By Ori Martins
Three American presidents of three different periods delivered three messages to their respective generations that ultimately changed the socioeconomic and political history of that prosperous and precariously populated country.
America was eternally poked by economic and financial cracks that ruthlessly threatened both her foundation and continued existence. Whereas the people expectedly experienced fear and concern about what would eventually become of their beloveth country, then President Franklyn Roosevelt, in a most resounding presidential speech ever recorded in history, reassured his countrymen and women that “There is nothing to fear than fear itself”. With that, Americans of all walks of life got encouraged, motivated and inspired. They instantly confronted the economic crunch that besieged them and triumphed.
Several decades after, America’s image and stature as a global superpower was recklessly torpedoed by the combined forces of the USSR influenced Cold War and the China induced Orient Attack. Things were so terrible for America that she was almost brought down to her knees. Fortunately, President Roland Reagan emerged and strengthened America’s spirit with his “We must not despair” speech in which he told them that America was ever ready to face her challenges, squarely.
And just when it was thought that the event of September 11 had completely crushed and shattered God’s Own Country to pieces, President George Bush Jnr disagreed, and reawakening America and Americans from their self-imposed slumber, he enthused: “They may have destroyed our tall buildings but they cannot touch our spirit. They may have killed our innocent people but America’s foundation is still strong and intact”, albeit the quote is not verbatim. From there, Americans rose to the terrorism challenges and effectively rescued their sinking country from eternal destruction.
The former Imo State governor, The Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC, Omenkeahuruanya, like Roosevelt, Reagan, and Bush, tailored his goodwill message to the newly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general, Sen John Azuta-Mbata, towards the current situations and happenings not just in the Igbo nation but also across the country in general. Ihedioha was resolute in his assertion that the new Ohanaeze Ndigbo boss has all what it takes to chart and charge a new course for Ndigbo within the framework of national unity and sociocultural integration.
The opening paragraph of Ihedioha’s note signified his love as well as closeness to the newly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general: “I congratulate you my dear brother and friend on your emergence as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide”.
The next line accurately captured the erstwhile deputy speaker’s immense knowledge and overall understanding of Azuta-Mbata’s capacity as a leader and politician. Ihedioha said, “Over the years, you have cut an image for yourself as an accomplished businessman, politician, and statesman, who has served Rivers State and Nigeria meritoriously”.
Sincerely and eloquently signing his imprimatur on Azuta-Mbata’s avowed knack for positive delivery and excellent performance which guarantee growth, development, and progress, Ihedioha, himself a known achiever on the provision of dividends of democracy, hollered thus, “I am confident that you will bring your wealth of experience and forte through this role. There is no doubt that you posses the requisite credentials to steer the cause of Ndigbo and rightfully position the Igbo race in the challenging politics of our today’s Nigeria”.
As a team player and one who is poised for community unity and prosperity, Ihedioha penned down on how he could be of assistance to the president general for the progress of Ndigbo. According to him, “I will ever be ready to give you the necessary support as we progress”.
This is the hallmark of Ihedioha, a grassroots builder, a man whose word is his bond, and a man whose aspiration is to better the lot of his people for a better tomorrow. Thus, if public service is for the public good, Ihedioha is that public figure that has proved his mettle, and shall still do more.
