BEHOLD, IKEMBA THE EDEMITE FROM THE WEST COMETH~By:Chief. Silas Ifeanyi, (Baba Edem)

And it came to pass that after many years, the people of Edem cried unto heaven, for their voice had not been heard in the councils of power.

Yet Edem murmured not against her neighbours, for through the years, she had walked with them, rejoiced with them, voted with them, and supported their sons and daughters in seasons of election.

And, the Lord looked upon the land and said, "The time hath come, not for division, but for renewal."

Therefore, He stirred the heart of Hilary, called Ikemba, the son of Onyishi, the Edemite from the West, who had sojourned in a far country and prospered therein.

For he was not driven by hunger, neither was he compelled by want.

Neither sought he public office for gain.

For he had laboured with his hands, excelled among men, and received honour in his profession as an engineer.

Yet when the call of the people became great, he arose and returned unto the land of his fathers.

Now let no man say, "This matter concerneth Edem alone."

For the sun shineth not upon one village only.

Neither doth the rain choose one roof above another.

For if Ikemba be sent forth, he shall bear the hopes of all the thirty and six wards of Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South.

He shall represent the farmer in the field and the trader in the market;

The teacher in the classroom and the artisan at his labour;

The youth seeking opportunity and the elder seeking peace.

For leadership is not given unto a man for his kindred alone but for all who place their trust in him.

Therefore, let us consider not whence he cometh, but what he bringeth.

Let us consider his character, his works and

 experience among the nations.

Let us consider the vigour of his youth and the testimony that followeth him.

For next year, the people shall speak.

And when that day cometh, let us choose not according to tribe, nor according to familiar faces, nor according to empty promises.

But let us choose according to vision, capacity, integrity, and a sincere desire to serve.

For blessed are the people whose leaders seek service above gain and duty above personal glory.

And if it be the will of the people, Hilary, the son of Onyishi, the Edemite from the West, shall go forth not as the candidate of one community, but as a servant of the whole constituency.

And all the people said:

"Let righteousness arise in our land.

Let good leadership be established in our gates.

Let the people prosper.

And let the constituency be blessed.

Amen.