By Princely Onyenwe,Imo
The former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has been extolled for his grand contribution to Nigeria’s democracy and sacrifices against impunity, abuse of power and other undemocratic ideals.
The group under the aegis of Prince Madumere New Media, led by Prince Okey Okoro Insists that a day like this be set aside to celebrate a leader like Prince Madumere who has become a role model in the circle of leadership and Worthy to be emulated by every person.
They therefore chose to celebrate his virtues and victory against the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha’s onslaughts and impeachment plot.
The group argued that Prince Madumere’s sin against his estranged friend and boss was only because he was on the side of the people, saying no to impunity, abuse of power, inequity and privatization of government, an act the group described as an absurdity.
In a historic ruling, Hon. Justice Ben Iheka (RTD) had declared the purported impeachment of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere by Imo State House of Assembly (7th Assembly) sponsored by the former governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, null and void and of no effect.
His words: “We chose to celebrate His Excellency, the former Deputy Governor of Imo State today because of his victory in Court against his purported impeachment at Owerri High Court. Today marks the second anniversary of that victory.
“That victory was symbolic. It was the beginning of other victories that would follow, including the burying of familiocracy, substandard projects, and impunity with the hounding of innocent Imo people by hired thugs.
“It was the height of power drunkenness to the extent that the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari’s pieces of advice against that impunity were rebuffed.
“We salute the Judiciary for playing her role as it were. Imo people are indebted to Hon. Justice Ben Iheka for his bravery and for standing up for justice. We also wish to use this opportunity to commend the legal luminaries who played major roles to say no to injustice. Chief Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), Prof. Dike (SAN) and many others who played one role and another.
“Chief Afe Babalola’s legal opinion over that illegality is commendable. He took his time to reel out the injustice in that exercise from the perspective of law.
“Today, Madumere is not a governor but his sacrifices to ensure sustenance of democratic governance; he also left a legacy that we shall all be proud of. One of such legacies was to bring back World Bank Assisted Projects to Imo State after they had blacklisted the State following an administrative default. He did not only stop at that, he attracted the ‘Rural Access and Mobility Project’, that is over $60 million Dollars. The benefit is to construct over 400 kilometers of road across Imo rural communities with river crossings.
“We cannot forget his intervention in the Imo State Action Committee on Aides. Our brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS suffered in pain as most of them could not afford their periodic treatment but Madumere’s quick intervention remedied the situation.
“He was also behind the National Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which successive governments have leveraged on within the period under review to manage some of the erosion sites.
“The same effort he made for Imo to participate in FADAMA III (additional financing).
“His positive influence in the oil bearing communities cannot be forgotten in a hurry. He built a foundation upon which other administrations can follow and expand on it. In the same task of Dispute Management, he brokered a lasting peace between Irete Community and Nigeria Bottling Company over misunderstanding that lingered for many years. Till date the host community and company are in peace.
“Madumere despite starvation of funds, had continued his statutory duty of managing boundary skirmishes and to the glory of God, he ensured that every party was engaged in the resolution process.
The group therefore called on the general public, politicians to emulate Madumere’s style of leadership and to also lead a life of sacrifice for others.
The group also resolved that the constitution be amended to accept independent candidacy for deputy governors as it is applicable to governors. This will make the position of a deputy governor efficient and not to be used as a stooge to the governor who would have used his ego and powers to position him as a running mate during electioneering. Hence the office of a deputy governor has been indolent and the officers can only act on the directive of the governor.
9News Nigeria (Owerri)
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