PHOTO: Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere chatting with a Senior Citizen at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
By Ugonne Uzoma
On disembarking from the aircraft, like other passengers he sauntered into a shuttle bus.
Getting in, he was greeted with a crowd, each person reaching for either a seat or a hanger to keep from losing balance in the short drive to baggage claiming area.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere was able to get his seat not by his aides but by himself.
An attempt by his aides to demand for a VIP treatment was snubbed by the Madumere who signaled them to keep off.
His fellow passenger who offered to give up her seat to afford him more comfort during the short ride was graciously turned down.
Among the other passengers who were still scampering for a space either to stand or sit was an old couple, a stately gentleman in an old but still trendy suit and his wife, aged but graceful.
The old man seemed a bit confused in the midst of the passengers who were still trying to secure a space in the shuttle.
Madumere who had been observing from his seat realizing what was amiss quickly got up from his seat and offered it to the man.
He also made his aide get up and offered his seat to the wife of the old gentleman.
Of course, after that effort at settling senior citizens, the number two citizen of Imo State retired at the back of the bus where he stood for the duration of the ride.
Prince Madumere was later seen talking with the old man, who I later understood, is a retired Professor while the wife was said to the first female Professor in the state.
This observer has been ardent follower of Imo State politics. Between 2011 and 2015, I have read a lot about the former Chief of Staff of the Imo state Government House and the incumbent Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere.
I have heard and read about his industrious and humble nature, however this encounter was the closest I have had with the man people readily call “Mr. Humility.”
I must admit that with that singular attitude he put up there, I realized that Prince Madumere is not a typical Nigerian Politician.
Leadership is not about a person who has the means to acquire the most expensive cars while living in the choicest area in a city and dressing in the most elaborate clothes money can buy.
It is inspiration and ability to mobilize people towards achieving greatness; It is about ingenious ways devised by a leader towards ameliorating the suffering of his people.
I was greatly impressed by the humility and candour of this man called Madumere, who did a random act of charity with no crowd cheering him on
Reading about what he did with Pepsi Corporation as the Head of Channels Development, it did not only show he was a man who had a good antecedent but an illustrious Igbo man with integrity.
For thirteen years he helped sell Pepsi to the world, travelling to over fifty countries of the world.
Beyond this exploit, if what I read about his love for a harmonious and peaceful co-existence among people and even corporate entities is anything to go by, then he is not just a leader but a great leader.
Truly, Governor Okorocha as it were has a reliable partner in Madumere.
Without deviating from my encounter with “Mr. Humility,” I will say that it is rare to still have such people who will so relegate power to the extent that they s not only treat fellow human beings as they treat themselves but with humility of heart and dignity.
The old man was seen opening his mouth in amazement when he realized he was actually enjoying the company of a Prince and the Deputy Governor of Imo State.
At this point, I begged to take a photo shot to attach to my account.
I am sure the old man and countless other Imo citizens do not need the money of the Deputy Governor, what they want is to be justly and fairly treated.
What they seek is that leader who will take their welfare seriously and still treat them with some dignity.
Ordinarily, the old man could have been shoved aside by the desperate aides of Imo Deputy Governor with an excuse that they are doing their constitutional duties.
In our little corner, beyond the sterling example of Prince Madumere, let us beware of how we treat our fellow human because, you never can say your position tomorrow.
Remember the story of Abraham and how well he treated the Angels sent to him by God, who knows when the Angels could come your way seeking your help and eagerly to pay you back in your own recompense.