If the great Olympian, Chioma Ajunwa had known that the mini Ahiazu Mbaise stadium named after her will be venue for politicians of Imo extraction engaging in indecent gestures and “mud game”, the senior police officer and notable sports woman would have objected to the recognition accorded to her by past Imo state government who appreciated her giant strides in the field of sports by naming the LGA sports arena after her.
Chioma Ajunwa is from Ogbe Nne Isii, Ahiara in Ahiazu LGA of Imo state where the Mini Stadium that served as the venue of the recently concluded annual Iriji Mbaise cultural festival is located.
In the last six days, the name, Chioma Ajunwa has been in the news for wrong reasons. Several years after the sports arena on Afor Oru-Aba Branch road was named after the 1996 long jump Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa Stadium, it has never attracted public attention and mention until Friday last week when a segment of political gladiators in the state displayed squalid acts which may indicate that those entrusted with the people’s mandate have contemptible lack of moral standard to occupy such public offices.
The sordid scenario witnessed at Chioma Ajunwa Stadium possibly took of the shine the once glamorous Iriji Mbaise cultural festival. Their acts smacks of nothing less than a shameful exit from the real tenets and guide of public conduct expected of people holding trust of the masses. And it is for this I believe that Ajunwa, noted for her good conduct would unarguably express displeasure over the nondescript posture of the dramatis personae in the 2014 Iriji Mbaise savagery showpiece.
I am also aware that the female SUPOL if present at the stadium would have also felt embittered by brazen display of altercation and mudslinging among politicians, which seems to be over flowing the state ahead 2015 election. As a police officer who has travelled beyond the shores of Igboland in the course of discharging her duties and fully aware of the Yoruba word “Roforofo” Ajunwa would have mobilised forces to cage the warring factions who made a mincemeat of the agelong festival to apolitical persons who came to catch fun and have a feel of the yearly fiesta.
“Roforofo” is a Yoruba slang, which indirectly means engaging in dirty “fight” in the public by use of discourteous words and offensive language. It is drawn from the Yoruba world Rofo meaning (mud). This type of Roforofo game is popular in the South West states where their political class employ all forms of vituperative attacks to denigrate their opponents in cotemporary politics. It is mostly a public verbal exchange that tends to ridicule the integrity of a challenger and opponent. Late Afro beat music maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti flagged up and made Roforofo popular with his hit song about two people who after exchanging verbal attacks and later tore their clothes for a fight, and according to him “all don scatter” One funny aspect of the music Fela released under Barclays Records label in 1972 states “where dem dey yab, Roforofo dey, Two people dey yab- huh crowd dey-huh ,look-huh Roforofo you go see -huh Roforofo fight eh-huh….
Overtime Roforofo politics akin to Roforofo music seems to be domiciled in the western part of the country. No wander they were known as the wild, wild West of Nigerian politics from the rivalry of Obafemi Awolowo of UPN against Adisa Akinloye of NPN, the story has been the same till our nascent democracy debuted. A remarkable aspect of Roforofo politics, in recent time was the war of attrition between former governor of Oyo Adebayo Alao- Akala and Bola Ahumed Tinubu of Lagos state on the battle for Oyo state governorship seat in 2011. In reaction to a punch thrown at Tinubu who then was ACN leader, the former Lagos state governor told Akala to shun amala politics. Akala had lashed at Tinubu who he branded a “Toronto” graduate. Same can be said of ex-governor of Ogun state Gbenga Daniels during the 2011 PDP political debate in the state where he said Yoruba land was not available to “vagabonds” refereeing to some top South West in recent times politicians who challenged his authority as governor of the state. There are several cases of “Roforofo” politics among politicians from that divide.
If some present politicians of Imo extraction were to be at the helm of affairs at the same time Fela Anikulapo Kuti was alive and active on stage, they would have not failed to make the revolutionary singer a proud man and would have popularized his Roforofo song. Judging form the current event, the malfeasance on the part of certain elected officers especially at public functions has become ludicrous and culpable of disrupting the smooth transition expected in the state in 2015.
The theatre of absurdities witnessed at the Chioma Ajunwa Stadium, Ahiazu Mbaise brings to limelight several unpleasant acts that have characterized social functions of number one citizen of the state and governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and some ranking politicians of PDP extraction. Ironically, church programmes, high profile burial ceremony and venues for cultural festivals have hitherto turned to new wave of campaign grounds and exhibition of crude and unrefined politicking. This ludicrous display is fast turning to a regular occurrence in Imo state.
Ominous signs that this putrid acts may have gathered momentum as 2015 election approaches is the conversion of public functions to avenues where politicians make haste to score cheap points before the masses. In line with the predictions of Trumpeta Newspaper that the Ahiazu stadium will definctly be centre of action, as politicians mobilize their supporters and adherents for the all important Iriji festival, catastrophic tales have been trailing the Mbaise melodrama.
The newspaper’s predictions became rife following the malodorous conduct of top politicians during the recent Oru Owerre festival held at Ugwu Ekwema. Oru Owerre is the annual traditional festival of Owerri Nchi people, owners of the state capital, where Okorocha in an abrasive comment declared that “no husband beater cum, prostitute and people of unwholesome acts will govern Imo” Speaking in the presence of Christy Anyanwu Senator representing Owerrri zone and the likes of Ken Njemanze (SAN) an indigene of Owerri Nchi Ise, also running for Okorocha the governor, in Roforofo, like manner freely gave it to who cares to listen that there is no place for “husband beater and prostitutes” in Douglas House. Even as the governor did not mention names or point accusing fingers at any woman, the fact that Senator Anyanwu who attracted a befitting structure at the revered Ugwu Ekewma civil centre confidently sat at the elevated pavilion for VIPs sent tongues wagging that the Owerri zone senate representation was at the receiving end of the governor’s tantrums. Anyanwu is also running for 2015 Guber.
From Oru Owerri, the battle ground shifted to Mbaise. First at the burial of the father of the Executive Secretary of Christian Prigilms Welfare board, John Kennedy Opara. The revelation that President Jonathan would grace the occasion sent politicians jostling for popularity show with paid agents and mobilized persons storming airport and burial ground with posters of candidates and party flags. Crisis was averted when security agencies chased away suspected thugs from the church and reception ground when Jonathan failed to appear. Significantly, Okorocha has not attended the Iriji Mbaise since 2011 he became governor of the state. As part of his outreach to his people of the state who he fondly called “my people, my people” of Mbaise clan who he had a day before the festival gone to Mbaise land to officially set the stage for the Mbaise campus of the Imo State University, stormed Ahiazu in grand style in full support of his numerous aides and lieutenants.
It is suspected that apparently incensed by the character traits of the governor at public functions of such magnitude, politicians of Mbaise stock especially those of the PDP like the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Emeka Ihedioha and Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof Viola Onwuliri solidified their base to forestall any tirade from the first citizen of Imo. The Iriji Mbaise tinge of drama started at the early stage of the event when Ihedioha was asked to present Ihedioha kolanut (a vital item used to welcome visitors in Igboland) to Okorocha. The Deputy Speaker challenged the state governor on what he has done so far for Mbaise people adding in a jocular manner that he (Okorocha) will hand over to him in 2015 to enable him (Ihedioha) bequeath the people with democracy dividends. A furious Okorocha known for his play on words gave it back immediately to Ihedioha as he among other things scorned at Ihedioha’s “green cap” trademark stating that it is an as improper sign post to rule Imo. The governor went further in his verbal attack to opine that he has not seen a match among PDP aspirants wanting to takeover power from him. The governor did not end his speech which was disrupted intermittently by suspected agents mischief who switched off his microphone, without pouring further venom on PDP stating that the party is worse than the most dreaded Ebola virus disease.
According to reports, security operatives who sensed danger over pockets of skirmishes at every corner of the Chioma Ajunwa Stadium advised the governor to quickly move away from the event for security reasons. And that was how trouble averted that fateful day warranting season of apologies .
Similar thing happened at act Oru Owerri. At the of the governor’s venom-filled speech, he left the venue with his supporters and that ended the event.
However, what happened at Iriji Mbaise can only be described as a mechanical let out of accumulated pent up anger, exceeding grudge and quantum animosity propelled by the burning urge of the warring stakeholders to demystify each other at any given event where opportunity occurs. If the trend continues, I fear for democracy in Imo. And if the roforofo is allowed to persist, the next step waiting is the Bolekaja politics which will definctly lead to famous Wetie of the Wild-Wild West. Only those familiar with the political history of the Yorubas will understand this aspect of my commentary.
I am not sure Ihedioha’s subtle submission that Okorocha will hand over to him in 2015 sparked off trouble because there has been seeming cold war and bottled discontent between the governor and some elite politicians of Mbaise extraction like the Ihedioha, Onwuliri, Senator Anyanwu. And that warranted the Roforofo at Iriji Mbaise. Okorocha while observing protocol before his remark at the event showcased malevolent desire to not only have his pound of flesh but also gallon of blood from Ihedioha and Onwuliri who have in different forum cast aspersions on his Rescue Mission government. Instead of according Ihedioha the Rt Hon toga and mention as Deputy Speaker of House of Reps or better still member Rep Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Fed Constituency in the lower chamber of National Assembly, Okorocha merely said Ihedioha “na anochita anya anyi na Abuja (Emeka Ihedioha representing us in Abuja). The Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof Viola Onwuliri, who represented the President got worse treatment when the governor addressed her as “Madam Onwuliri, Onye na anochita anya anyi na Abuja”. (Madam Onwuliri who is representing us in Abuja) forgetting she has been repeatedly announced representative of Mr. President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Besides, Madam Onwuliri so to say has the prefix of professor attached before her name as a university don for official recognition and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Those present can testify that irrespective of the challenging posture of Ihedioha, he recognized Okorocha as His Excellency, Executive Governor of Imo State, before presentation of kolanut. That incriminating minus charged the tempo for a disastrous outing
It would be recalled that there have been skirmishes between the governor and earlier mentioned political office holders of Mbaise extraction. Exactly on Dec 30, 2013, Prof Onwuliri while addressing the press at New Arrival Hotel, Owerri did “bomb” the government of Okorocha as grossly misapplying and misappropriating federal allocations and necessary funds due to Imo State from the federal government adding that Ndi Imo should ask the governor to account for it. My bosom pal and colleague, Sam Onwuemedo, the Senior Special Assistant (media) to the governor, who sat close to me at the briefing however, left immediately to issue counter press statement challenging the minister’s view. The next was verbal crossfire that degenerated into mudslinging and pouring of invectives. Okorocha was said to have challenged his women sympathizers and those in her cabinet to take on Prof. Onwuliri. That order was said to have warranted the involvement of Commissioner Ugochi Nnana Okoro (Mrs) and Senate aspirant under APC for Orlu zone, Juliet Akano (Hon) to join the fray and blast the Mbaise-born university teacher turned politician. But Onwuliri decided not to brittle in flogging Rescue Mission when chanced to comment on Okorocha’s government.
The story of next Mbaise woman, Christy Anyanwu who seems to be Okorocha’s adversary may take a whole page to narrate but suffice it to note that political marriage of convenience found them in APGA in 2011 where they picked ticket to win Senate and Governor positions respectively. How the cookies crumbled is left for another discussion. However, on Dce 26, 2012, their “hidden kataka” became public following convoy clash on Owerri Mbaise road at Azaraegbelu.
Stories were told about broken heads, unprintable verbal exchanges and subsequent casualties as a result of the convoy clash. Another of my friend in the media, Evarest Ezihe (Rotr) who acted as chief press secretary to Eze Samuel Ohiri, when he was chairman of Imo State council of Traditional Rulers became a victim of the early signs of Roforofo. Ezihe, who as at that time, was and still functions as media consultant to Senator Anyanwu was surreptitiously asked to quit the position of CPS to Eze Imo because of suspected allegiance to the Senator representing Owerri zone. The rest is history. But the Azaraegbelu convoy clash re-echoed at Oru Owerri. Though, the senator’s husband, Dr Casmir Anyanwu has openly declared that Okorocha was not referring to the wife at the festival of Owerri people, keen observers of events in the state needs no soothsayer to know the thin line separating the distinguished Senator from the governor’s disparaging statements which may not be unconnected to previous salvo Anyanwu had fired against Okorocha both on the floor of the senate and in public domain.
For Ihedioha, the ambition to succeed Okorocha in 2015 may have pitched him against the governor, there has never been an open confrontation until the Iriji festival even as the No 6 citizen of Nigeria has been posing cynical and pessimistic disposition to the present administration.
Reports have if that the official outrider motorcycle which State Chief Executives also use and part of Ihedioha’s paraphernalia of office as Deputy Speaker of the Federal House attracted the attention of the state government who allegedly engaged in pernicious tackles against the ranking lawmaker at high quarters. A recent similar convoy clash between Okorocha and Ihedioha’s team was averted in Owerri Municipal. Story has it that while Okorocha was on an inspection tour of projects in the state capital, Ihedioha’s convoy was behind and those of the governor slow-paced to lowest minimum pace forcing Ihedioha’s convoy to move on snail speed till the governor’s convoy berthed at Fire Service Roundabout for inspection where the Deputy Speaker’s convoy halted for over 20 minutes because the road was blocked. But for the phlegm exhibited by Ihedioha and his team who were on their way to Mbaise or Imo Airport, there would have been a free for all.
It is important to remind our politicians that Roforofo fight is unnecessary because it is a war no one wins but the combatants leave much dirtier. I don’t believe our own definition of democracy in Imo should be when people exercise power in a way that is vindictive, when those in power exhibit such impunity that suggests they can do whatever they like and get away with it, when people depart from path of honour and indulge in jungle style of politics suggesting that our people could be in Banana Republic or better still in Animal Kingdom where anything goes.
I had expected Governor Okorocha to beat a retreat at this stage and better still re-strategize on his approach to social functions after the unasvoury microphone-snatching incident at Oguta during the burial of late Justice Oputa, Charly Boy’s father. I will also urge our dear governor to re-think and concentrate on delivering goodies of democracy which his government claims to be doing than unwarranted distraction that constantly ridicules his position and earns him poor marks in public circle. As the man of the masses, Okorocha should learn from history and know that a good general does not fight in all fronts. The Ogboko-born politician should learn a lesson from the rise and fail of legendary French war general Napoleon Bonaparte and great Nazi supreme Adolf Hitler to know that when a general is carried away by successes and overstretches his conquests, he would embrace destruction and the next is waterloo.
All those seeking to replace the governor and opposing parties should also apply wisdom and spirit of fair play knowing fully well that Okorocha is still the number one citizen of the state and the mandate and office be given be accorded due respect and deserved accolades. After the Charly Boy show, it was wrong for any person to deny a governor of a state right to speak at any public function. Those responsible for the infradigous act os stopping the voice of microphone against number one citizen of the state should be fished out to render unreserved apology to the Okorocha and people of Imo before receiving appropriate sanctions. Caution should be the watchword of all stakeholders not to overheat the polity before 2015 election. Imo is not the only state elections will hold next year. Politicians in the state should play by the rules of decency and decorum not to bring down the roof on their heads and spell doom for the state in the coming months. To God be the glory no life was lost.
