his closest staff; his chief of protocol. I was the first to see him in the morning and the last in the day to set the course of his official engagements.
“I traveled with him wherever he went. Our bonds were so affectionate that many people thought I was his blood relation. I wasn’t. I am from Aniocha and he was from Ika.
But those were the early 90s when appointments to offices in Nigeria were still based on merit, excellence, and capacity. A boss didn’t need to surround himself with his kinsmen.
“In fact, it was Mr. Osiokor, an Urhobo man, who recommended me for the job. Sir Ebonka never knew me before then.
“Interestingly, it was with Sir Simeon Ebonka I got my first experience with politics and politicians; an experience that saw me serve the next Deputy Governor (H.E. Sir B.S.C Elue) in the same capacity, and subsequently shaped my political sojourn.
“Today, Sir Simeon Ebonka is no more. This is a painful loss for which I weep. Yet we can only but submit to the will of the divine, for Sir Ebonka has simply answered the inevitable call that awaits us all.
“I pray for the repose of his soul and also supplicate for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear this big loss. Indeed a great man is gone.
“Fare thee well, my dear boss, Sir Simeon Ebonka”, Dr. Tony Nwaka, said.
