By Emeka Iwuala
Prince Eze Madumere, the Deputy Governor of Imo State has continued to receive honours from different organizations in and outside the State due to his sterling qualities. The recent in the long list is his emergence as the Patron of Imo state Boy’s Brigade. The investiture took place Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the Chapel of Praise, Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli local government area of the state. According to the Public Relation Officer of the state’s Boy’s Brigade ,Rev Innocent Osuoha , the choice of Madumere as the patron of the organization is in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities ,philanthropic, peaceful and humble dispositions . The youth organization according to the public relation officer also underscored Madumere’s service to God and humanity and his ability to achieve his set out goals.
Just few months ago, the traditional rulers of Isu clan in one accord honoured Madumere as the Enyioha of Isu . This traditional chieftaincy title is one out of the numerous titles he has received from different communities in the state .One can reminisce that the traditional rulers of Owerri zone have bestowed on him the traditional chieftaincy title of Ohamadike, while his immediate constituency Mbaitoli gave him Ogbuhuruzo. Few weeks ago, without his knowledge, consent and blessings, Imo youths in their hundreds stormed the Heroes square ,Owerri and inaugurated Madumere Fans club. One remarkable fact in all these honours is that Madumere did not campaign for it or gave any financial support towards it . All these organizations according to their spoke persons were attracted by Madumere’s rare qualities especially his service to humanity and God, which is rare in most of our politicians .
This writer is also humbled by these germane qualities .Through these qualities, Madumere has become a role model to the youths as many have come to look up to him for directions and morals . Tickled by these qualities, a youth from Isu while receiving a chieftaincy title from his community advised youths of the area to emulate the outstanding qualities of the deputy governor . The MBAIKE youth organization has also concluded plans to honour Prince Eze Madumere. Like the media, Madumere has become a mirror and agenda setter for the youths.
All these qualities apart from earning him awards and honours from different organizations in the state and beyond, has also earned him the support and trust of the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and APC leadership in the State . The Governor has often described him as “his son in whom he is well pleased” and in his wisdom has entrusted him important positions in his administration, which can explain for his recent appointment as the Chairman of Imo Security Trust Fund. Security is an important aspect of the rescue mission government; and only an articulate and trusted person is needed to head the committee. Little wonder Governor Okorocha appointed Madumere into this all important position. It is indisputable that Madumere has done all the works entrusted to him to the best of his ability and without any traces of failure . Various communities in the state are enjoying peace because of Madumere’s intervention and advise. Such trust and five star performances have also prompted Governor Okorocha to appoint him the chairman of the committee to resolve the crises rocking some of communities in Imo state.
Prince Eze Madumere’s qualities have also won him the trust of his party members. The State Vice Chairman of the party has once described him as the engine room of APC in the State . According to him, his sterling support for the party has continued to win not only souls for the party but peaceful co-existence and internal democracy.
His position as the number two citizen of the State does not spin his head around rather he has continued to use it to support the Governor for a better Imo . Madumere sees himself as an ordinary citizen of the State who has equal rights with others .In an interview with the Nation Newspaper, he declares ‘ I don’t see myself as a deputy governor, but as Special Assistant to the Governor’’.
Recently Madumere did the extra-ordinary. He went outside the box and extended an olive branch to an errant journalist who profaned his name. He instructed his legal team to withdraw the suit which is at the verge of judgment at Owerri High Court . The journalist, Chucks Nwokeji was humbled by this rare gesture and pledged his support to the rescue mission government.
Of Madumere’s qualities ,the one I admire most is service to God and humanity. This quality is germane and pious. According to Madumere, this is his secret and propelling power. He sees God as the author and finisher of his life and without him, nothing is and nothing would be. No wonder he declares ‘ I am happy in the presence of God ‘’. An ardent Christian and Anglican faithful, Madumere sees it as dutiful and proper to erect a chapel for God. During the occasion of the dedication of the chapel, the vice chancellor of Imo state University, Prof Adaobi Obasi said ‘ Madumere is an extra-ordinary person. This is unlike most politicians and office holders who always hide under the cloak of their offices to turn their back to God. Madumere has done noble and God will continue to bless and strengthen him ‘’.
His service to humanity is provocative. He is always at the fore front to make things right. He is a voice to the voiceless. Prince Eze Madumere’s doggedness towards emancipation of Imo people from evil administration in the state led to his incarceration in prison for 41 days during the 2011 guber elections in the state.
There is a local Igbo parlance that says ‘ Ihe madu na eme ka egwu n’kuruya’ which is translated thus —- a man is recognized by his service and charity ‘’ . Madumere has shown much resilience and regard to the less privileged and children of the poor. No wonder he often celebrates his birthday with the children of the poor and motherless. Through his Foundation [Peze Foundation], Madumere has reached out to the society .The recent is the donations for patients, business ventures and for education materials. This is one out of the many such donations . Therefore, I wish to commend the leaders and members of Nigeria Boy’s Brigade, Imo state for finding Madumere worthy of such exalted position. It goes further to demonstrate that good deeds never go unnoticed.
As organizations and Madumere’s admirers congratulate him for this onerous honour by Imo state Boy’s Brigade, I say ‘To whom much is given, much is expected ‘’. May you continue to be a light where there is darkness, valour where there is war, and happiness where there is despair.
. Iwuala is an Owerri based Journalist