By Hon. Chidera Odo (KSM)

30th of May is here again. On a date like this, in Portharcout, a great son was born to the Nnamani Nwaogbu Achi family of Agbani, Nkanu West Local government Area. 

Four months after his birth fireworks went agog as The Union Jack was lowered, heralding the birth of a great nation-Nigeria. The green and white flag was hoisted at Tafawa Balewa Square. Baby Chimaroke Nnamani took part in the dream of our heroes, though his mind then, couldn't grasp the import of the festivity. 

Shortly after the country commenced her journey to nationhood, the organic threads in the tapestry of the Nation-State began to tear at the seam. The country was immersed in election malpractices, knock-knee census figures, Tiv riots, the wild-wild West(Operation Wetie) etc.

Those harrowing events led to a putsch, counter coup, pogrom and two and half years of a civil war. 

Blasting out from the tragic upheavals of the 1960s, young Chima pursued his academic career. He became a Medical Doctor and a Specialist in maternal and fetal medicine. 

But in all, his heart was home sick for his fatherland. At a tender age of 38, he occupied the Lion Building as the Executive Governor.  

He is competent , courageous , honest , inspiring, kind and caring. A defender of the poor, the weak and the less privileged. 

His interests include human capital development.

A genius, a versatile historian and an innovative personality. This was aptly captured in his thesis-- ALADIMMA.

Yes! I glee in celebration of Chima at 65. Chima was whalloped, thrashed and trashed by perfidious Judases, Quislings and other forces of reactions.They did all they could to funnel him into Dante's inferno. 

Unable to carry out their heinous acts, they formed an unnatural alliance, and escorted him to political limbo, and rendered him politically unperson (apologies to George Orwell).

I remain supremely grateful to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who, in his good nature, did the right thing.

   Today, I join people of goodwill in celebrating a great Man and the Ebeano family, to celebrate a man whose dreams, visions and subsequent actions have today, come to form the history of politics and development of both the land and people of the State. 

I celebrate the Lion of the East, The political Leviathan, whose voice bellows like thunderclap in the 9th Senate. Happy birthday my boss, My Mentor!

Happy birthday HE. Chimaroke Ogbonnia Nnamani. May the Good Lord continue to protect, guide and bless you while we say as always "To God be the glory!!!"