The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has paid a condolence visit to former Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and current General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, following the demise of his father, Mr. Emmanuel Dubadei Isenah.
Turnah who was accompanied by members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the PDP, described the loss of a parent as painful regardless of age, noting that death remains one of life’s most difficult moments. He said his visit was not only out of political association but borne out of genuine friendship and brotherhood, emphasizing that political disagreements should never destroy human relationships.
“If I don’t come here to say sorry, then I am not a good friend and brother. We can quarrel, we can disagree politically, but it ends at the battlefield. Every battle has a defined environment,” Turnah stated.
The Bayelsa PDP Chairman recalled how Isenah stood firmly by him during the loss of his own mother, saying he understands the emotional burden that comes with losing a loved one, especially for someone upon whose shoulders many others depend. He encouraged the former Speaker and his family to take solace in the impactful and fulfilled life lived by the deceased patriarch.
Turnah further described the late Mr. Isenah as a man whose legacy would continue to speak through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in his children. He noted that the late patriarch’s impact on society and the accomplishments of his children remain enduring testimonies of a purposeful life.
“Papa came, saw and conquered. One of the greatest legacies he left behind is the quality of children and family he raised. As painful as this moment is, take heart. You may have lost a mortal father, but you have gained an angel,” he added.
He assured the family of his support and that of the PDP family, which he once belonged and pledged their readiness to stand by them throughout the burial process, stressing that moments of grief require collective support and compassion.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Isenah expressed deep appreciation to Turnah and the delegation for the visit, describing it as a remarkable demonstration of maturity, integrity, and humanity despite recent political differences between them.
“There is one thing you have done again that has touched my heart deeply. Recent political developments may have placed us on different sides, but you have proven that when it comes to death, childbirth and marriages, enmity should never be part of it,” Isenah said.
The former Speaker appreciated Turnah for rising above political disagreements to show genuine empathy, adding that such conduct reflects true leadership and noble character. He urged political actors to embrace politics of principles rather than bitterness, as exemplified by Turnah, noting that life itself is too short for unnecessary hatred and division.
The visit further highlighted growing calls for civility, unity, and mutual respect among political leaders in Bayelsa State, irrespective of party affiliations and political interests.
