On 12th May, 1962, in the early hours of the morning, a son was born to the family of late Igwe Mathias Ekweremadu, in the sleepy village of Amachara, Mpu in Aninri LGA of Enugu State.
Of course, the stars and elements didn’t herald his birth. Being from humble beginnings, he was not born great; neither did he have greatness thrust upon him. Rather, according to the immortal Shakespearean quote, he attained greatness.
By dint of hard work, backed by divine unction, he carved a niche for himself, among Nigerian political icons, arduously building his way to the top, block by block, inch by inch.
Unfortunately, on March 23, 2023, his world seemingly came crashing down. He and his wife – Dr Nwanneka Ekweremadu were pronounced guilty of organ trafficking by the jury at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London. This was the culmination of a harrowing nine months ordeal, starting from June 2022, when the former Deputy Senate President and his wife were arrested over organ trafficking charges under Britain’s novel Modern Slavery Law, following their attempt to secure a kidney transplant for their ailing daughter- Sonia.
However, we are here today, not to judge a VIP politician but to celebrate a father and a father-figure. We are not here to celebrate a brother’s downfall and humiliation; we are here to celebrate his humanity.
Certainly, it is understandable for one to ask what really happened. At his level and being a UK resident, didn’t he do his due diligence checks? Was he set up? Those are immaterial now.
Whatever brand new British laws he contravened were in execution of his duties as a father, towards his ailing child. Apart from Sonia and her siblings, Ike Ekweremadu was and remains a father – figure to many persons of the younger generation. He never misses any opportunity at youth mentorship or tutelage of the younger generation. The author recalls Ekweremadu’s question about a decade ago, when he asked him what his career path was. Surely, any principal who asked his protégé such a question was a father – figure or concerned big brother, who really cared about your future.
Despite his remarkable achievements within his over six decades on earth, he remains a mortal, with all the failings and inadequacies therein implied. Regardless of his epochal attainments such as being the 1st Nigerian legislator to be elected Deputy Senate President, a record three times, despite all the banana peels that embellish the corridors of the Nigerian senate, he remains a warm personality.
One great asset he possesses in abundance is his communication skills. Even as the number 5 man in Nigeria’s official hierarchy, he remained a master communicator, whose accessibility remains unequalled till date. It is a rarity for him not to respond to his text messages, especially on Whatsapp. At times, he replies within minutes – personally. This is in sharp contrast to other elected or appointed government officials who find it hard responding to messages or picking their calls. Even ward councillors or council chairmen regard it as a mark of social superiority not to pick their calls or reply messages.
Again, he is a patient listener who has trained his ears to listen respectfully to whatever you have to tell him during an audience, even if he is not interested. Most others of his class would cut you short, asking you to cut the crap.
Ikeoha, as you mark your 62nd birthday today under incarceration, it is my pleasure to join other men of goodwill to wish you a happy birthday because you deserve all the happiness and joy you can get, at this trying moment of your life. According to reggae icon, Bob Marley, “You know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”
During your political travails, especially in the buildup to the party primaries for the 2023 Enugu State Governorship election, whenever you were faced with human obstacles, especially from those you took as friends, you would always say, “This too shall pass” or “It shall end in praise”.
Relying on the words of American bestselling author, Greg Kincaid, “No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear”.
Therefore, no matter how long it takes, I’m fully confident that this dark page in your thrilling history shall pass. Relying on the words of American bestselling author, Greg Kincaid, “No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear”
Though today, the skies above seem hazy, the silver lining shall still emerge in your firmament. Surely, it is written that it shall end in praise because the good lord is not yet through with you. The how and when, I can’t tell but I know your life, being an action packed thriller, shall have a great season 2.
Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, MNSE, COREN
Publisher, hoo!haa!! Newspapers (www.hoohaa.com.ng {Igbo}, www.english.hoohaa.com.ng{English}
