The Madumere-Okorocha Power Tussle Propaganda: First Dummy Of A Larger Plot To Destabilize Okorocha Political Dynasty

For every intelligent observer of the dynamics of Imo state politics, the next general election, specifically that which seeks to elect the executive governor of the state would be highly contentious, essentially as some political forces, rattled by the incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha’s aggressive drive to wrestle the momentum from the once powerful guys of the old houses of power, continue to push to retake the lost stakes or,  as some would put it, return of power to the old guys of the old political establishments in the state. Amidst this atmosphere there is no doubt the ensuing political warfare will be an all-front, all-out battle of wits, and everything is considered permissible on the chessboard as far it gives you victory over your foes at last. Hence, it is evident that political casualties and victims of overflowing circumstance will abound.

Ordinarily it will be probably impossible to predict the possible strategies and tactical maneuverings, but one obvious rule of the game is that anything or anyone that constitutes a constraint must be removed at all cost and by all means possible.  Already, the signs of things to come are beginning to unfold. Some are ominous of larger plots, while others are definitive in themselves. One of these ominous signs is the barrage of negative propaganda and fifth columnist attacks against some key figures of the Okorocha political house of power. Prominent among these figures and most vulnerable among them is the deputy governor of the state, Prince Eze Madumere (MFR). Aside the fact that Madumere is unarguably perceived as the most consummate insider of the Okorocha political family and the most trusted, most loyal ally of the governor, his capabilities in political strategic thinking and his ability to negotiate anything are considered key to the success of the governor’s current term and his ability to secure his second term bid come 2015. His sudden rise to political prominence which has critically altered the power equation especially that of Owerri power enclave, is also unsettling political dynasties who earlier thought that singing the zoning mantra would help them wrest power from Okorocha come 2015. Hence, in all its implications, it is not wrong for someone to postulate that in the ensuing warfare Madumere is vulnerable to political victimization. Already, signs of this truth have started to appear on the horizon.

Like two parcels wrapped as one package with same ominous implications, there is no doubt that the two recent propagandas targeting the deputy governor  of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere, are a part of a larger plot to bring the emerging all powerful Okorocha political dynasty to its knees. But beyond being a part of a larger anti-Okorocha plot, the propaganda is a dummy being sold to gullible electorates to create an impression that is completely false ahead of the 2015 elections. In the first propaganda, The Trumpeta, a local newspaper allegedly linked to and alleged wholly sponsored by former Gov. Ikedi Ohakim and his cronies, which has also appeared in recent times as a willing tool in the hands of Imo’s dirtiest politicians, published a story blackmailing the deputy governor, portraying him as an ungrateful deputy who is plotting to unseat the governor come 2015. In the second propaganda, the same newspaper, The Trumpeta, made a publication in which the paper told its unsuspecting readers that the working and personal bond or affection between the governor and his deputy has broken down. Without taking on issues with the salaried editors of The Trumpeta and their paid fifth columnists since it is a common knowledge that the piper dictates the tune, yet it will be nice to remind them that it is more noble to seek the common good of our generation in Imo state above narrow interests of mean political forces that mean no good for us as a state and a people. Without arguing against the fact that you can make more money as a media house by doing hatchet jobs or doing the job of the devil’s advocate for filthy politicians, it will be noble to remind my friends at The Trumpeta that every profession has its own ethics and living within the bounds of these ethics preserves the decency and future of a society. When we profess these ethics and fail to live to expectations, then it smacks off hypocritical naiveté. As for the propaganda itself, nothing is new under the sun. Of course, observers of the Imo politics are not new to this opposition strategy. It was the principal strategy employed by the then ruling PDP and the then governor Ikedi Ohakim during the 2011 elections. The game of wits that followed was an interesting theatre of the absurd, a perfidy bound to fail right from the day it was conceived. This too shall fail!

First when the popularity of the then gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, began to surge beyond opposition’s expectation and seemed too intimidating, the then governor Ikedi Ohakim resorted to rallying sentiments and supports around a dramatic narrative of good versus evil. Unfortunately for Ohakim and the PDP the strategy failed, and there was need to get back to the drawing board. The next possible option on the table was to take out key and strategic figures of the Okorocha political team as the most viable way to disable Okorocha politically. Madumere’s strategic role within the Okorocha team and his perceived unflinching loyalty to his principal stood him out as the most wanted target of opposition antics. The ensuing fallout remains unforgettable and interesting.

The grand plot was to cripple Okorocha’s prospects both during the electioneering campaign and at the polls proper. Ohakim and the PDP knew exactly what to do; just get Prince Eze Madumere out of the picture and the deal is done. This informed the move by then Gov. Ohakim and the PDP, including then Nigerian president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during the 2011 governorship election to cage Madumere with trumped-up  charges of attempted murder on the then president even when all evidences showed that Madumere was not even at the scene of water-pelting incidence against the then president.  Hence, like the current scenario playing out on the pages of The Trumpeta and other such tabloids, Madumere was the prodding target while Okorocha was the real target. On that note Madumere is a million-dollar target on whose head any bounty is worth the deal. So, Madumere is probably a figure caught on the crossfire of power play, political intrigues and damning maneuverings. His only saving grace might be that his boss knows him by every fiber more than a father knows his biological son, hence, no amount of blackmail by mischievous political forces can change the governor’s view of his most trusted political son.

As an initial process of a bigger plot to ground the Okorocha political dynasty, the propaganda has two pronged aims. First, by blackmailing Madumere as a power drunken ungrateful deputy, the propagandists aimed at building a phantom conspiracy theory that will create disaffection between the governor and his deputy and most loyal, most trusted ally and consummate insider. This way the Okorocha-Madumere bond, which has been the backbone of the success story of the Okorocha political family, will be done a devastating blow, and consequently both parties would be vulnerable to destruction by external forces. Unfortunately this first ploy could not sell through because the governor is a very smart politician who understands the game. But beyond that, Okorocha knows his deputy to the details and trusts his loyalty. But to kill it all, the propagandist betrayed their hypocritical naiveté when in the same publication they also portrayed the governor as a power drunken principal building spying checks around his deputy. With this the grand aim was defeated, though the governor didn’t need this weak point of the propagandists’ fifth columnist to decode that mischief makers are on the prowl.

 The aim of the second propaganda was to create disaffection between the supporters of the governor and those who have personal affection for his deputy. This was the most dangerous one, unfortunately it also failed to achieve its primary aim because the Imo masses and electorates have their fingers on the pulse of the polity and can decode when mischievous propagandists are out to sell their usual dummies to the unsuspecting public.
While immediate goal of these propagandas against the deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere is to blackmail his person, dent his impeccable credibility, and stunt his rising political prospects, the remote goal of these propagandas is to use such attacks on the deputy governor to destabilize the emerging powerful Okorocha political dynasty in which Madumere is key figure. Political observers and pundits who are closely paying attention to political  happenings in the state as they relate to the general election in 2015 can foretell that Madumere’s ordeal in the hands of his detractors and the political enemies of his boss may just be one in many of such dummies to hit the reading stand as we approach 2015.

However, it is noteworthy to inform the good people of the state that from all my findings since after this publication as a concerned citizen of the state, the rescue mission team of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Imo’s most charismatic leader, is still intact and the bond that has ever existed between him and his political son and most trusted ally remains ever the same. My candid advice to the detractors of the deputy governor, a figure known for his unassuming humility, impeccable integrity and unassailable credentials, is that Madumere did not build his political popularity and relevance through propaganda. Prince Eze Madumere, the son of a countryside father who rode to work on bicycle in the 1970s, built his prospects on the wings of hard work, exhibition of uncommon intelligence in politics, in diplomacy and in human administration, hence, bringing him down through propaganda is out of the picture. Providence crossed his path with that of his amiable boss who has given him all the opportunities to become whom he is today, and only providence will undo the tie if providence so wishes.

For now, such phantom creations of disaffection between the deputy governor and his boss by a bunch of disgruntled mischief makers will only lead its architects to the fool’s paradise. On another note, the Okorocha political dynasty has through unflinching commitment to people oriented programmes and projects demonstrated that it remains a dynasty to beat come 2015, and no amount of blackmail, intimidation and mischief making can make the Imo people get back to the Egypt from where the Okorocha government has brought the state and its people out of slavery.

The Plots Against The Okorocha – Madumere Bond: The Gathering of Vultures and the Uneasy Wedlock of Strange Bedfellows

Danny Heitman, a columnist for The Advocate Newspaper, once authored a book titled “A Summer of Birds: John James Audubon at Oakley House.” Going through her pages I could vividly paint a picture of strange bed fellows coming together to achieve one aim; this being a common feature of our crude politics and its maneuverings.  How can John James Audubon be at Oakley House if not for reasons of expedience? But if you want to understand what informed my title of this piece, then peep into the powerful cauldron of blackmails, plots and fifth columnists’ ploys being built around and against Imo’s current deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere (MFR).

Politics is like the season of the summer. As the heart of the season draws closer, strange birds flock together in search of survival- all driven by survival instinct.  This informs the latest twist in which it is becoming clear that forces from contradictory political lineages are relinquishing their long time opposing political stands and differences to build what could better be described as ‘The Gathering of Vultures and the Uneasy Wedlock of Strange bedfellows’ in their tight-teethed plots to stop Madumere’s political prospects. While some believe it is their patrimony to succeed the governor come 2015 if the latter goes for the presidential slot under the new APC party, others believe that they and their loyalist should replace Okorocha and Madumere at the Douglass House come 2015. Both groups, as strange as they appear, are united by a common goal- stopping Madumere by all means possible.

When the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin began to write her “The Bully Pulpit,” a book about the tumultuous times of America’s most vilified president, Theodore Roosevelt, it was as if she was giving account of what Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere has been passing through in the hands of forces bent on both destroying his bond with his boss and discrediting him before the masses and the political class. But whether we describe it as a ghost or a shadow, the Madumere factor is not only hunting many in the polity, but it is also sending shivers down the frayed spines of desperate political forces.  And even if it means compromising their traditional political dispositions to built short term alliance whose only aim is to stunt Madumere’s prospects of succeeding Okorocha, then, for these anti Madumere forces, it’s worth the deal.

Since starting my career as a journalist and later as an independent media strategist, I have never seen a young politician so vilified in innocence like the current deputy governor of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere. Give or take a little tip above the ice clip in Imo politics, Madumere’s relevance and political influence is no longer in doubt. But what remains generally accepted within a wider spectrum of the polity is the fact that Madumere’s sudden rise to power took friends and foes by a shocking surprise, except his boss, his most intimate confidant and his long time ally, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who nursed and mentored him from the unknown to the known, the greatest undoing to these anti-Madumere plot is the fact that the governor knows his deputy and political beyond a level where any propagandist’s ploy can cause him to question his deputy’s loyalty or create disaffection between the two.

To illustrate a typical picture of the primary factor behind Madumere’s rise to power, what happened between a stateswoman and I serves as a case in point. When I came up as a media strategist, I had the hunger to use my career to celebrate men and women who have given immense services to our nation, Nigeria. I decided to approach one. She was a diplomat of rare breed but yet an unsung heroine. One day I met her in the early morning hours in her house and had a discussion with her. She was fascinated at my ideas, but she asked me one question; “What do you want to do with me and my brand?” I responded “I want to take you to the world and tell them about your hidden contributions”. She looked at me deeply and said “Go to that mirror standing on the wall”. I moved to the mirror and starred into it but found nothing except my reflection. She asked me “Who do you see?” I responded “I can see nothing but myself”. She was not yet done. She asked me to come back to her, and I did. Then she said to me “Hold my hand and take me to the mirror.” I did exactly that. Then, as we stood in front of the mirror she asked me again “Who do you see?” I replied “I can see you and myself.” Then she said “You can’t take me to the world without the world seeing you also. This task you want to undertake is both a burden and a destiny.” That comment changed my view, and as she told me, while trying to show her to the world, I suddenly discovered that the world noticed my presence like never before. Madumere’s sole preoccupation has been to show the best of his boss, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to the people and to help him deliver his promises as Imo’s most charismatic political leader. But in the bid to do this, the people have also seen and noticed Madumere’s presence on the political scene like never before. There is nothing anyone, both friends and foes can do about this.

From a humble background, both socially and politically, Madumere rode to the corridors of power on the wings of service, humility, and unflinching loyalty to his boss. But his characteristic disposition as a diplomatic political strategist underlined by rare kind of political maturity and broadmindedness has also earned him a marbled place in the minds of three classes of people. These include the political class, the common masses, especially the youths, and the members of the Okorocha political family. For the masses, Madumere is a humble servant whose disposition runs contrary to his predecessors. He is that deputy governor who leaves his exalted office to meet them at their level as never seen in our history. For the political class Madumere is a mature political negotiator with a rare kind of broadmindedness. While refusing to negotiate his boss away no matter the stake, Madumere diplomatically sells the Okorocha brand to the most pessimistic and unyielding segment of the political spectrum. For the opposition, Madumere is an asset that must be won over, bought over, or coarsed over at all cost if the battle to end the Okorocha political dynasty is something that must be won before 2015.

Of course, for Okorocha, Madumere remains a son too close to his course than his biological siblings and close relations. In service and loyalty Madumere has justified the trust and confidence his boss has ever reposed in him. For many years Madumere has stood behind his current boss in service and loyalty. And Okorocha being a man known for having a strong sense of reward for productivity and sacrifices for anyone irrespective of tribe or ethnicity, has taken Madumere beyond expectations in the latter’s political career.

Personally, both in public and in private, Madumere has always remained grateful to his mentor and long time ally. This sense of gratitude, as a matter of fact has been the common psyche of Madumere in the daily discharge of his duties both as the former Chief- of –Staff to the governor and current deputy governor of the state. The bond between the deputy governor and his boss has been an incredible exception in comparison to what obtains between governors and their deputies in Nigerian politics. For the governor, as far as things are in Madumere hands, they are in safe, capable, and trustworthy hands of a consummate insider and selfless deputy who considers himself nothing but a humble servant whose job is to help his boss deliver on his promises to the people.  For Madumere, his greatest political ambition is to serve his boss and help him realize his ambition.

In the build up to his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the governor, forces bent on destroying Madumere have drawn up all kinds of ploy to accomplish their pulpit perfidy of discrediting him both before his boss and before the people. People who felt they needed the position went after Madumere’s head. Though the plot failed, but the shocking reality about this theatre of the absurd is the fact that those who are fingered to have allegedly masterminded these plots are strange bedfellows in our polity.   In what appears like an orchestra of orgies, blackmails after blackmails have served as Madumere’s meals. And at the threshold of his appointment as deputy governor, as the Jude Agbaso chapter came to a dramatic close amidst a denting financial scandal, prominent hatchet writers and career blackmailers ever known within the polity were let loose against the deputy governor. As far as you can do the job of the devil’s advocate against the deputy governor, there are willing money bags among the anti Madumere forces to fund it to any level. Despite all these maneuverings, the deputy governor, His Excellency, Prince Eze Madumere has kept his head low while doing his job and demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to his boss.

In politics it is a common perception that target shifts, strategies change, and alliances flip and flop in interesting patterns. Hence, the anti-Madumere/anti- Okorocha forces are trying to cash in on this common perception to build conspiracy theories aimed at destroying the father-son relationship existing between the governor and his deputy. So as the plot to discredit Madumere failed woefully to succeed because it was filled with the untruth, a new strategy is showing up on the horizon. This time the target is no longer Madumere’s image; the new target is Madumere’s bond with the governor. The strategy is to generate a negative sentiment between the deputy governor and his boss by portraying the deputy governor as an ambitious fellow who wants to undo the governor as a way of succeeding him by 2015. To balance their logic, they also portray the governor as a power drunk fellow building all manner of checks around the deputy governor. All they need is to destroy the bond between the duos as the only way to get Madumere out of the game. The overriding perfidious goal of these filthy propagandists is to create disaffection between the governor and his deputy. Of course, even without going for Madumere’s head, the unity and strong atmosphere of cordiality and co-operation between governor Okorocha and his humble deputy, Prince Eze Madumere remains the greatest threat to disgruntled politicians desperate to destabilize the Okorocha political dynasty as we head into the 2015 general elections.

In a dramatic narrative of geopolitics and its justifications, these forces have started singing the zoning mantra in mushroom tabloids on daily basis, and portraying Madumere as a figure secretly rallying political circles of the Owerri Zone to claim the Owerri Zone mandate back from Okorocha. In titles that most times come with no bylines, no editorial backings and no reporter’s appendage, those behind these fictitious publications on local and mushrooms newspapers bare it all. You will even be shocked the more to discover that all the accounts given in most of these anti Eze Madumere publications are based on fiction, and nothing but fictions. But let me spare readers some specific details for another piece.

The fact is that an understudy of the power currents circulating against the deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere (MFR), shows that strange bedfellows in Imo politics are entering into an uneasy wedlock to undo someone they all perceive his working relationship with the governor as their greatest threat. A crop of players in cross party lines, political families and power dynasties, including the good, the ugly, the filthy and the incredibles, are strangely united by the fact that Madumere is the man to get down, off, and out by whatever means possible. However, what is very evidently obvious is the fact that whatever is the case, Prince Eze Madumere, the deputy governor of Imo state, remains Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s best field man and most trusted ally. As for the conspiracy theories of the fictitious propagandist, to the best anyone close to the corridors of power can say, Madumere has shown no sign of nursing the ambition to succeed his boss, both in words and in action, in public and in private. As the political brinkmanship for 2015 begins, no kind of alliance for political expedience will separate the governor and his most trusted deputy. Thank heavens the governor is not daft to be deceived with such cheap ploys. However, as events develop, we keep our fingers on the pulse of the polity.

hon.Mbanaso hosts Igbo Students

its nolonger news that over 1500 igbo student leaders will be arriving
the Orlu country home of Hon.Mbanaso Uche who is the Patron of
National Parliament of Igbo students on the 28th of December.The
Speaker of Igbo students Parliament;Comr.Florence Chinomso expressed
the Parliament readiness to celebrate yuletide with her Patron. It has
been noted that At every national students sitting where igbo students
Parliament, Arewa students congress and Oduduwa students forum
converge, it is always noted that all these ethnic groups arrives the
venue in branded Buses donated to them by their Patrons except igbo
students whom are always seen in hired ifesinachi transit buses or
Peace mass transit buses. Will Hon.Mbanaso address this issue on 28th
of December? I think igbo students are expectant

OWELLE, MADUMERE, UWAJUMOGU UNDERSTANDING THE DIVINITY BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF TODAY’S IMO THROUGH THESE MEN

“If a man is marked for greatness, stubborn challenges become an integral part of him; God only makes use of the cooked not the ingredients to drive home his interest”. For men who understand their pre-designated pathway and have dared to ply regardless terrestrial shoddiness end up wearing the crown of “readiness” for service to humanity on an area or location remembered for deliverance.

Thank God Imo state is currently undergoing its deliverance; in clear parlance, “rescue”. Imo state is passing through a rescue phase, which has seen power change hands from a state of chronic underdevelopment to a massive-developing state, as resounding echoes of seemingly impossibilities made possible continue to rent the air unabated in an indefinable flash of a people-oriented construction placement!

All made possible through the activation of a man’s passion to serve, laying down his life, resources and time for the advancement of a people’s strong desire to experience progress, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, evidenced in a private life characterized by innumerable uncommon philanthropic strides and display of charity that seeks to give equal privileges to the poor and the rich through his pet project, Rochas Foundation.

Crediting a great unseen force to the realities on ground presently in Imo state highlights the rather unpalatable and excruciating years of self-determined walk up the hill of Nigeria politics by the core leadership team who run the affairs of today’s Imo ably led by the chairman Rochas Foundation, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the vision carrier; His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere, Owelle’s vision administrator and also a tested and trusted ally; Rt Honorable Benjamin Uwajumogu, a most reliable partner, he provides the necessary backing via a holistic attachment to Owelle’s people-oriented vision. Though these men then represented their people’s choice, fate-tuned decisions by political strongholds left them lurking in series of political    disappointments aside other happenings that not only tested their political resolve cum leadership preparedness but further proved the divine purpose in their making.

Owelle’s ascendency comes after years of disappoints in his every attempt to electoral heights. Same can be said of, His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere, who notwithstanding an underlying credible disposition faced the piercing claws of destiny-killing hawks that suppressed his every attempt to political rise. His strides took a sacrificial detour when he suffered incarceration during the 2011 campaign towards achieving today’s Imo. In his very cool and workaholic demeanor, he continues to rise at the top, from the Chief of Staff to the Governor to the Deputy Governor, and still waxing strong in preparation for something higher.

The making of Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu as Speaker of the Imo state House of Assembly at a time Imo state Owelle Rochas Okorocha as its Governor goes to play out the divine providence in the making of a new and better Imo. These two men at a time in their separate lives experienced very close shaves with death, but the hand of God was there to deliver them! Owelle’s missed flight some years back saw the manifestation of a great deliverance; and Uwajumogu’s very complicated heart surgery also saw another manifestation of a great deliverance. God did not just save them in vain, but because he knows they will be useful to his purpose for a great Imo state.

These three gems, Owelle, Madumere, Uwajumogu, have politically suffered long waits for a time like this. Many years of patience bedeviled by unfair denials, betrayals, disappointments at the edge of clinching a party ticket….. though Owelle has a broader political history with intimidating achievements. For sure destiny has been fair to Imo through this leadership.

Imo currently reaps the benefits of this leadership. God is truly through these men of fate for the people that have long cried for change. God bless Imo state!

The Madumere Mystery: A Model Test Case in Political Imagery and Symbolism

Why is Imo’s Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, becoming such a powerful technician of power and such a powerful figure in Imo politics with a frightening personality? Of course, in the last few moments, some of his detractors have been raising false alarms to create the impression that Gov. Okorocha is plotting to impose Madumere on Imo people come 2015. Some have even tried to blackmail him. But the question remains’ Is it that Gov. Okorocha is imposing Madumere on Imo people? Or that Prince Madumere, by merit and public opinion, is the most possible credible, capable politician to man the Douglas House, if his boss gives him his support? And the funniest part of the game is that Madumere is not even concerned with 2015 elections and has shown no sign of any ambition whatsoever, to the best anyone can say. So let’s accept that such moves by his contenders are born out of fear or whatever motive.

I have read a few notable books on politics and social wave ideologies including Alvin Toffler’s ‘The Third Wave’. There is Robert Green’s ‘48 Laws of Power,’ ‘The Art Of Seduction’ and ‘The Art of War,’ I have also read the Mafia Lord series of Mario Puzzo including “The God Father” and “The Last Don”. There was also “The Prince” by Machiavelli De Prince, ‘Office Politics,’ and ‘The Mafia Manager’, all by Machiavelli De Prince. I have read ‘The Corporate Guru’ and also ‘The Strategist’, including Malam Nasir el-Rufai’s ‘The Accidental Public Servant’ and Abdul Salami Abubakar’s biography- The Legacy of Honour. I once glanced through the pages of ‘The Incorruptible Judge’, and ‘The Impeccable Mortal Man’, including ‘The Satanic Verses’ by Salman Rushdie, exposing the dirty political side of the Islamic temple insiders, including the corruptions and maneuverings.

In addition to all these, I once walked into the room of a catholic insider and a friend and saw a copy of a book titled “In God’s Name” by the legendary David A Yallop- An investigative account of the other side of the “Holy Vatican”, the murder of Pope Paul 1 by brother cardinals, and the Vatican cover-ups.  The daring author gave a shocking, but fascinating account of the high level of corruption, powerful political intrigues, maneuverings and manipulations that dot the lives and activities of the cardinals that rule the Vatican city- the home of the Pope. The book sees them as the brothers of the pope, the holy reverend gentle fathers who forgave the sins of others on God’s behalf, yet living their daily lives as the princes of power and normal political figures who employ same dirty political tools as used in the world out there. But let’s leave that for now, so that my parish priest won’t deny me Holy Communion. But for sure, nothing could have been more fascinating like understudying ‘the making of holy politicians and saintly mafia in the holy home of our holy father the pope. I also came across many other political books while I studied philosophy with the Pontifical Urban University, Rome.

In all these books, I discovered one single truth; none of the authors, including my political philosophy lecturers where able to answer the question “How do people rise in politics and power to the extent that, suddenly, their names get so shrouded in Mystery? Sometimes, like me, you are forced to ask ’How did this guy get here?’ And ‘’How come he has become such a mystery personality in the polity? I have asked ‘How did Barack Hussein Obama, the street side son of a Kenyan immigrant father, make it to the White House as the President of America? I have asked “How did Tarcisio Bertone become the most powerful diplomat and global figure in the Vatican? I have also asked “How did Adel Fatah El’ Sisi become such a symbolic figure in Egypt, Arab’s most populous nation? Today in Nigeria, I have joined many close watchers to ask “How did Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere get here?

The more you ask questions like the ones above, the more the echoes of your voice returns back to you like a man shouting into an empty ancient Greek orchestra hall.  This is one of the things I learnt in my study of political symbolism and Imagery. A South African thought me about it when he took me on a few lectures on Media Strategy and Creative Writing as it relates to politics.  One day he told me “Creating a big name in politics is not about how much publicity you can engage in. It is about getting things done… It’s about fixing things and being able to deliver… It’s about developing and deploying realistic strategies that get results in politics, in administration and in human relations… Sooner your name becomes symbolic and your personality becomes god-like. It’s all about your qualities and capabilities, and your ability to deploy them against your opponents or in favour of those who believe in you. You just become a mystery to the guys out there.” Today in Imo state, same question echoes in every coroner about the personality of Imo’s current Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere(MFR).  ‘The Diplomatic Prince’ as he is regarded in many corners now, Madumere surprisingly came from the flanks to become a powerful political figure and the most trusted loyal ally his boss, the governor, can trust without blinking. As he makes an unimaginable impression on the masses and the political class, the ‘Madumere mystery’ remains a case study for political pundits and a shocker to those who never gave him a chance.

As political pundits scratch their heads to figure out how  on earth the young Comrade Tony Nwoye sprung such a daring surprise to emerge PDP’s flag bearer in a highly competitive political terrain like Anambra PDP, even more puzzling is the speed at which the image of Prince Eze Madumere is seizing the Imo political terrain.   How did the son of a 1970’s moderate income earner become one of the top brand politicians in the star-studded political circles that dominate Imo state politics? At the threshold of the Nigerian independence his father rode to work on a bicycle in the Southern city of Port Harcourt; As the Nigerian-Biafran civil war raged, he was a small lad moving with his father from one town to another as the Nigerian military captured Owerri; But by the end of 2011, immediately after the 2011 general elections, Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere has become a test case in political symbolism and social imagery.  How on earth did it all happen? This is one question that all political observers, including insiders, are asking.

One of the things that have eluded the interpretative mastery of political scientists, analysts, and pundits is the issue of myths in political symbolism and imagery. That is  why it is very hard for anyone, no matter how informed, to accurately predict the next set of power brokers to decide things politically after the 2015 elections have come and gone. Sometimes you wake up to hear that that  common lad from the village side has become a power broker of some sort, while money bag men are yet to arrive after years of efforts. So, the ultimate question remains ‘How does one emerge to become a political figure of relevance? Is it by investing money into politics? Is it by connection to the big and mighty in the society? Is it a game of luck and chance? However, my South African friend and teacher has answered that question; It is by getting things done, and Madumere’s case is a fitting case.

Traditionally leaning pundits like me can attribute Madumere’s political success to the fact that his political mentor, lifelong friend and principal, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, practices a type of politics that encourages the new young people to make fast inroads into the political terrain. Okorocha has a reputation for believing in the ingenuity of the younger generation in politics and human administration. Madumere is one of such younger generation that never allowed that opportunity slip off by proving his mettle in politics and his ability to manage men and missions.

Of course, immediately after being sworn in 2011 as the governor of Imo state, the governor left no one in doubt of his approach to politics and his believe in the younger generation to deliver. He changed the political paradigm by pulling down the old political establishments which bestrode the Imo politics like eternal colossus. First he stamped out corruption and looting which were perceived to be the life wire of the old guys of power in the “Ghana Must Go Republic.” Then he went to town to look for the new guys to help him rebuild a state on the brink of collapse. Some he called from obscure corners of the village sides of the state; some he brought home from far away Asia, while some he met in the downtown Manhattan, USA and brought them home for a chance to create a political future for themselves. But there was also the story of a young man of 28 years appointed Transition committee chairman of an LG council just because there were evidences he has the will to get things done. That is Okorocha for you.  But the story of his journey with Madumere dates too far into the past.

Madumere, like the rest of many others in his time, joined the Okorocha political team as a humble figure from the countryside in the early 90s. However, before then Madumere had already distinguished himself as a management consultant in the United States of America where he spent most part of his life. It was not too long Madumere emerged the second in command of the Okorocha political team, following after his boss. Of course his dual qualities of being a thorough bred political strategist and his unflinching believe in Okorocha’s political future stood him as the most appropriate disciple among many to earn the trust of his principal. But beyond these, he was a figure of disarming humility and simple lifestyle, buying big time into Okorocha’s ideology of philanthropy and socialism. These, as a matter of fact, are the very ideologies that have made Madumere’s personality greatly appealing to the masses, the political class and the by-side watchers. Today, whether we like it or not, Madumere’s entrance into the club of the political elites of Imo has altered the traditional political equation of the state in a way too significant to be ignored. Of course, the general perception in town at the moment is that come 2015, if Gov. Okorocha moves up federal with APC’s presidential offer, then the guber race in Imo is between Madumere and the rest. The rating is not only because Madumere is Okorocha’s most loyal, and most trusted aide. The fact is that by every standard Madumere has proven to merit his rating and popularity among the Imo people. And it is increasingly becoming evident, that beating Madumere at the polls, if he is given the chance, will be synonymous to, as Jesus said, passing the head of the Carmel through the eye of the needle.

The fact is that with considerable accuracy, but with appropriate discount for uncertainties, Madumere, who is the current Imo’s deputy governor, is largely favored by every credible cluster of opinion ratings to emerge the most possible credible successor to Gov. Anayo Okorocha of Imo state anytime the governor serves out his 4- year or 8-year term as he chooses, and if the masses renew his mandate. And observers at home and abroad are once again puzzling over the reasons for Madumere’s success. Is it his studies in management that gives him an edge in his fast rise to power’s topmost echelon? His practical and realistic approach to politics? Or his ability to combine an attitude of independent mindedness with unflinching loyalty to his principal and political mentor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha?  No matter the question, Madumere’s case is a unique one when it comes to decoding myths and prototypes in political symbolism.

One point most pundits can agree on is that almost all of Madumere’s close watchers have underestimated him from the moment Okorocha picked him as a political aid even years before Gov. Okrocha was elected governor of Imo state in an election- an election whose success is largely attributed to the political wizardry of Madumere and the crack team of political strategist he put together. Madumere is now widely regarded as one of Imo's most powerful political leaders, following after his current boss. Comparisons have been drawn with the likes of Ifeanyi Ararume and such other grass root political strategists. But the downing of Ararume’s credibility by former president Obasanjo leaves the likes of Madumere to grip the Imo political space with such a bestriding mien anytime Okorocha leaves the seat for any reason. Madumere, a figure of moderate lifestyle and few words, known as 'The Diplomatic Prince' for his constructive approach in public relations, in political diplomacy and negotiations, according to political analysts and observant insiders, took strategic tiny steps to arrive at such level of political relevance in Imo politics.

In the 90’s Madumere returned to Nigeria to start a political career from a sideway corner. Of course, he left Nigeria to the United State of America as a teen, and returned back as a soundly educated special breed in management consultancy and human administration. His political career took off as an aide to Owelle Anayo Okorocha, and later earning a reputation as Okorocha’s most capable political aide, and the most trusted political insider of the Okorocha political dynasty. Of course the Okorocha dynasty has been an old dynasty growing from the flanks during Sam Mbakwe’s time when Okorocha dared the likes of the maverick Francis Arthur Nzeribe. But the dynasty largely grew on the wings of Okorocha’s reputation as a nationalist detribalized philanthropist and socialist. Later Prince Madumere (MFR) vied for the senate in what was seen as victory denied. But by the 2011 elections rolled on, it was too hard to ignore the fact that someone like Madumere was in town to get things done for his boss. In fact, as the elections went on, there were two Nigerians to watch. The first was Douglass Oronto- the little known countryside guy who mesmerized Atiku’s team to get Goodluck Jonathan on the card. The second was Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere- a little known fellow whose political strategies held the then incumbent Gov. Ikedi Ohakim and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party to ransom.

Initially, Madumere was never seen as a force to reckon with amidst such political heavyweights and smart guys. Silently he coordinated series of political strategies that put Ohakim and the PDP on the defending side of the game, and finally secured victory for his boss. A lot happened in-between, anyway, but let’s leave that for now. However, what enshrined Madumere’s name in the sands of time in Imo politics is his role as Chief of Staff to Governor Okorocha. He performed creditably well in a way that left no one in doubt that Madumere is a capable hand in all sense of it, whether in administration, in political diplomacy or human relations. He also made it to the national honours list that year, where President Goodluck Jonathan personally decorated him with the MFR medal. Today, as deputy governor of Imo state, Madumere’s ability to deliver has become a vindication to Gov Okorocha’s political approach of giving the younger generation a chance, and the secret of his soaring popularity is his ability to deliver.

Beside his role in the 2011 elections, Madumere is credited with being a smart guy in political strategic thinking. By 2011, lending their support to the election of Okorocha was an off-the-table option for the old political generation in Imo politics. Their reason was simple; this guy is another new guy like Ikedi Ohakim. Because, Ohakim, in as much as he, according to popular opinion, did not make positive impacts on the polity in terms of developmental strides and was accused of orchestrating a blatant campaign of looting and corruption, he also dealt ruthlessly with the guys of the old political order in an attempt to tighten his grip on the levers of Imo politics and the PDP structures. Even Willy Amadi who was his closest ally was not spared the hammer. For them, their support to the maneuverings that produced Ohakim as governor is “Euphoria Turned Tragedy”. For them, Okorocha would not be different. But Madumere and his team were able to broker a deal to the skeptic old guys by developing a political bargaining chip that revolved around the principle of Double Effects- a smart narrative of bigger evil versus lesser evil. Of course, in ‘principle of double effect’, you choose the lesser evil when you are faced with two evils in which you must necessarily choose one. So Okorocha was made to wear the toga of the lesser evil, and the old guys went for him. That is Madumere for you. He knows how to develop a credible bargaining chip, and how to deploy it in a way that brings results.

Personally Madumere comes along with rare qualities that make him a mystery to the most discerning observer. I met Madumere for the first time while I was undergoing an informal series on Media strategy and creative writing as it bothers on politics. I had heard of his exploits, so it was a privilege meeting my mythical figure in real life. I wanted to understudy him and know his secrets, but I was puzzled the more. I noticed one thing; he was consistently self controlled and has a reputation for calculating carefully before every move. Madumere will give you a task but won’t tell you what the final product should look like and what it is meant for. That’s an incredible strategy in human administration.  Suddenly, I discovered what might be his secret; he was too simple to a fault and everybody, no matter how lowly or common, could access his office and have his audience. Of course, initially I tried to let him know that meeting him was a privilege, but he insisted on making me know that it was a meeting of two equal citizens and brothers who must be united by the Governor’s vision to build a better Imo.

However, to my shock, I discovered that Madumere has no special marketing technique to promote his image for political reasons as it’s the case with a typical Nigerian rising politician. He has no penchant for media and publicity. In fact, to make it more perplexing, he is very, very conscious about image control. You just find out he has a plan about how he wants to be seen and how information should come out, and joining the media frenzy is not part of that. For him, it’s all about helping his boss to get things done and realize the mandate the people gave his boss. One day he said “Look, there is only one governor in Imo state, and that is Anayo Okorocha. The rest are staff helping him to deliver on his promises to the people” So how then did this guy’s name become that symbolic?  This is what has become the Madumere Mystery and a test case in understanding political symbolism and social imagery. It’s a big task for the detractors and distracters of His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere (MFR). We keep our fingers on the pulse of Imo politics!

Okwuaku A.I.Okwuaku writes from Owerri

DO NOT WORK FOR IMMEDIATE GAIN - PRINCE MADUMERE

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE EZE MADUMERE MFR, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE IN A WARM HANDSHAKE CONGRATULATING BARR. CHUKWUMA-MACHUKWU UME (SAN) SHORTLY AFTER HIS CONFERMENT OF SENIOR  ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA AT THE SUPREME COURT, ABUJA

Prince Eze Madumere, Deputy  Goverrnor of Imo State, while addressing a section of the Public in Abuja yesterday, has advised Nigerians to work with honour and for the sake of proffering solution  without recourse to immediate gain.

Speaking during a reception organized in honour of Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State for being conferred with Senior Advocate Of Nigeria by the Supreme Court of Nigeria Yesterday at Lamonde Hotel, Prince Madumere harped on the need for Nigerians to present themselves to be appreciated as problem solvers in their duties before looking for immediate gain.

In his testimony on Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) as a good man whose good nature would always speak, He said the new Senior Advocate of Nigeria has at all times been interested in helping solving a problem not minding the immediate gain and such has brought out the best in him. He said putting personal gain often times limits people from delivering their best. He however harped on helping the down trodden when they are in dire need of redress in exercise of their fundamental human rights.

Imo Deputy Governor described Barr. Ume as a man who came to render services to the State Government at no cost at all. "When we had our cases, he came to us at a place to give his candid advise without asking for anything. He took us round and was detailed in his professional advise. It was when we were organizing our team of lawyers that we had to look for him" enthused Madumere.

He equally wished the new SAN a greater accomplishment as he believes what he is at present is just the beginning of other accomplishments that await him. He, however, advised him to keep keeping fate for with the people in his profession. Meanwhile, the reception witnessed large turn out of legal luminaries including the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ahanonu Ken Njemanze and other Judges from all works of life.

Signed
UCHE ONWUCHEKWA
CPS TO DEPUTY GOVERNOR, IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR, IMO STATE

Prince Eze Madumere MFR, Imo Sate Deputy Governor, has showered encomium on Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha OON as he turns Fifty-One describing him as a man of fate whose attributes and contributions to the lives of the ordinary people have impacted positively in no small measure.

Prince Madumere in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Uche Onwuchekwa, recounted the audacious feat of Owelle Rochas Okorocha in transformation of Imo State in two years, which he said has been acclaimed as the best ever witnessed for the past fourteen years of our democratic e experience.

"Owelle Rochas Okorocha's achievement in two years has proven the fact that he is a true leader whose sterling leadership qualities with heart of sacrifice is worth emulating. His numerous values added in Imo State are evident in his free education policy for all, massive urban and rural road revolution, re-engineering our development process by marrying it with our value system embedded in our culture with the establishment of Community Government Council".

Prince Madumere further commended Governor Okorocha on his 'Youth Must Work Programme, which is creating jobs for teeming Imo Youths, while equipping  technical students with the know-how and the latest technology through the establishment of Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies.

While praying for greater wisdom, God's protection for Governor Okorocha, he called on well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Imo State to remember Owelle Rochas Okorocha in their prayers as God continues to use him to give hope to the hopeless and help in re-engineering our God given State, Imo and Nigeria at large.

Signed:

UCHE ONWUCHEKWA
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO
THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE