By Chidi Ogbu
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. – Edmund Burke
The above quote, attributed to 18th century philosopher, Edmund Burke, succinctly captured the dilemma most electorate in Enugu North Senatorial Districts, are presented with, one year after the exit of Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, and the ascension to the Senate throne by Sen. Okey Ezea.
Regrettably, Senator Okey Ezea, just one year on, has symbolically defecated inside the church, and wickedly used sacred literature to clean his dirty anus.
But how on earth was he able to do that without attracting the wrath of religious zealots and angry laity? Apologies to the Catholics for borrowing their lexicon, but Edmund Burke, has an excellent answer to the above question, in the first paragraph.
Signing off a statement that kick-started the anniversary celebration of his victory at the poll by himself, signposts the importance he attached to the document, as well as the event being commemorated.
Alas, he threw caution to the wind by not itemizing his achievements within the said period.
It was the ancient man that popularized the saying about rat, which is reproduced in the quote below, “I will forgive you for killing me, but will not forgive you for parading my corps for everybody to see and laugh at me”.
Some angry constituent, has likened Sen Ezea statement to commemorate one year anniversary of his electoral victory, to ridiculing Enugu North Senatorial District and bringing its people to opprobrium and public shame.
One of such constituent, Mr. Onyemaechi Ezema, said that there is no better way to attract disgrace and shame to the people than what Sen. Ezea did with his inglorious statement.
“While other Senators are showcasing their achievements in office within the period under scrutiny, our own is celebrating nothingness on social media. Must we continue to be a laughing stock amongst other constituency in the state? Which other better way to tell the world that he has nothing to offer his people than this? If not how do we explain the decision to commemorate one year anniversary without pointing out one single achievement remarkable or otherwise within the period under review,” he further asked.
In the statement code named “First Anniversary of a People’s Revolution,”
Sen Ezea wrote, “Today marks the first anniversary of the seismic political revolution that culminated in my emergence as the Senator representing the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District at the 10th National Assembly. Today, one year ago, Nsukka people stepped out and with a singularity of purpose, allowed their ballot to speak positively in favour of our collective posterity. In all humility, this is a day that does not only remind me of the trust that was entrusted upon me by my people but also the irreparable debt that I owe my people for handing to me the torch of political, social, and economic liberation of our people”.
Interestingly, the liberator, through his proxy is busy giving reasons why he cannot attend to the needs of the electorate. The electorate has suddenly become irritants pestering around him in search of locusts and honey. He boldly argue through his supporters that as a first timer, he lacks the financial muzzle to soothe the pain of constituents in need.
He even noted that he is neither a principal officer, nor a committee chairman to enhance his financial capacity, to live up to the current demand of his office. How else can one announce to the world that he is not qualified for the responsibility bestowed on his shoulder.
Even Dangote, his supporters further argued lacks the financial muzzle to attend to all the Dick Thom and Harry pestering him for one help or the other.
He feels that only the President or State Governors, could shoulder such responsibility without going broke. Shamelessly, his supporters equally averred that the responsibility of a law maker is just to make law for the good governance of the nation as well as overnight functions.
Nevertheless, they deliberately went silent on the issue of constituency projects, which of course distinguishes Nigerian Parliament from others in Africa.
Continuing with his infamous anniversary statement, Sen. Ezea, said: “When we went out on that historic morning of February 25, 2023, I recall that our minds were set on an egalitarian revolution that would have ushered in a comprehensive political overhaul of our great country. But we must be thankful of our little victories and remain focused on the task ahead, which is still achievable if we retain the present unity of purpose. With a deep sense of humility, I appreciate the mandate that was freely and willingly given to me a year ago and remain unwavering in the commitment to work with you for a stronger, more united, and more emancipated Nsukka Zone. The battle ahead is quite enormous, but with God on our side, I reaffirm my determination to work toward a greater, more united, and politically emancipated Enugu North. I also promise to continue to put our people and their needs before anything and everything else”.
Unfortunately, the same man who promise to continue to put the people and their needs before anything and everything else, turns around through his aides to accuse the same people of beggarly behavior and pestering.
We challenge Sen Ezea to highlight his achievements within the period under review. One year is not one hour or one day or one week or one month. One year is enough time to achieve one thing that is worth applauding.
Sen. Ezea should do the right thing, attend to the needs of his constituents and stop bulk passing through third party watery advocacy.
Nevertheless, it is instructive at juncture, to look at his wrong conceptualization of the term revolution in the said empty statement.
In what way is the 2023 elections, in Enugu North Senatorial District, aligned with the term revolution? Assuming we even agree with his conceptualization without conceding, how has he used this revolution victory to better the life of constituents? How many communities have gotten potable water, or access roads, courtesy his constituency projects. How many have gotten federal government jobs within the time under review? What other thing has he done? Has he presented a single bill in the Senate? If yes, how does the bill benefit the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District? How many has he assisted education wise? What is the status of federal government approved palliative for the constituents in Enugu North? These piece of Information would add more value to the celebration than talking about imaginative revolution”.
Also, why is it that he deliberately refused to acknowledge those on whose back he climbed to power.
Regrettably, Sen. Ezea’s self centered nature did not allow him to appreciate these prominent characters that contributed in no small measure to his victory that he now describe as revolution.
By this we mean, Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, in the 2023 general elections – the man, on whose integrity and personality, the obedient movement was built. The Labour Party Governorship candidate in Enugu State, Hon. Chijoke Edoga, who lost his bid to Lion Building.
Sen Ezea, must call his media attack dogs to order. Describing the yearnings of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District as unrealistic expectations, will not deter them from seeking help from their representatives and at same time calling him to account. A word, our people say, is enough for the wise.
Ogbu writes from Edem Ani, in Nsukka local government areas of Enugu State
