Today, we celebrate not merely the birthday of a man, but the enduring legacy of service of a political institution, visionary and transgenerational leadership, a master strategist, and one of the most consequential leaders to emerge from the modern political history of Nigeria. I had the rare privilege to serve as his Chief of Protocol and closely observed firsthand not only the public figure known to many but also the father, disciplinarian, strategist, mentor, intellectual, Nigerian thinker, and builder of men whose contributions often escaped public attention because of elite conspiracy. I saw a leader who believed in identifying talent, empowering young minds, and creating opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to governance and public service. Indeed, standing resolutely right in the middle of the political campaign surrounding the 2023 general elections that saw President Bola Tinubu emerge as president of Nigeria, his support for the president, publicly expressed loud and clear, represented one of the most challenging periods in his long and distinguished public service career. I stood closely, yet calmly, beside a man misrepresented by the unforgiving Nigerian media and misunderstood by the public, who were manipulated by online political operatives; yet, deeply passionate about positioning the young people in the central workings of Nigerian public service, he had done it in the past and was willing to, for the final time, timestamp the footprint of his youth-driven legacy in the annals of our history.

A vision he saw and fought for its manifestation. For some of us who served faithfully within his political structure, it was a period marked by disappointment and difficult lessons about the realities of Nigerian politics. It was a moment when loyalty was tested, gossip flew like arrows, friends and classmates turned foe, campaigns of calumny were over the rooftop, and convictions were challenged, and political interests prevailed over long-standing relationships and shared history. Like some other brilliant minds within the political family, I believed that our collective vision for development, institutional reform, and people-centered leadership would find greater expression in the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. Sadly, like Brutus, circumstances unfolded differently, and opportunities that seemed within reach were deferred, those who were the greatest beneficiaries of Sen. Nnamani’s quest for the reintegration of the Southeast to the center immediately developed dementia, forgot, and abandoned the New frontiers. A sad tale that is worth a page in my personal memoir.

Interestingly, i must say that one of the shocking public service lessons i learnt as H.E. Sen. Nnamani’s Chief of protocol came from witnessing firsthand the intensity of the political battles; the coordinated betrayals; demonic envy by those who would never meet you halfway in administrative competence and intellectual depth; and the calculated efforts by entrenched interests at home and abroad to undermine not only his political influence but also the aspirations of those of us who believed in progressive governance and transformative leadership. What was even more astonishing was that it came from those whose entire political and life’s success was primarily from Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani’s sheer benevolence. For the very few of us who served loyally within his political structure, those events did not merely alter political outcomes; they stalled personal political growth and denied exceptionally grounded, administrative, and intellectually driven individuals like myself opportunities in public service to deploy innovative ideas and implement practical initiatives capable of advancing our society for collective good.

Yes, unlike many, we are self-aware and know that the outcome of the serial betrayals in 2023 has cost Enugu state so much that only those of us who understood what was lost can put words together around it; for others who were driven by bitterness and youthful exuberance and do not understand the dynamics of Nigerian politics and the cost of building political alliances with others, “connecting Enugu to the center” has now become an amusing slogan instead of a true reflection in the lives of the young Enugu people like myself. Yet, even amid those challenges, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani’s steadfastness, strategic depth, and commitment to principle remained a source of inspiration and conviction. Indeed, it came with a cost that posterity will kindly vindicate.

History will remember Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani as a man who dared to challenge conventions and redefine governance through infrastructure, human capital development, and a political movement that transformed the landscape of Enugu State. At a time when many merely sought power, he sought to build structures, nurture talents, and create opportunities for a generation of political actors who would later become influential public leaders in their own right. He understands that political endorsement without character and the will of the people will lead to mass hysteria, and that's why he engaged the people directly. Sadly, one of the recurring tragedies of Nigerian politics is that beneficiaries often become antagonists. Many who rose through the ranks under his mentorship and who found relevance through his political platform, and many who enjoyed the benefits of his guidance, eventually turned against him through calculated betrayals, underhand dealings, and orchestrated gang-ups. Regardless, the teachings of history are evergreen: greatness is not measured by the number of enemies one acquires but by the impact one leaves behind.

Despite relentless attacks, political isolation attempts, revisionism, and coordinated efforts to erase his contributions, Senator Nnamani has remained resolute, standing, calm, cerebral, and unwavering. While others invested in political retribution, he invested in ideas. While others sought temporary victories, he built a legacy that continues to command attention and respect. His political journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and uncommon conviction. Only a handful of politicians in our contemporary political history have endured the level of opposition, misrepresentation, and betrayal that he has faced, yet few have remained as relevant, influential, and intellectually respected across generations.

Another key lesson in public service i learnt was at one of the Local Government collation centers, around 2:42 am on the morning of March 19th, 2023, as fellow party comrades and I kept vigil to monitor the result collation; beneficiaries of Sen. Nnamani’s benevolence as Governor, like hyenas, hovered around the center to ensure he did not return to the senate. The fear of a Chimaroke senate presidency was palpable and gripped them so much that one person unknowingly remarked and smirked, “Nwokea ga Achufukwa ayi na Enugwua ma okpatakwa senate presidency eka." (This man will exile us in this Enugu if he becomes the senate president.) Indeed, when a man fears the unknown, he becomes irrational, and it ultimately blurs good judgment. They are all in APC today, pretending to be Tinubu’s bread and butter, whereas when it mattered, they betrayed and looked away. it was hate for Tinubu and fear of the unknown that motivated much of the sabotage. History is ultimately the greatest teacher, my mother C.C. Nnamani would say.

Sen. Nnamani has remained a leader whose legacy has seen attacks by those who struggled to match his public service record. It’s funny because why does he frighten them even in absence and deafening silence? Is it because he represents a rare breed of leaders who think beyond election cycles, and he has demonstrated that political leadership requires vision, courage, and the capacity to build enduring institutions? He is not perfect, and no man is; after all, he without sin should cast the first stone.

Today, we celebrate his contributions to democratic development, political mentoring, and governance that cannot be erased by propaganda or political 'konakona.Most importantly for me as his mentee, i am thankful for the opportunity of service and grateful for his mentorship. It is morning yet on the creation day, and yes, I have implicit trust and confidence that the mercies of El Roi will prevail in God's time, for i have a date with destiny that will come. Onyemaechi!

His place in history is assured because history is written by facts, not emotions; by achievements, not conspiracies; and by legacy, not noise. 'Chiboy,' as he is fondly called, marks another year today, admirers and all who appreciate your contributions celebrate a life of impactful service, resilience, and political significance. The storms came, the betrayals came, the gang-ups came, but your place in history remains secure.

May God grant you continued strength, good health, wisdom, and many more years to contribute to the advancement of our democracy and the development of our nation.

66th, Happy cheers, Ebeano! Wata be Elizabeth Wachi Nnamani!

History remembers your life of service and impact.

Josiah Nnamani, M.A. Nig.

Writes from Amakpu Agbani.