Democracy Heroes: Between Humphrey Nwosu And Peter Obi -By Richard Odusanya

Let me begin with the title of a book “The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness” written by Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, Nigerian playwright and political activist who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. He sometimes wrote of modern West Africa in a satirical style, but his serious intent and his belief in the evils inherent in the exercise of power were usually evident in his work as well. Wole Soyinka, profoundly posited: “Memory is private property, It can’t be colonized, memory could be used to correct the lies of history” therefore, this contribution will focus on the idea of “The Burden of Memory” so as to prevent our citizens from feeding on ignorance and falsehood.

Professor Humphrey Nwosu. He was chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) appointed by President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). An office he held from 1989 to 1993. Nwosu conducted the 12 June 1993 election, which was seen as the freest and fairest election to date, in which Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), was presumed and subsequently confirmed to have won. Sadly, the election was annulled. General Ibrahim B. Babangida was President and Commander-in-Chief under whose watch this act against Nigerians was committed.

The foundation for the annulment of the June 12 presidential election of 1993 was laid less than 36 hours earlier before the election day. But the building blocks were assembled over several months by one Association for Better Nigeria, ABN, led by the late Francis Arthur Nzeribe and one Abimbola Davis. Painfully, Nwosu’s commission had earlier introduced the novel Option A4 voting system and the Open ballot system that was sabotaged. Nwosu had equally released many of the election results when he was ordered to stop further announcement by the military regime.

With such a courageous mind and a leading light with unquestionable grace from the Igbo-nation. If we’re truly in search of a man of strong character, Prof Humphrey Nwosu is obviously one of the right person from the Igbo extraction. Therefore, it is my considered opinion that a leader doesn’t exist in vacuum; he is as powerful as the patronage of the rest people and the system permits him. Our worldview needs to be in conformity with the changes and dynamics of the digital age. Persons with ultra-conservative views, have no business being leaders in today’s world, since they definitely cannot even imagine what tomorrow promises. Simply put, when you’ve got a man of impeccable character like Prof Humphrey Nwosu, why look for a smooth talker or magician packaged as a Messiah, if it is truly about the interest of the Igbo-nation?.

On the other hand, Peter Gregory Obi, is the direct opposite of the attributes of Humphrey Nwosu: as a trader, he was profiteering in finished products thereby killing our industries; as a top banker he was a replica of Godwin Emefiele and was fingered in many deals including the Pandora scam; as a governor in Anambra State as testified by his successors, he manipulated the system and use public fund millions of dollars for investment that he is an ‘interested’ character (family business of brewery); as a private sector operative, he was hobnobbing with undemocratic elements and lastly, as a candidate for labour party he supported Godwin Emefiele in his ignoble activities inflicting excruciating pains on our citizens.

Peter Obi, whose secret and illegal offshore activities PREMIUM TIMES reported in an ongoing Pandora Papers series was at a time summoned for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency – where then is the sainthood of Peter Obi as propagated by the religionists misrepresenting God? As a result of the many fake prophecies, I am tempted to believe that religion was created to control the minds of its adherents, so as to continue to manipulate and mislead the unsuspecting gullible followers excited about magic particularly the restive youths.

On a normal day, our citizens (Nigerians), are loving and have nothing against each other on issues of religion or tribe. As a big country, Nigeria is well endowed with both human and material resources, but, unfortunately, is largely divided along ethnic and religious lines. These twin problems of religion and ethnicity appear to be the mother of all cancerous problems in the land, causing anarchy and acrimony. Therefore, it has become imperative that as a nation destined for greatness we begin to avoid the pitfalls of the twin evils of ethnicity and religion.

In conclusion, I like to dedicate this contribution that focuses on our Democracy to the real heroes of Democracy, namely: Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) and his wife Kudirat, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, our current President, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Humphrey Nwosu, Wole Soyinka, Gani Fawehinmi, Ebitu Ekiwe, Ndubuisi Kanu, Frank Kokori, Ayo Opadokun, Col. Umar Dangiwa RTD, Femi Falana, Yele Sowore, Kunle Ajibade, Bagauda Kaltho and many other too numerous to mention. Finally, I like to place on record that the democracy Nigeria enjoys today did not come on a silver platter; some Nigerians fought for it. With their lives, blood, tears and freedom, these Nigerians gave their all to earn the country democratic liberty. NIGERIA WILL RISE AGAIN.

Richard Odusanya

Mind Restructuring Enthusiast.