By Dr. Chuks Osuji
Yes, the elections of two thousand and fifteen have come and gone but some of their elements still remain, things appear to be returning to normal. Ofcourse as it happens in the Nigerian political environment politics here is not perceived from the normal way it is perceived in developed countries. Here for example if your brother is contesting election and you are regularly seen to be promoting the cause of your dear friend whose political interest is different from that of your brother, the entire family, community or even your clan would automatically tag you an enemy of your own brother.
Honestly, I found myself in that circumstances because, prince Madumere a close friend of mine, friendship which came about several years ago of my undiluted belief that he possesses those rare qualities which can make a man appreciated, admired and loved by any man with open conscience heart is on the other side of political divide. Because, although we may have some slight difference of opinion when it comes to politics, as far as I am concerned, he is a fine gentleman. That is why prior to the election of 2015, I was all out in supporting his cause whenever those who do not remember where their political fortune attempt to attack his image and credibility this was more when some political gladiators and challaterns began to threatened that Owella could drop him as running mate. Honestly, I was not very kind to such a suggestion.
Most of my readers and other members of the public could still remember that I was the very only columnist that never wavered in my belief
That nothing under the earth could make Owella to drop Prince Madumere as his running mate. Absolutely, nothing.
That view was canvassed based on my understanding some of the political chemistry of Owella and the political imperatives prevalent in Imo State then and now. According to Winnefred Ogg, “tested and trusted and measured political associate who is also a friend and a confidant possesses a key to political prosperity and should not be jessitined.
So, I was absolutely right and on the dial too. Even if anything happens today and Owella has to leave that seat, he would leave it for Prince Madumere a Lieutenant confidant who literally knows the political, social and psychological components of Owella.
In fact, since and throughout the election period. I refrained to be dwelling much on the qualities of Prince Madumere because my own brother was high in the race. And according to Walter Pitt, “when it comes to political relationship and that of biological relationship, the principles of nuclear linkage supersedes other considerations.”
Yet, I never used my pen to write or say anything against my friend Madumere but promoting him then would mean promoting the interest that is running against the interest of my own brother and therefore my own interest. Because, I did not want to appear to be the objective writer for which I have been known by many in Imo State. Yet, my respect, regards the totality of my affection for Prince Madumere remains untouchable. Because he still possesses those striking qualities that could make any man with solid intellect and value appreciation to have reason to have relationship and association with him.
Therefore, now that Prince Eze Madumere is to celebrate his fifty first birthday, it becomes incumbent on me to join hundreds of other genuine and unselfish friends, associates and will-wishers in being part of his celebration.
Retrospectively, I have been associated with his birth-day celebrations in the past few years. For example, in 2013, I participated in an in-house party put together by his loving staff who honestly were over-joyed with his relationship with them including the down-trodden staff in the Deputy Governor’s office. They recalled with some misgivings the raw deal which they had received in the past in the hands of out-going Deputy Governor. It was indeed an outpour of inexhaustible compliments and goodtidings from those who believed that they have never had it so good.
Last year, although his birth day celebration was done in the United States in an elaborate party put together by Mbieri people in Houston. Fortunately, my daughter and her husband were active participants.
While he was there, He was able to graciously visit my daughter and her family where the celebration continued. In fact, according to my daughter, those who came around and interacted with the man I have always referred to him as Prince of peace. Therefore, came to the same conclusion that he has an elastic humility which wins friends and admirers so easily. According to her, many did not believe on first sight that he is indeed the Deputy Governor of Imo State. Yes, Prince Madumere carries himself simply without even the most microscopic aura of his exalted office. What a man of unassuming personality devoid of flamboyance of his office and authority.
Tomorrow, Saturday 4th July, he would be celebrating his 51st birthday to the glory of Almighty God. He is still the Deputy Governor of Imo State. In fact, July among all the twelve months of the year could claim to be the most eventful or historic of all months. Historically, July boasts of great local, national and international unique event.
Few examples could suffice here to buttress the point. One of American’s Presidents, President Calvin Coolidge was born on 4th July. He was known for his non-challant attitude to the Administration. Hence his wife was more visible and given the name Mrs. President. It was on 4th July that America declared its Independence. It was in July that both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams the second President of the United States died the same day. Back home, it was in July of 1857 that the Church Missionary Society arrived in Nigeria to establish foothold in Badagary. Even back home, it was in July nineteen sixty six that pogrom the killing of Igbo’s began in the North. In fact, July is very fascinating month. Today and throughout the history most famous persons particularly actors and actresses were born in July.
Thus, for Prince Madumere having been born on the same day that American’s the most powerful country in the world was born means a lot to his personality. Just to put it more succinctly, he was born in a very significant month and therefore his life would be very significant.
However, for tomorrow’s celebration it has been announced that the people of Owerri would give him special anniversary celebration. Care must be taken not to over politicize such celebration because those promoting and organizing it include those highly restive and controversial persons in Imo politics that could be described appropriately as “self-seeking and media-crazy political gladiators” who were there yesterday, here today and tomorrow another place.
They must understand that Prince Madumere is such a peaceful and innocuous personality who should not be rubbished with political innuendos propelled by power-thirsty political jobbers and buccaneers. Some principals of the organizing committee are those whose political antecedents do not impress the good people of Imo State.
Furthermore, to claim that Owerri people are to celebrate Prince Madumere birthday is both deceptive and in bad taste. This section of OZOPOLF full of people who of yesterday where promoting the emergence of the governor of Owerri extraction. But midway sold out disgracefully and shamelessly in the hope that in 2019 after Owella one of them may have the chance to become the governor of Owerri extraction. What a political myopicism. These are those who yesterday were castigating Owelle and his style of leadership. Overnight they have changed camp. First they celebrated the victory which was not of their own making. Now they are celebrating the birthday of one of Owerri Zone’s finest man Prince Madumere, a man with integrity, sagacity and piety.
They should leave him alone because, in fact and indeed he does not and cannot fit in their own politics of rascality for they are known in Imo State. He does not need them to attain the goal of his destiny.
Meanwhile, God who has brought Prince Madumere into this world has already destined him for greater things which include his possession of large heart, clean mind and accommodating decency. We wish him many more years of good health, the
