EBIE: THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, BY CHIDIMMA PROMISE NWANKWO

The phrase “the stone which the builders rejected” is a Biblical metaphor, specifically from Psalm 118:22, used to describe Jesus Christ, who was initially rejected by religious leaders of his time but later became the cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan for mankind.

In the context of ancient building practices, builders would carefully select stones for their projects, and any stone that did not meet their standards would be discarded. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of his time, the “builders” of the Jewish faith, who did not recognize him as the Messiah. However, despite his rejection, Jesus became the cornerstone, the most important stone in the structure of God’s plan for salvation, which is a central theme in Christianity. This phrase is also found in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:7.

With the above highlighted, another point that must not be overlooked so that readers will not accuse the author of blasphemy, is the fact that Mr. Chiedu Ebie is not by any means Jesus Christ and neither this piece nor author ascribed such position, status or role to him.

However, looking at his odyssey particularly in public offices or positions, it becomes not only evident but compelling to characterize his experience with; “the stone which the builders rejected”.

The facts are there and speak for it.

After 22 years of legal practice in the private sector, he transformed to the public sector with his appointment into the Delta State Government as a member of the State Executive Council and Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education. While serving in this capacity between July 2015 to May 2019, he ensured significant reforms and improvements to bear in the primary and secondary educational sector of Delta State.

On the 3rd of June, 2019, Chiedu in a similar vein transformed to the position of Secretary to the Delta State Government. Alluding to his strong qualities and dedication to serve, during his inauguration as SSG, the then Delta state Governor made the following statement about him; “Mr. Ebie is a fine gentleman who served meritoriously as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the first tenure of this administration. His civility, analytical depth, communication skills and diligence are essential qualities needed for the office of the Secretary to the State Government. In addition to these, modern statecraft, with all its complexities and challenges, requires team players, proactive leaders and men with a large appetite for work. Mr. Ebie meets these criteria and I am convinced he is well equipped to enrich the social, political and economic narrative of our dear State”.

As envisaged by the then Governor, Ebie went on to distinguished himself as Secretary to the State Government, performing superlatively to the admiration of his principal and Deltans.

But to the greatest surprise of all stakeholders, he was on the 18th of May, 2021, for yet to be identified reasons, removed from office despite showings of excellent performance in both positions held. Following his disengagement from the Delta State Government, Chiedu returned to the private sector while remaining actively involved in politics.

Before the dust raised by his removal could settle, another was up as Mr. Ebie was again in 2023, accused of, and suspended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for an unsubstantiated charges of anti party activities.

In the face of these persecutions, harassments and deprivations, he remained calm and calculative. Most importantly, it is believed that it was within that same time that he took a well considered step of joining the All-Progressive Congress, APC.*

The rest they say is history as the same man that was rejected has not only emerged the Chairman, Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) but also gone ahead to become the rallying point of Ika politics, redefining governance, promoting democratized infrastructural provisions in the twin local government areas that form Ika Federal Constituency while preaching peace and harmony in Ika nation.

To God be the glory!