The ambiance for a people-oriented leadership character would have been far from reality in Nigeria until now. Putting to cognizance the ever patchy flaws that psychologically make up an average Nigerian, narrowed to the lack of love for one another, which annihilates the era of sacrifice (if there was one) towards a general course, and has long hijacked a nation’s leadership ability.
But succour stands seeable, its proximity attachable. With the rise of the likes of Prince Eze Madumere, the current Imo State Deputy Governor. He carries along with himself the aura of leadership sincerity, where the people come first before self! Notwithstanding the angle of perception or perspective, Madumere assumes a leadership character that exemplifies a people-oriented institution, obliterating the pain and regret that follow every post-election stratum. In this case it’s a galvanized interest of a seeming dream of true leadership come true, just what people clamor for! He has it all, the qualities needed, though just a Deputy now, Madumere never fails to impact his renowned attitude of simplicity and compassion into a leadership style that is fast becoming a household chorus, even as he is but an assistant to an equally hardworking Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
There are series of stories and countless instances of the Imo state number two man having to go out of his way in order to solve problems! No matter how queer it may appear, he is always up to the task. Only recently he had to step out of his vehicle in a traffic jam, walking through it, to the cause of the jam, which was a broken down truck following a head-on collision. Typical of him, he helped deploying his aides and offering his battery to jump-start the truck so as to ease traffic flow; this is one of such very uncommon instances involving Madumere’s selfless act of leadership humility! The latest show of his leadership magnanimity happens to be the handling of a case of homicide in Akokwa, Ideato North.
It was on Friday, the 12th day in the month of August 2016. It was becoming cloudy, and the Imo state Deputy Governor needed to catch an already booked flight at the Imo airport. He had an important engagement to catch up with outside the state, already he was running out of time. On the way, very close to the airport, at the instance of the Deputy Governor, the convoy conveying him was asked to stop. It got some aides thinking maybe he had missed the flight. Lost in that assumption, suddenly everyone was asked to return to the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, wow, what a miss, some soliloquized!
To the astonishment of everyone including the Deputy Governor’s security details; the reason for the botched trip, followed a security tip-off that bothered on the Akokwa saga. On this grounds His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere decided to cancel his trip to ensure the security of the same people (both indigenes and non-indigenes alike) he swore to an oath alongside his boss to protect, though not unusual of Madumere anyway!
After calling out the Commander, Obinze 34 Field Artillery Brigade, commissioner of Police among other Security Chiefs to action, and ensuring the detachment of security forces to quell the rampaging situation was not only a proactive measure but helped to avoid a possible backlash that could have followed. The following day, the Deputy Governor while representing his boss, Governor Okorocha, took an extra step by paying visits to the bereaved families of the unfortunate incidents. In a rather emotionally touching remark, he assured the people of Akokwa that Government was in full control and on top of the situation.
A summed excerpt of his speech read thus: “We totally condemn the unfortunate and avoidable incidents. We want to call on all and sundry to be calm and law abiding. We assure you that measures have been taken to ensure that the situation is brought under control. Security agencies have deployed their men to beef up security and to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.”
Speaking further, he said that any loss of human life is detested by the people of Imo State and that every responsible government always stands on the side of justice any time such incident occurs.
He emphasized the need for every Nigerian to embrace one another in brotherhood and to shun any act of violence attributable to hate, tribalism, race or religion. “Violence is barbaric and an unacceptable means of settling disputes and is condemned by the civilized world. It is equally regarded as evil when violence is carried out in a manner that shows hatred of our neighbours, whether it is based on tribe, race, or religion. Every Nigerian irrespective of his place of origin or how he worships should be safe and at home in other parts of Nigeria,” he enthused.
While assuring that Imo State will continue to live up to its duty, especially as it concerns sanctity of life, he commended the army, the police command and other security agencies that were quick to respond to arrest the situation and forestall law and order, describing their efforts as patriotic.
Continuing, he promised the people of Akokwa and its residents that the Government of Imo State in collaboration with the security agencies will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it gets to the root of the strange and frightening situation so as to avoid the future occurrence.
He also emphasized that the ugly events of yesterday has nothing to do with the Fulani herdsmen but a clear case of homicide caused by one violent man. He also warned that Government will not condone any act of violence in the State under any guise as such person must be decisively dealt with.
Again stretching it further, accompanied by all the service Chiefs in the state, Madumere visited the Hausa community, there he assured them of their safety and asked them to go about their normal businesses. True to his words, normalcy has returned to Ideato North and Imo state. The pro-activeness of a man’s leadership character has prevented the kind of calamity obtainable in some Nigerian States.
Actions like this defeat the cry of leadership insensitivity to the plight of the people. I dare say, the genuineness of what Madumere represents should be over emphasized! Nigerians and Imolites in specificity should uphold and promote such leadership characters where ever perceived!
. Gilbert wrote from Owerri in Imo State.
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