Most people look forward to bedtime with a single thing in mind and for a simple reason. After a hectic day, it is only natural that they take a deserved rest in blissful snooze. So it was for me yesterday, but alas, sleep was as distant from me as the North Pole is from the South Pole and this because the words of a Governor in a Nigerian State stung at my heart in ways that would make a bee go green with envy.
At the point where Adams Oshiomhole asked an apparently helpless woman on the streets of Benin-City ”you are a widow?”, l personally had expected that the Edo State helmsman who is fondly referred to as the Comrade Governor due to his penchant for fighting the cause of the poor as then President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, would have used that moment of truth to score another political point. But l was in for a shocker. He rapidly followed that question with a statement that should rank as the most callously insensitive statement voiced by a serving elected government official; ‘‘GO AND DIE!!!”. The venomous tone with which he spewed out the words accentuated the disdain, disgust and obvious irritation he felt towards the woman who whilst kneeling in complete supplication wept profusely, begging for mercy.
It is almost irrelevant at this point what the woman’s crime was, but the fact remains that as Governor, Oshiomhole has no right whatsoever on the surface of the earth to utter such public pronouncements and in the process create a downright shameful spectacle. To put this ugly situation in proper perspective, it is necessary to consider the following: Edo State is widely recognized as the human trafficking capital of Nigeria; where parents ship off their daughters to Europe to begin a ”fledging” career in prostitution as a means of financial liberty. This woman probably has a daughter who she could easily have sent to any of these European destinations but settled for petty trading. The fact that she has lost a husband who may have provided for her and kept her off the streets trading should also not be lost on us. More ironic, is the fact that she may have been one of the many Edolites who thronged out, waiting in the blistering sunshine to cast their votes for the Comrade Governor. She may have also done the etighi in celebration when he emerged victorious. You can now see the paradoxes. It is very unfortunate that a man who hitherto was a campaigner for the down trodden would suddenly transmute to championing the treading of those who are down. How do you then explain this somewhat inexplicable change in circumstances? Michelle Obama, the delectable US first lady gave an insight when she said ”Power does not change who you are, it reveals who you are”. Maybe, to our consternation the real Adams Oshiomhole is being revealed before our very eyes but it is not a pretty sight.
Recall that a few months ago, Oshiomhole had thoroughly embarrassed a female teacher on national television. This latest show of shame which is worthy of a Golden Raspberry award it must be said, would in any civilized society put a final nail in his political career. But not in my dear country Nigeria. Gordon Brown, the former British Prime Minister had in 2010 referred to 65 year old Gillian Duffy, a labour party supporter who had heckled him repeatedly on a live TV interview as ”bigoted”. Unknown to him, his mic was still on after the interview at the time and it was an embarrassed Brown who personally called Gillian on the phone to apologise for his indiscretion and followed that up by visiting her at her home. In spite of his efforts to make amends, Brown was to find out the extent of this damage at the polls weeks later.
Our supposed elected officers hardly descend from the high horses they jaunt with gusto, to connect with the people they govern. On the exceptional occasion when they do, like Oshiomhole has proficiently shown, they stifle the little liberty we have, degrading our very essence and plummeting our self-esteem to ignoble levels. It would seem that juxtaposed against the famous I-don’t-give-a-damn posture of President Jonathan, Oshiomhole has actually taken executive tomfoolery to new Olympian heights. To think that the comrade ”gentleman” is the poster boy Governor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaves so much room for thought.
Unfortunately, some citizens have decided to chase shadows while leaving the substance of this issue. Monies are being crowd sourced as at the time of going to press with the sole purpose of ”changing” the widow’s life. We need to realise that this is not about money. All the money in the world would not buy that woman’s dignity that has been so badly battered and bruised. She could have been any one’s wife, mother, aunty or daughter. Don’t get me wrong, raising money for her in an effort to assist her financially is not in itself a bad thing but hey, in life there are things that are more important than money. It is therefore imperative that the cart is not placed before the horse. The Dino Melayes of this world who have elevated protestation to an art would do well to stand up and be counted at this point in time. This is one situation where such skills would be appreciated.
Governor Oshiomhole ought to be made to render an unreserved public apology to the widow as well as rehabilitate her for all it is worth. She does not deserve to ”go and die”. No, Oshiomhole’s executive powers are not omnipotent.
Charles Ohia is an Environmental Management researcher at the Sheffield Hallam University, UK. His tweet prints are visible on the handle @9jaBloke
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