Eze Madumere, What A Man!
The weather outside was bright, brisk and breezy. The sun shone with extraordinary splendor though the rays were mild and friendly. The caressing wind moved and swung like a sailing yacht tempting one to want to remain outdoors for the whole day. Here and there people gathered in groups chatting, laughing and exchanging pleasantries. But inside, the CATOL presented a different picture.
There, the air was as tight as the bow. Tension was palpable and the atmosphere generally felt as if loaded with deadly dynamites of the ghastly potency of a nuclear bomb. It was a complex intermixture of unfriendly and strange bed fellows.
Stalwarts and juggernauts of PDP, APC and APGA were there clustered under the same roof for the ecclesiastical award ceremony of the mighty CATOL on Sunday August 9, 2004. Most of the politicians honored the invitation and graced it with their majestic, gubernatorial or distinguished presence. A few sent a delegation or representative.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere was there. The controversial former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim was there live, Senator Godwin Ifeanyi Araraume came, the elder sage of PDP Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was present. There were some Commissioners and feather weight politicians who came either as an entourage to the stalwarts or to receive an award. Each man was with his entourage. On the whole the attendance was great.
As for the congregation, they came in their numbers as if they knew what was in the offing. The Cathedral was filled to capacity.
The countenance, demeanor and faces of the big politicians told more than text books of political science. Senator Ararume looked angry and infuriated. Chief Ohakim appeared nervous. Chief Iwuanayanwu seemed to say, “I am fine, I have nothing to lose anyway” Surprisingly, Prince Eze Madumere appeared calm, calculated and friendly. He looked comfortable in his skin and seemed unruffled with the presence of his opponents and natural as if to say, “ I am the Deputy Governor of all and I love them all, PDP, APC, APGA or what have you” He seemed to regard the other politicians not as foes and adversaries but just as opponents. Observers took note and the event went on.
One by one each man was called upon to receive an award and each was expected to make a brief remark. When Senator Ararume spoke, there were rumbles. Some of the politicians even rudely refused to observe protocol. One Ojiri did not even deem it fit to recognize the presence of the Deputy Governor of his State when he spoke. People cringed, but the Deputy Governor himself ignored it and even defended him saying that it could be an honest mistake. Observers took note again and the event continued.
The climax of this great but intriguing occasion was struck when the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere rose to speak. He respectfully recognized all the other politicians present and placed honor to where ever honor was due. He spoke with good will to all and malice to none. He chose every word he spoke carefully . Madumere displayed those virtues for which he is well known-- a dint of sagacity, politeness, simplicity and grace. Observers paid avid attention, observed closely and took notes copiously. It was the moment, the moment of the occasion. The loud ovation showed that and the Christian brothers and sisters testified to it after the occasion. Eze Madumere, What a man!
Dr. Ifeanyi Ekenasi