Umahi’s Postulations: Projecting A Modern Era Nebuchadnezzar As Jagaban -By Richard Odusanya

Let me begin with the profound words of Heywood “Woody” Allen; an American filmmaker, actor, and comedian whose career spans more than six decades. Several years ago, Woody Allen began a commencement address with this observation: “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction.

Allen continued, let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” Although said with his typical humor, Allen’s observation captures the despair that many today feel in the present situation of our beloved country Nigeria. Whether through personal tragedies or general feelings of hopelessness among others, the end, many feel, is right around the corner. Fears of the future loom large while hope wane. Worst of all the feelings of marginalization by our brothers and sisters particularly from the Igbo nation of the Eastern region.

However, our God is merciful, and purposeful, weaving His authoritative hand throughout all of human history, including the life of this storied Babylonian king. Nebuchadnezzar’s path crossed both the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah in his lifetime, both of who carried important messages for God’s people about the New Covenant (the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ). Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams also had many correlations to the book of Revelation, later penned by the apostle John.

Although, I’ve been very careful not to underestimate the capacity of an average Nigerian, particularly the political class in issues that undermines the interest of the generalities, unbridled mindset, opportunism, and mischief. However, I was shocked this morning watching channels TV live program with David Nweze Umahi the current Governor of Ebonyi State and Senator-elect. So much so, that while trying to bootlick, and justify the interference and desecration of the yet-to-be-inaugurated 10th NASS by a President-elect Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It is instructive that, David Umahi is a sitting governor from the eastern region where agitations across the Igbo-nation is at their peak. At that point, I experienced unexplainable shock, I was wondering what kind of human being that will be willing to sacrifice a whole race for his personal aggrandizement and benefits. He described the President-elect as a “KING” whose words must not fall to the ground.

The first question on my mind is can it be that Umahi is projecting Jagaban as the modern era Nebuchadnezzar different from the Asíwájú Bola Tinubu of 1992 who as a Senator-elect joined his colleagues to assert the independence of the NASS in the third republic leading to the emergence of Senate President Iyorchia Ayu? Secondly, could it be a case of a new set of “Cabals” trying to hijack power as posited by the governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN?

Furthermore, David Umahi and the so-called new “Cabals” may be unmindful of the mood of the nation and that of the international community as exemplified by the statement concerning the fragility of our democracy:

“The democracy of Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, and the world cannot afford to ignore it any longer. The recent elections in Nigeria have been marred by violence, hate speech, ethnic slurs, and brutal killings, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. The Nigerian people have been robbed of their voice and their vote, and their leaders have failed them miserably.

The United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for their role in undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle. These individuals have been involved in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.

We have imposed visa restrictions on specific individuals who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. We remain committed to supporting Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and rule of law.” — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 15, 2023

This existential truth about the fragility of our beloved country Nigeria is a serious concern that we can not afford to joke with. It is honourable to admit a mistake and reverse for the sake of Nigeria’s unity, rather than stick sturbornly to a decision capable of disrupting the peace of Nigeria. Hence, it is highly imperative that a senator-elect and a sitting governor should be discouraged from anti-democratic tendencies that signposts danger and an aberration particularly as related to an independent arm of government (Parliament), which the President-elect himself has championed in time past.

Richard Odusanya
Mind Restructuring Enthusiast.