BETHEL AMADI AT 50
Bethel Amadi At 50
By Kingsley Okere
Quintessential politician and legislator of immeasurable order, Rt. Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, clocks the golden age of 50 today, April 25, 2014. Born on April 25, 1964 in Owerri to the family of Eugene and Comfort Amadi of Amii Akabo in the Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, young Bethel attended Federal Government College, Warri from 1976 to 1981 before proceeding to read Law at the University of Jos between 1981 and 1985.
After passing out from the Nigerian Law School in 1986, he proceeded for his National Youths Service (NYSC) at Mamman Ousman & Co and later at Agbo Madaki & Co both in Makurdi, Benue state. On completion of the NYSC, he secured employment as Legal/Administrative officer with Christaben Group Ltd, Kaduna, an Engineering and Industrial Procurement Company in 1987 and later became the company’s secretary.
His excellent performance led the management of the company to elevate him to the position of Export Manager (Africa/Middle East) for Deancross (UK) Ltd London, the offshore subsidiary of Christaben Group Limited. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Executive Director (operations) with the specific responsibility of overseeing, planning and developing the Group’s operations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In November 1991, Bethel was appointed the Acting General Manager of Hunting Oilfield Services (Nigeria) Ltd, a Joint Venture between Hunting Plc of UK and Christeben Group. But inspite of the exciting and fulfilling career in the oil and gas industry, Hon. Amadi’s passion for his chosen profession continued to grow.
Thus in January 1993, he left Christaben Group Ltd to join Hallmanus Legal practitioners as one of the founding partners. Still, his flair for entrepreneurship again drove him to nurture and chair other organization such as Akabb Technologies Limited, an Environmental and Laboratories services company, Petro Field Limited, a PortHarcourt-based petroleum engineering and oil services company and Alfa Field Limited, a Lagos-based pharmaceutical and chemical company. In March 2000, Amadi was appointed the Managing Consultant and Member of Board of Directors of Bendel Insurance Plc. There, he provided a turnaround management coupled with strategic and operational planning and implementation.
It was with such a robust background in the private sector, particularly in the very intricate oil and gas industry, that Barrister Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi took a shot at politics in 2003. Although he was not altogether a green horn in politics, having been a strong student union activist in his undergraduate days, Barrister Amadi’s earlier exposure in the private sector, coupled with an uncommon level headedness made him an easy sell to his people in the Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency of Imo state. They overwhelmingly gave him their mandate in 2003 to represent then at the Federal House of Representatives.
Once there at the House of Representatives, it was not difficult for his colleagues from Imo state to recognize his leadership qualities and they promptly elected him their caucus leader; and later in 2007, he became the majority chief whip. On the whole, Hon. Amadi is an intellectual power house in the House. He has served as an arrowhead for many retreats and seminars, aimed at enhancing capacity of members of the House. Known for his creativity, political savvy and reputation for top performance, Hon. Amadi inspires the respect and trust of his colleagues. His exemplary leadership skills have led to his appointment to several committees in the House, among which are, chairman, subcommittee on NAPIMS of the Petroleum Resources committee; chairman, Immigration subcommittee of the committee on Internal Affairs; chairman, Inter-Parliamentary committee on Loans, Aids and Debt Management as well as committee on population and co-operation and integration in Africa. He has also served as member to the following House Committees: Committee on Finance, Foreign Affairs, Inter Parliamentary Relations, Special Duties, Public service matters, Federal Character Commission among others.
But perhaps where the House got the best of Hon. Amadi’s astute administrative abilities was in his capacity as the chairman of the very crucial Aviation Committee in which he served between 2008 and 2011. On that assignment, Hon. Amadi brought in a framework that made safety and security the thrust of the reformation in the aviation industry that was just being initiated by the Federal Government.
Back home at his constituency, Hon. Bethel Amadi has given quality representation to his constituents through creative programmes that have put his people well ahead of others in sundry areas. As early as during his first term, he establish the Bethel Amadi Foundation (BAF) which provides scholarship as well as academic excellence awards to students in all the 38 secondary schools in his constituency. Outside his immediate constituency, Hon. Amadi is the founder and co-ordinator of Legislative Initiative For Education (LIFE), a group of legislators championing the reform of Nigeria’s educational system. After his re-election for a second term in 2007, Hon. Amadi began the construction of prototype five-room classroom blocks in secondary schools in his constituency. He also set up co-operative societies through which he provided interest–free loans to farmers in the area. Within the same period, he was appointed a member of the Pan-African Parliament and on May 28 2009, Hon. Bethel Amadi was elected the First Vice President of the Pan African Parliament. Hon. Amadi was re-elected for a records third term to the House of Representatives in April 2011 and again on May 28, 2012, he was finally elected President of the Pan African Parliament, a position he holds till now.
It is tempting for his critics to argue that leadership of the Pan African Parliament brings no direct benefit to his state let alone his constituency. But that is both fallacious and a presumptuous display of crass lack of grasp of issues. On the contrary, Hon. Amadi’s leadership of the Pan African Parliament not only makes his credentials one of the most intimidating but has also brought both attention and benefits to Nigeria which, despite all odds, is the leading nation in Africa. Amadi’s election as President of the body came at a very critical period in the history of the African Union. Today, the parliament is transforming from a mere consultative and advisory arm of the AU to a legislative body in clearly defined areas as envisaged under Article 2 (3) of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community signed in Abuja in 1991.
As President, Hon. Amadi, has taken special interest in this transformation because he believes that a Pan African Parliament with legislative powers will strengthen the continent’s democratic institutions, promote continental integration and boost intra Africa trade. In that capacity, Amadi has also tried to ensure that the Parliament seeks for speedy ratification and subsequent domestication of legal instruments that relate to democracy, good governance and fundamental human rights. At a time when the world has been reduced to one global square, it goes without saying that Nigeria stands to benefits most from such changes especially against the backdrop of the perennial setbacks suffered by the country in the quest for true democracy and good governance.
Today, however, Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi is not just known as a third-time federal legislature and president of such an important international body but also, and perhaps more importantly, as a foremost governorship aspirant in his native Imo state. Needless to say, his very robust grounding, from the private sector through legislative exposures of an international dimension, puts him well ahead of other aspirants. When this is put side by side with his widely acknowledged comportment that at once depicts him as a humble, level headed and down-to-earth personality, Hon. Amadi’s appeal as a governorship material resonates the length and breadth of the state.
To be sure, there are a few other aspirants, especially from his native Owerri zone, which is favoured to produce the next governor, that also possess impressive credentials. Still, Hon. Amadi stands out as the only one with a deep grounding in the private sector of the national economy. Needless to say, his exposure in the private sector certainly provides him with an ambience for a better grasp of issues especially as they affect how to stand the economy of the state on a good stead.
Beyond politics, however, Rt. Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka is a good community leader, a good family man; especially a good husband and father. Married to Barrister Mabel Amadi and blessed with three children, Hon. Amadi loves playing chess though with good passion for football and reading. An otherwise quite operator, Amadi’s guber aspiration has smoked him out. Today, the refrain in several quarters is, where has Bethel Amadi been?:Another way of expressing the big surprise that goes with the realization that there exists in the state such a quintessential personality, occupying a most prestigious top job in the whole of Africa and yet has remained self effacing, unassuming and incredibly modest. Maybe the good people of Imo have just discovered a spectacle that they will be made to behold more closely in the years to come. This is wishing Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi happy birthday anniversary and many more years of active service to God and humanity.
By Kingsley Okere
Quintessential politician and legislator of immeasurable order, Rt. Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, clocks the golden age of 50 today, April 25, 2014. Born on April 25, 1964 in Owerri to the family of Eugene and Comfort Amadi of Amii Akabo in the Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, young Bethel attended Federal Government College, Warri from 1976 to 1981 before proceeding to read Law at the University of Jos between 1981 and 1985.
After passing out from the Nigerian Law School in 1986, he proceeded for his National Youths Service (NYSC) at Mamman Ousman & Co and later at Agbo Madaki & Co both in Makurdi, Benue state. On completion of the NYSC, he secured employment as Legal/Administrative officer with Christaben Group Ltd, Kaduna, an Engineering and Industrial Procurement Company in 1987 and later became the company’s secretary.
His excellent performance led the management of the company to elevate him to the position of Export Manager (Africa/Middle East) for Deancross (UK) Ltd London, the offshore subsidiary of Christaben Group Limited. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Executive Director (operations) with the specific responsibility of overseeing, planning and developing the Group’s operations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In November 1991, Bethel was appointed the Acting General Manager of Hunting Oilfield Services (Nigeria) Ltd, a Joint Venture between Hunting Plc of UK and Christeben Group. But inspite of the exciting and fulfilling career in the oil and gas industry, Hon. Amadi’s passion for his chosen profession continued to grow.
Thus in January 1993, he left Christaben Group Ltd to join Hallmanus Legal practitioners as one of the founding partners. Still, his flair for entrepreneurship again drove him to nurture and chair other organization such as Akabb Technologies Limited, an Environmental and Laboratories services company, Petro Field Limited, a PortHarcourt-based petroleum engineering and oil services company and Alfa Field Limited, a Lagos-based pharmaceutical and chemical company. In March 2000, Amadi was appointed the Managing Consultant and Member of Board of Directors of Bendel Insurance Plc. There, he provided a turnaround management coupled with strategic and operational planning and implementation.
It was with such a robust background in the private sector, particularly in the very intricate oil and gas industry, that Barrister Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi took a shot at politics in 2003. Although he was not altogether a green horn in politics, having been a strong student union activist in his undergraduate days, Barrister Amadi’s earlier exposure in the private sector, coupled with an uncommon level headedness made him an easy sell to his people in the Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency of Imo state. They overwhelmingly gave him their mandate in 2003 to represent then at the Federal House of Representatives.
Once there at the House of Representatives, it was not difficult for his colleagues from Imo state to recognize his leadership qualities and they promptly elected him their caucus leader; and later in 2007, he became the majority chief whip. On the whole, Hon. Amadi is an intellectual power house in the House. He has served as an arrowhead for many retreats and seminars, aimed at enhancing capacity of members of the House. Known for his creativity, political savvy and reputation for top performance, Hon. Amadi inspires the respect and trust of his colleagues. His exemplary leadership skills have led to his appointment to several committees in the House, among which are, chairman, subcommittee on NAPIMS of the Petroleum Resources committee; chairman, Immigration subcommittee of the committee on Internal Affairs; chairman, Inter-Parliamentary committee on Loans, Aids and Debt Management as well as committee on population and co-operation and integration in Africa. He has also served as member to the following House Committees: Committee on Finance, Foreign Affairs, Inter Parliamentary Relations, Special Duties, Public service matters, Federal Character Commission among others.
But perhaps where the House got the best of Hon. Amadi’s astute administrative abilities was in his capacity as the chairman of the very crucial Aviation Committee in which he served between 2008 and 2011. On that assignment, Hon. Amadi brought in a framework that made safety and security the thrust of the reformation in the aviation industry that was just being initiated by the Federal Government.
Back home at his constituency, Hon. Bethel Amadi has given quality representation to his constituents through creative programmes that have put his people well ahead of others in sundry areas. As early as during his first term, he establish the Bethel Amadi Foundation (BAF) which provides scholarship as well as academic excellence awards to students in all the 38 secondary schools in his constituency. Outside his immediate constituency, Hon. Amadi is the founder and co-ordinator of Legislative Initiative For Education (LIFE), a group of legislators championing the reform of Nigeria’s educational system. After his re-election for a second term in 2007, Hon. Amadi began the construction of prototype five-room classroom blocks in secondary schools in his constituency. He also set up co-operative societies through which he provided interest–free loans to farmers in the area. Within the same period, he was appointed a member of the Pan-African Parliament and on May 28 2009, Hon. Bethel Amadi was elected the First Vice President of the Pan African Parliament. Hon. Amadi was re-elected for a records third term to the House of Representatives in April 2011 and again on May 28, 2012, he was finally elected President of the Pan African Parliament, a position he holds till now.
It is tempting for his critics to argue that leadership of the Pan African Parliament brings no direct benefit to his state let alone his constituency. But that is both fallacious and a presumptuous display of crass lack of grasp of issues. On the contrary, Hon. Amadi’s leadership of the Pan African Parliament not only makes his credentials one of the most intimidating but has also brought both attention and benefits to Nigeria which, despite all odds, is the leading nation in Africa. Amadi’s election as President of the body came at a very critical period in the history of the African Union. Today, the parliament is transforming from a mere consultative and advisory arm of the AU to a legislative body in clearly defined areas as envisaged under Article 2 (3) of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community signed in Abuja in 1991.
As President, Hon. Amadi, has taken special interest in this transformation because he believes that a Pan African Parliament with legislative powers will strengthen the continent’s democratic institutions, promote continental integration and boost intra Africa trade. In that capacity, Amadi has also tried to ensure that the Parliament seeks for speedy ratification and subsequent domestication of legal instruments that relate to democracy, good governance and fundamental human rights. At a time when the world has been reduced to one global square, it goes without saying that Nigeria stands to benefits most from such changes especially against the backdrop of the perennial setbacks suffered by the country in the quest for true democracy and good governance.
Today, however, Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi is not just known as a third-time federal legislature and president of such an important international body but also, and perhaps more importantly, as a foremost governorship aspirant in his native Imo state. Needless to say, his very robust grounding, from the private sector through legislative exposures of an international dimension, puts him well ahead of other aspirants. When this is put side by side with his widely acknowledged comportment that at once depicts him as a humble, level headed and down-to-earth personality, Hon. Amadi’s appeal as a governorship material resonates the length and breadth of the state.
To be sure, there are a few other aspirants, especially from his native Owerri zone, which is favoured to produce the next governor, that also possess impressive credentials. Still, Hon. Amadi stands out as the only one with a deep grounding in the private sector of the national economy. Needless to say, his exposure in the private sector certainly provides him with an ambience for a better grasp of issues especially as they affect how to stand the economy of the state on a good stead.
Beyond politics, however, Rt. Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka is a good community leader, a good family man; especially a good husband and father. Married to Barrister Mabel Amadi and blessed with three children, Hon. Amadi loves playing chess though with good passion for football and reading. An otherwise quite operator, Amadi’s guber aspiration has smoked him out. Today, the refrain in several quarters is, where has Bethel Amadi been?:Another way of expressing the big surprise that goes with the realization that there exists in the state such a quintessential personality, occupying a most prestigious top job in the whole of Africa and yet has remained self effacing, unassuming and incredibly modest. Maybe the good people of Imo have just discovered a spectacle that they will be made to behold more closely in the years to come. This is wishing Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi happy birthday anniversary and many more years of active service to God and humanity.
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