“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It is the life in your years…” (Abraham Lincoln)
It is difficult to believe, that I am writing this tribute in respect of an admirer I will no more see! I met the late Marlon Praise Anipa after my University Education in 2016. Quite a distant but cordial comradeship was our relationship. By the passing of time, our friendship translated into brotherhood; that which fostered reverence for each other, as the late Marlon Praise Anipa, preferred I considered him a brother, rather than a father figure.
Following our departure from the Hohoe Constituency as a result of the regional re-organisation that birthed the Oti Region and recently, the Guan District, the bond between us became even more profound. Even though I had known the late first Guan District Chief Executive for a short while, I cannot deny the immense learning experiences I have acquired by my association with him. In fact, if there was any lesson I have ever learnt in understanding and appreciating real party politics, with its culture of complex dynamics, it was taught by the veteran politician, Marlon Praises Anipa.
The late Marlon Praises Anipa was a great teacher and a distinct senior political companion. This great teacher, Marlon, as he was affectionately called was full of life and laughter. I cannot remember any boring moment with Marlon, be it a conversation through phone call or physical interaction. Marlon was a realist who spoke his mind when he had to, and argued passionately to prove his point.
I still feel the echo of fond memory of our last meeting of the night of 7th November, 2021, exactly two days after his historic confirmation as the first Guan District Chief Executive. It was a planned meeting. Together with two senior patriots, we held long talks over a range of subjects; from politics as usual, reminiscing about events prior to his confirmation as DCE, and a host of thought provoking topics. As we eventually parted ways after hours of passionate conversation that night, I was left without doubt, that beyond Politics, Marlon was an astute academic and a repository of History.
It really hurts that Marlon had to leave the stage when the applause was the loudest. We have lost a role model and a great pillar of our political tradition in the Guan enclave and the Oti Region. He was unstoppable, an invincible fighter whose faith in God was unyielding. This generation and generations yet unborn will forever be grateful to you for the perpetual flame you lit for the people of the Guan District. Oh! Marlon, your untimely departure has left us completely shattered. You left at a point we needed you most, and memories of you will linger ad infinitum. May the Good Lord grant you eternal rest until the resurrection day when we shall meet again.
Marlon, rest in perfect peace.
Amen.
