Chief Eze and his past in the eyes of Greg Obioha

 “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch
Based on Jack Welch quote above, I will like to discus and present a man who have lived out this thought of this great Philosopher, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze who today can be described as a phenomenon, a media institution and leadership Icon. This Media Czar is a puzzle and enigma of sorts. One time National Director of Media and Public Adminstration of the famous Turaki Vanguard that collaborated with other great Nigerians to save Nigeria from the infamous third term agenda of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP whose impact to the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) need not be overemphasized.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze as a seasoned Philanthropist, humanist with  a heart of gold reminds me of Maya Angelou who once stated, “I ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 
Even as I am at a loss on how to describe him because he is versatile and knowledgeable, I mist confess that he beams  deas and great thoughts. Eze is a great man and mind. He impacted so much on my life when I met him twenty seven years ago as a youth corps member in Yola  Adamawa State. Eze served couple of years before me, in the same Adamawa State and incidentally a predecessor in the coveted position I held in my capacity as the number  one Corps member, Chairman Corps Members Association Adamawa State hence the Corps Liaison Officer in the Metropolitan Twin City of Yola/Jimeta. When I learnt that a man who once occupied my office and  fellow Igbo for that matter had his business office nearby, I took out time to visit him to pay homage. i went and sought for blessings,guidance, prayers and support.

Chief Eze was so generous and supportive. I became his project, he guided him until i passed out as the best Corps Member in 1992/93 Service year in Adamawa State with several Awards/Honours. I picked up a job there and our relationship continued. He had foresight, he was the first person in modern history to conceive and form a political Alliance between Southeast and South south people, he did it in yola and expanded it to the entire North Eastern region of Nigeria and it worked. It all started in Yola and today that initiative is turning to a working template. Eze’s template was novel and brilliant and if we stick to it an Igbo speaking person will be President come 2023.
I met Hon Chief Eze Chukwuemeka  Eze with a very lovely, Godly and hardworking woman as a wife, Chief Mrs Ada Eze. I witnessed his children growing and schooling in the best School in the state belonging to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ABTI Academy which metamorphosed to ABTI University, Yola. He is a good Christian, prominent Igbo leader and a close political associate of  the former  Vice President. I was also an associate of the former Vice President then. 
I am glad that Chief Eze is successful and accomplished in every sense of it, with his Children graduating from the University .In his chosen career of politics, media practice and Sports  Promotion, he has carved a niche for himself. He was a big time  media expert, writer, sports analyst and philanthropist when I met him in Yola.

I would have done this piece since during his wedding Anniversary commemorated some weeks back but because of tight schedule I couldn’t do it then. I love writing to recount my association with good friends. As a historian,capturing past encounters is vital to me. My heart is built on memories and great thoughts. i don’t forget my friends!I can’t forget great encounters! No event passes without being recorded by me both good and bad. 
All that transpired between me and Chief Eze were great moments to remember. He is a dear friend, brother, Oga and pathfinder
Conclusion
Let me conclude this treatise on my brother and friend by quoting Rosalynn Carter, “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”. That is Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze the man who threads where the Lions fear to thread
David Enyida a politician who is based in Rivers State threw more light on the assertion of Rosalynn Carter when he recently stated, ” Chief Eze  Chukwuemeka is not only a fine writer, but an indomitable watchdog of truth. He is not afraid to rush into the ring even when the odds are heavily against him. What a courageous fighter you are! I salute you sir while to his school mate from University of Calabar, Prof Andrew Efemini described Eze as a political Strategist and prophet as developments in the politics of Nigeria show how much foresight you have.”
Finally, Dr Ebere stated, “Chief  Eze is a Colossus and encyclopedia of modern political analysis,” 
GREG OBIOHA is a political analyst and Social Crusader writes from Imo State and can be reached through: 08036410972