ARTHUR NZERIBE: A TRIBUTE TO A PHILANTHROPIST

It was an Irish author who said: "If you get up and saw yourself surrounded by riches, you've not been sleeping". According to Worldcat.org publishers, ARTHUR NZERIBE had 13 works in 24 publications in 1 language and 193 library holdings. They were listed thus: Nigeria: the turning point: a charter for stability 1986 Nigeria: another hope betrayed: the second coming of the Nigerian military 1985/1994 Ndi Igbo and Obasanjo: a handshake across the Niger 2002 Nigeria I believe: a manifesto for the third Republic 1988 Nigeria: seven years after Shehu Shagari 1990 The anointed messiah: 3 misconceptions about the anointed messiahmessiah 2003 Ndi Igbo and Obasanjo: matters arising (ONE) 2003 Speech on the launching ceremony of a book entitled "Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, a patriotic leader of our people" - Chief Yomi Tokoya 1988 Ndi Igbo and Obasanjo: fallacy of the hatred theory 2002 ARTHUR NZERIBE for president 1992 Nigeria: the turning point: a starter for stability 1986 Nigeria: seven years after Shehu Shagari: Who next? What next? None of these books were sold to recover costs or gains; clear CSR projects and his contribution to humanity as a public servant, who served Imo west senatorial zone for a legendary five times. He wasn't perfect because he was mortal like every other person. This solemn comment is no set out to correct his mistakes or paint a picture of anyone else's perspective of the Oguta-born philantropist; but an attempt to place on record my brief encounter with the man as a political mentor. Though I read about him through media report I never met him in person until early in 1990 when we boarded Nigeria Airways flight. Abode the plane, before take-off while arranging luggages I called him 'senior' and greeted him. That was the beginning of further interactions that followed. Shortly after when I joined Social Democratic Party (SDP) he was to become more accessible to me as Councillorship candidate for my Ward. We had several visits to his Oguta Peace Haven home for political engagements and strategies. His political structure that attracted us was called 'Arthur Line Up' - you cannot fail! 'Arthur line up' was a guarantee that no other political structure could mow you down and so it was. The financial mussle behind the structure was FRANCIS ARTHUR NZERIBE (FAN) Foundation. This foundation supported and produced many astute politicians, especially in the South-East called CARIA, acronym for the 5 Ststes. His tutelage and mentorship gave me the confidence that was non-existent in me then as a young legal Practitioners. He taught us to believe that success is possible, just be prepared to achieve it. Don't think that failure is any where near you. In one of his last media interviews about 'success' before demise marveric Nzeribe replied: "So, how do you measure success? In the middle of that, I have run elections, where I adopted five different political parties, and each time I go to any political party, we win. How do you define a good politician other than the man who contests an election and wins?” From records he became a millionaire in more than one currency at 29 and never got government contracts but represented his Orlu constituency, some tenures without any emoluments. It was time to go and he did. From me Adieu. IKECHUKWU O. ODOEMELAM Esq is the Principal Partner at IKECHUKWU O. ODOEMELAM & CO, Law firm of Corporate Attorneys and Consultants. Engaged in litigation, ADR, investment, property, public interest and corporate practice