By Ifeoma Ejiofor
The former SA to the Anambra State Governor on Information, Communication, and Strategy, Barr Johnmary Akachukwu Maduakolam, has explained why he kept the appointment and how he spent the proceeds from the office.
Barr Maduakolam who actually resigned his appointment in pursuance of his ambition to represent Ihiala federal constituency in the green chamber of the National Assembly before the termination of the appointment of political appointtees said that the claims in some quarters that he won’t be able to make democracy dividends to his constituents is misplaced.
“Our attention has been drawn to the circular signifying the termination of the appointments of numerous aides appointed by the Obiano-led Administration with the worry expressed by our teaming supporters that the termination will affect the intervention of our principal, Chief JOhnmary Akachukwu Maduakolam in delivering dividends of democracy.
“We wish to place on record that our principal has long resigned as an appointee and has articulated his intervention for the edification of his supporters .
“For me, the joy with which I accepted the appointment quickly died down when I found out that there was no official assignment attached to it. I knew I didn’t earn the money and was in dilemma as to what to do in the circumstance. However, it was the wife of the governor, Osodieme, who reaffirmed my believe in the fact that the money is not for me. She stressed that the government sought to use the appointees to affect people who would otherwise not have contact with the administration.” The UK trained lawyer explained.
Barr Maduakolam who expressed his appreciation to Gov Willie Obiano for the appointment said that he therefore resolved to spend the money on the people of his constituency.
The legal luminary in an uncommon demonstration of transparency alien to politicians tendered account of how he spent the proceeds from the appointment on sixteen critical needs of his constituents.
He said “I hosted JAMIE Secondary School Debate 2019. Scholarships were given to winners of different categories, purchased a children’s swing “Janglover” for 2 primary schools in Azia, two months salary donated to victims of 3rd Feb., 2021, church massacre in Azia, invested six months salary in an Anti-Bet Campaign to discourage young people from gambling addiction and installed solar-powered lights at Obom Market Square.”
“Also provided 100 cartons of indomie noodles during covid 19 sit-at-home as palliative, invested in young talents by publishing adapted Delf 1 French Textbook, provided steady water supply to Azia Police Station, completed with his friends, a 4-bedroom bungalow for Mrs Augustina Nwangwu Orji in Abam Azia, distributed 2000 plantain seedlings to women in Ihiala LGA.
“I paid 50% fee for Training of 20 Students in Programming, Graphics and Coding at Dimconnect Uli in 2020, sponsored 5 Ihiala Youths to TedxIkenegbu 2020, sponsored 10 Ihiala Youths to SMFest Owerri 2021, donated 5 recorders (musical instruments) to Mother Offiah Memorialh Secondary School Azia, sponsored NYSC Ihiala Charity Community Development Service Outing 2022 and augments monthly, salary of teachers for Mother Offiah Memorial Nursery and Primary School Ugwuobi Azia.”