OKUAMA: A Tale of Humiliation in Victory

The release of the king of Ewu kingdom, ostensibly a moment of triumph, instead cast a shadow of humiliation over the people, revealing deep-seated power dynamics and a lack of respect for traditional authority.

Upon his release, the Eghwu monarch found himself subjected to conditions reminiscent of a common criminal, forced to comply with absurd stipulations that demeaned his royal status. He was released on the condition that he would be available to answer questions whenever demanded. This treatment, akin to stripping him of his sovereignty, raised questions about the military's accountability and the monarch's culpability in matters beyond his control.

The indignities did not end there. Even the Executive Governor, entrusted with the welfare of his state, was reduced to a pawn in the military's game, constrained in his movements and restricted in his expressions. His visit to the ravaged community of Okuama was orchestrated under military supervision, his actions and words meticulously controlled to avoid any semblance of criticism towards the military.

This orchestrated display of power dynamics underscores a grim reality: the Niger Delta peoples remain subjugated by the Nigerian State, their territories and resources exploited without regard for their dignity or well-being.

In response to the plight of the Okuama people, the Governor hastily established an Internally Displaced Persons Committee, perhaps as a token gesture to appease public outcry. However, the true test of government commitment lies in its efforts to rebuild Okuama, restoring not just its physical infrastructure but also its sense of community and identity.

Anything short of a comprehensive reconstruction effort would be a betrayal of trust and a further indignity to the resilient people of Okuama. As their cries echo through the wilderness, it is incumbent upon the government to act with integrity and compassion, recognizing that true victory lies not in power and control, but in justice and dignity for all.

Extracts from "OKUAMA: Humiliated in Victory" by Emmanuel Ogheneochuko Arodovwe

Comments

EDO GUBER ELECTION: Omo-Agege, Faith Majemite, Others Appointed Into APC National Campaign Council

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled a 197-member council on Wednesday to lead its campaign. According to the list released by APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has been appointed as the chairman of the campaign council. Governor Otu will be supported by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda as co-chairman and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole as deputy chairman. Other members of the 197-member team include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who will serve as Assistant Secretary; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Hon. Faith Majemite; and other governors elected on the APC platform. The recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, who recently defecte...

IBORI PARDON IN SIGHT? FG Inaugurates Presidential Committee On Prerogative of Mercy

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), tasked with recommending individuals eligible for presidential pardons from criminal convictions. The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, was inaugurated on Wednesday. It has a four-year tenure and includes members drawn from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives from religious bodies and four eminent Nigerians. Among the notable appointees are Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), and Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya. The Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Governmental Affairs will also serve as a key member, while the director for special duties and intergovernmental affairs will act as the committee’s secretary. During the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)...

OBOREVWORI: How Not To Glorify A 'One Chance' Governor - By Zik Gbemre

It is appalling how, in desperation to sustain its thieving hegemony over the Delta State Government since 1999, the Delta PDP had the audacity to impose the weakest, most uninformed contender, a local champion, as Governor over a state replete with accomplished men and women of immense capacity. Given this unenviable privilege, one would have expected the fortunate placeholder governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—whose only election campaign manifesto was pledging to improve on the failed leadership of Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor—to engage creative minds and individuals of proven integrity to assist him in making a difference. Rather than doing the needful, Oborevwori has worsened matters by electing to engage the same spent leaders, deadwood, and gluttons that have gained prominence in running the state down over successive administrations. The result has been a government of mediocre officeholders competing to run the state for their pockets at the detriment of the populace, under a gove...

Innocent Ojefia Blog

Search This Blog