“Not even a thousand Chukwuma Soludos, not five thousand Orji Uzor Kalus and not a million Tinubu apologists would make it happen. That video also proved another thing – you can’t even buy those votes”.
BY SUNNY IGBOANUGO
I have just watched one of the funniest, if not the most exhilarating political developments in recent times. It had to do with Mao Ohuabunwa, Senator formerly representing Abia North at the National Assembly.
No doubt, fate – political fate seems to have dealt him a dirty hand. Recall that Mao, younger brother to Sam Ohuabunwa, one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists and former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), used to be one of the vibrant voices coming from the state.
That was before he was eclipsed, in a manner suggesting that there is hardly any room for escape when fate comes calling. Orji Uzor Kalu, has remained his nemesis, preventing him from advancing further in his career progression.
Quite unfortunate. But life happens, as we say here in our neck of woods. Who wouldn’t recall Professor Peller. He was the rave of the Nigerian entertainment industry at a time. His reign as a magician created some of the greatest, most breathtakingly, mind-blowing scenes.
Imagine having the ability to carve a woman into halves and couple the body back. That was one of his epic, stellar stunts with which he mesmerised his audience in those days. I used to watch him perform on television.
But here was what this same fate did to him! This celebrated stunt-master – real name – Moshood Abiola Peller chose to depart this earth on August 2, 1997. Now, there was nothing wrong with this date. But, fate – that decider of the fortunes and misfortunes of man, appeared from nowhere and claimed Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
On the same day! Haaah! Yes Prof. Peller was big. But Fela was phenomenon! The difference between the two is like St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Ikeja. That was how, instead of leaving mother-earth with the flourish, deservedly, the great Prof. departed, unknown – unsung – swallowed by the loud sorrow that descended the nation – nay Africa – nay the world! But I digress!
Not the same, but similar. OUK, has remained the agadagbachiriuzo – the modern-day albatross for the younger man. Without him, Mao, would have climbed the stairs of his hitherto bristling career, given the manner he buzzed into the political turf in his heydays. But that is fate!
That his last effort in 2023 ended up as futile as other attempts, where he claimed that the former governor twisted his hands and collected the trophy he won, appears to emphasise how hopeless his case seems to have become. That must have accounted for his obvious desperation.
Yes! Desperation with a big “D!” Else, what would make an experienced politician believe that he could pull off the type of political gimmick that he tried with his people in that video I watched?
Have you watched that video? Please do! It’s everywhere on the social media. It’s as hilarious as it is disturbing – hilarious because of the drama attached to it – disturbing because of the man involved, particularly the family he comes from. Who doesn’t know Sam Ohuabunwa, for his elevated moral standing in Nigeria today?
In 2008, Mao and I were together in Ghana. We both watched the pristine nature of that country’s electoral process during their presidential election of that year – he as part of a delegation of the National Assembly – me as a journalist. Both of us actually wept and bemoaned our fate as Nigerians after comparing what we witnessed with the variant back home.
So, how come? Fate! Desperation? Abdication of principles? Those were manifestly evident in that unholy move made by the Senator, which ended up busting up and splashing his face with the mud of shame. O! What shame it was!
I learnt it was his own show. He had gathered the crowd for a stakeholder’s meeting to promote another of his attempt for the Senate. He was actually doing well in selling himself. The crowd was actually cheering and egging him on. Until he came to that painful part – Tinubu!
Maybe he was carried away. Maybe he forgot the profile of his audience. Maybe he could not perceive the stench of the product he attempted to sell to the people? A Tinubu in Abia State, home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu?
A Tinubu in the South East, still holding the shortest end of the stick in Nigeria – taken to a higher ground from where Muhammadu Buhari stopped? Haba!
But whatever he forgot, he was reminded in the most unpretentious manner – oga, not here! Or how else, could anyone capture the scenario that played out. How could anyone come to the South East and tell them that the Presidency should remain in the South but fail to mention which part of the South?
Even the Master of Ceremonies, who compered the event – the man he would pay for his services – could not contain himself. “Oga, anyi ekweghi na nke a!” You know what it means? “Oga, we don’t agree in this one! Yes, we agree that the Igboman is a global citizen.
We sanction that unity of the Igbo is paramount. We adopt the Presidency must remain in the South East. But in this Tinubu matter – mba nu! It was a chorus from the entire crowd – not minding the rice and beer, plus the transport “thank you” they would miss!
Implications! That encounter foretells the size of the future – the only way Tinubu could secure 1,000 votes in Abia or 10,000 votes in the South East – is by stealing them. Reason: What Tinubu is holding belongs to Ndigbo.
More reason: Ndigbo believe in egbe bere, ugo bere – justice, equity and fair-play. That is the essence of their life. They say it in prayers daily – the life of the fish, the life of the river – may the river not dry and may the fish not die!
I don’t know whether Mao, was jolted back to his senses – you never know with politicians – desperate politicians. But if he did, I’m sure he must be reporting to Nyesom Wike, his man-Friday, who either sent him or at least was aware of that mission, today that in the South East – it’s a no-go area. He has evidence in that video to prove that he’s not making things up.
Not even a thousand Chukwuma Soludos, not five thousand Orji Uzor Kalus and not a million Tinubu apologists would make it happen. That video also proved another thing – you can’t even buy those votes. If you want them prepare to break the door with your legs.
That’s the only way – the way of thieves!
