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Ajofia in Lagos: One day, Ndigbo will offend ‘Yoruba culture’ by breathing same air
By Sunny Igboanugo
When I first saw the video of one young man on WhatsApp gleefully announcing that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos had barred Ajofia Nnewi masquerade from coming into the state, my immediate reaction was incredulity. This is not possible, I said to myself. But then…! I remembered that this is a new Lagos.
Yes! This is a completely new Lagos – the Lagos of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Ndigbo have been confined to a special place – mimicking the Jews in Nazi Germany – targeted before the World War and became the sacrificial animals during its pendency to the extent that six million of them were fed into the gas chamber.
Nobody knows how long the current onslaught will last. But surely, for as long as the APC remains in power in the state and continues to draw the type of strength it is currently enjoying from the national level, there is every reason to fear. Much of what is happening is beyond mere hatred for Ndigbo per se, but a deliberate political strategy and the only way not only the party, but its patrons could survive in power.
So, instead of dismissing it totally, as I would ordinarily have done some 10 years ago, in the old Lagos, before the current blitzkrieg, I sought to first authenticate the story. I began the search and discovered that the source was sequel to a video in The Yoruba Times, quoting a supposed “traditional Igbo man,” as saying that the dreaded masquerade was “making its way into Lagos.”
I don’t know when the said platform being quoted published the original story under reference or when the entire saga started. But the story I found through my perusing the internet, titled: Police bar Igbo masquerade from entering Yoruba indigenous land of Lagos, citing cultural sensitivity, security concerns, published on December 05, 2024, went thus: “The Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Ishola Olarewaju Olawale, has prohibited the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade from entering Lagos for the Igbo Festival, citing concerns over public safety and potential breach of peace.
“This decision was made during a meeting between Igbo stakeholders in Lagos and the police commissioner. Recall, The Yoruba Times reported a video of a traditional Igbo man who said the masquerade, Ajofia Nnewi, is making its way to Lagos December 12, 2024.
“The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade, notoriously referred to as the “Evil Forest,” holds significant cultural and traditional value in Igbo society. However, its proposed appearance in Lagos has been met with strong opposition from various Yoruba communities in the state, who have expressed concerns and reservations about its presence.
“CP Olawale explained that residents, including indigenes, were uncomfortable with the masquerade’s presence in Lagos after a group boasted about unleashing mayhem. He played a video recording of the masquerade performing rituals, which raised suspicions about their intentions.
“The police commissioner emphasized that every tribe has its own masquerade, operating within their tribe, and that Ajofia is an Igbo masquerade that should not come to Lagos State, which is another tribe.
“Eze Nwachukwu, responding on behalf of Ndigbo, thanked the CP for the meeting and acknowledged the message. Despite Eze Nwachukwu emphasis on peaceful nature of the festival featuring the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade in Lagos, indigenous people of the state have expressed strong objections to its appearance, citing concerns that it could pose a risk to individuals who are unfamiliar with the traditional significance and cultural context of the masquerade.
“According to report, In Igbo mythology, the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is believed to possess spiritual powers, which can be unsettling for those who do not understand or share the same cultural beliefs. Furthermore, the masquerade’s name, “Evil Forest,” evokes a sense of mystery and foreboding, which can be intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with its cultural significance.
“The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is traditionally not performed in front of women, which can create an air of mystery and exclusivity around the masquerade. The masquerade’s performances often involve elaborate rituals and ceremonies, which can be perceived as “dangerous” or “-threatening” by those who do not understand their cultural context.”
I still don’t understand the story. None of the basic questions someone not conversant with it would ask was answered. What is the event the Ajofia is supposed to attend on December 12, by whom and for whom? Those details were not provided either.
But on the other hand, I ask myself, would the purveyors actually go to the extent of using the name of the Commissioner of police to concoct such a tale assuming if it is false? Therein lies my confusion. But the authenticity or otherwise of the story is not really the important issue. What is, is the spirit behind it.
That is where I shall concentrate. Pray! When has Lagos transformed into such a provincial, straight-jacket, air-tight environment that residents, particularly the non-Yoruba and more particularly the Igbo ethnic community, now have to watch their every step and all utterances in order not offend their “benevolent, gracious and accommodating” hosts? Do they need a special approval in matters of like this?
When has Lagos left the realm of an open, robust, thriving, global entity, which like the iroko tree, inhabits all manner of animals acting in their true, natural and undiluted characters, to conduce an ecosystem of individual and interdependent firmament?
When have Accra, Cairo, Abidjan, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and other cities across Africa, with which Lagos used to sit at the table left it behind for it to grovel for crumps underneath, by being led to assume this stiff, clumsy and insipid toga? Is this the idea of a mega-city or has that idea been abandoned? Pray! When has Lagos become a city for the Yoruba and no longer a potpourri, melting pot of Nigerian – nay global space?
At what point did it lose its original texture? How long will it last and who stands to gain in the end if the current patrons succeed in this backward agenda? Now, let me tell you more about Lagos, with this Ajofia issue in mind. I have the authority to say so, because I saw Lagos with my own eyes, as a child and now an adult.
There have been numerous Ajofias that bestrode the streets of Lagos with residents – young and old – Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Bini, Efik, Idoma, et al, trooping out in excitement to applaud and celebrate. I say so, because I was one of those who were in those streets. There was one as tall as a tree, taller than Ajofia, said to have come from Kwale, a community in Delta State. There was one of Ijaw origin. I saw a dangerous one from Igala in Kogi, said to be very dangerous. We all saw them here in Lagos.
So many Ajofias, have performed at Tafawa Belewa Square, the centre of Lagos. So many have done so at the National Stadium, at the National Theatre, now The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. So many have done so at less fanciful big arenas. They had done so in the presence, sponsorship and excitement of the leaders of Lagos, some of whom are still alive and in authority today. I say so because I’m a witness.
In other words, I can authoritatively say that Ajofia coming to Lagos is not something new. What is, is that Lagos is gradually transforming into something else. A tiny group of people obviously enjoying a lavish endorsement of high authority and boasting same, have seized the space, making their own rules, In those rules Ndigbo have become sworn targets, some sort of guinea pigs for a nihilistic agenda.
This group, I’m not afraid to say, is tiny and infinitesimal. But it is highly dangerous. They neither represent the original or present Lagos, nor the Yoruba. Mostly those the train has left behind, they find accommodation under a fertile ground of the APC in the state. Between them is a symbiotic relationship where they become footsoldiers for the APC, which now finds them as convenient and willing tools – foot-soldiers in the quest to remain in power, in return for all manner of favours, including the alluring dream of possible seizure of Igbo properties and businesses in future.
To underscore this fact of its political nature, this new, but dangerous trend, no doubt came to the fore in the run to the 2015 general elections, when the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, threatened to drown the Igbo in the Lagos Lagoon, if they failed to key into the APC agenda of continuing in power. That was the first time Ndigbo were mentioned by name openly.
Now, there has been numerous interpretations – one of which was that Kabiesi, was simply entertaining himself with his friends – the Igbo, as monarchs are wont. After all, a king is permitted such pastime – a king does as he wishes – is a popular. But the danger therein is that many seem to have taken it to heart upped the ante to what it is now.
Suddenly, a new phenomenon under the cloak of “Yoruba culture” is now being used to adorn what is clearly a political agenda. In subsequent elections, that “joke” from Kabiesi, has become the anthem of a certain established mindset. Last year, in the run to the general elections, videos and audios of Ndigbo being invited, where they were warned that it is offensive to think or act independently of their host, who have been so “generous” and “accommodating” to them.
There is an “accommodating spirit” to which everyone of them must obey as a sign of “respect” in return for this kindness. Mind you, this injunction doesn’t apply to any other ethnic group. The Hausas with an appreciable size, almost as large as the Igbo are exempted from the same injunction for obvious reason.
Now, what is that respect? Simple answer! Vote the APC. That is the only way to live and operate in Lagos. Of course, the consequences of not obeying that injunction have since resonated in the weeping, wailing, mourning and grinding of the teeth at the Alaba International Market, Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, Balogun Market and many other places where the Igbo reside or conduct their businesses, in the last few months. The Ajofia Nnewi story, could only be a further escalation of the sad trend to press home the point.
Unfortunately, though sad on all sides, based on the possible outcome now and in the future, these tiny patrons of the evil agenda do not seem to realise that they are backing the wrong horse. Their choice of the Igbo, makes the plot a futile dream and a lost battle. If only they could allow a little bit of history to guide them.
Now, even if they manage to recreate the Rwanda scenario by either annihilating the entire Igbo or chasing them out of Lagos; even if they succeed in taking over those thriving businesses, the edifices at ASPANDA, Alaba, Ladipo and Balogun; even if they seize all the beautiful houses and everything Ndigbo own in Lagos, which serves as the major attractions to many of those in this sustained plot, what next?
That is the question? Haven’t Ndigbo been annihilated before? Haven’t their properties been seized before? What’s the result today? How long would those businesses last before those hoping to seize them blow the proceeds? How far would the edifices last in their hands before they become decrepit and useless for lack of ideas and resources to maintain them?
Okay, assuming, but not conceding the possibility of Ndigbo not voting in Lagos again, because if offends “Yoruba culture,” does it guarantee the retention and sustenance of the APC forever as they desire. Of course the answer is obvious – Nada! Was it Ndigbo that made the party lose so woefully in the presidential election of last year, before the resort to a new strategy?
Yes! Take Ndigbo out of the equation totally, the APC will still lose in a free and fair election in Lagos and elsewhere, as they have been losing for several years now. The reason, is also not farfetched. Elections are a function of the mind. Voters naturally get weary of going in one direction.
The relay race between dominant parties in many climes where votes are rarely manipulated gives impetus to this factor. Just a few days ago in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has just won power back from the National Patriotic Party (NPP). A few weeks earlier in the US, it was the Republicans that displaced the Democrats through Donald Trump. African National Congress (ANC), in South Africa is fast losing grip of power despite its historic place in the country.
It is only in countries like Nigeria that people express such “love” for their oppressors such that they had to endure such immense pains in the 16-years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Not until Barak Obama and his same-sex-loving government came to their rescue, Nigerians would probably have continued to “vote” the party till date and even till the 100 years its leaders had predicted it would be in power.
Bottomline: Enough of the scapegoating! For this is what all the Ajofia story is all about. There should be a limit to targeting a people. Someone must quench this appetite of the APC, lest the world would be dealing with another sad story.
Even in the #EndSARS violence that engulfed the entire Nigeria in 2020, some people still found a way to try and pin the Lagos edition on Ndigbo. Apart from the burning of the BRT buses, they were accused of invading the Iga Idunganran palace of the Oba. But for the intervention of some “right-thinking” leaders, aided by video evidence clearly contradicting the false narrative, who knows what would have come out of that ugly episode.
No doubt many are still at work pushing the envelope. But it won’t change anything in a people who by all standards and on all accounts are the only visibly True Nigerians. Furthermore, let a thousand Bayo Onanugas rise to warn Ndigbo to steer clear, let ten thousand more MC Oluomos prevent them from voting, APC in Lagos is on a slaughter slab already, as a natural course of action.
Ajofia Nnewi has traversed the farthest end of the earth. It has performed in Europe and America. No doubt it is quite fearsome. Yet it is an entertaining masquerade. It is not even the biggest or most dreaded Igbo masquerade. There is the Ijele, known for its majesty and beauty. There is the Okwomma and Mgbadike, depicting valour and strength.
Though hitherto restricted to their original Igbo domains, today, they have become global symbols of national culture, exported beyond Nigeria for tourism and theatre. Even Flavour Nabania, Nigeria’s iconic singer, invites masquerades on stage during his performance in Nigeria and abroad without offending anyone’s culture.
So, the APC goons in Lagos, cannot stop their dwindling fortunes by targeting Ndigbo. They have blamed them for the Ogunpa River overflowing its banks and for the flooding in Lekki. Ndigbo have been blamed for their wives not conceiving or failure to get erection in the other room. Soon, they will make it an offence for Ndigbo to breathe the same air with them, because doing so, would contaminate the “Lagos culture.”
Sad enough the plot instead of being confined in its proper place in Lagos APC, is being packaged and sold as a Yoruba agenda. No. Check again. There is no other Yorubaland exhibiting this trend. Many Yoruba compatriots, practically flinch at the idea. They see it as a total anathema and offensive to the true, open boisterous Omoluabi spirit their people have popularised over time.
Sadder day will come the day the evil plotters successful sell that package. That will be the tragedy. Luckily however, Nigerian history has proven that every political situation no matter how odious has a shelf life. The APC will not be different. Its expiration may it not be too far. In fact, it looks closer than farther. Then, Lagos will return to what it used to be – Eko pabere rara – Lagos doesn’t take nonsense at all!
My name is Sunny Igboanugo and I’m The Tiny Voice!
Have you been watching the drama happening in ADC? I have, and I have been thoroughly amused doing so. Have you been following the television appearances of Rotimi Amaechi recently? Did you see how the former Governor of Rivers State had been vibrating, assuring of his victory at the party’s presidential primaries?
Did you hear him boasting how he was going to vanquish Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and now the presidential candidate of the party, indicating that ADC members would prefer him over the seventh-time election-contesting Nigerian record holder, because of his (Amaechi’s) records?
Did you see the vehemence with which he warned that television host, to “stop that nonsense,” for suggesting that he could end up as the VP candidate to the same Atiku? Did you see how he rolled his bulging eyes and how angry he sounded?
Did you read the statement of the former Minister of Transportation, rejecting the outcome of the ADC presidential primaries, even before it was finally announced on Wednesday.
Now, pan the camera to the Abuja home of the same Amaechi – by the way – I could swear the ambiance could compete with the palace of the Sultan of Brunei – how did he do it – but how could I forget his wife is a money-minting machine!
Did you see the selfsame man with Atiku? Did you notice the difference? Did you notice the robustness, the comicalness? Did you watch the chumminess and the camaraderie? What meaning did you read into it? You actually have to be an initiate to correctly read everything perfectly.
Just wait for a few days to hear the announcement. I won’t be the one to tell you that the huffing and puffing, the air-punching and the table-banging is all for one thing – the VP position.
For those who had advocated that Obi stayed back and contested with Atiku, it would have been a fatal gambit. He would have come a distant third in the contest, competing with Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Not because it will be so by the desires of the members, but the goons, wanted it so and would have made it so.
Even the position of the VP which hitherto had been bandied as his for the asking, would have eluded him. Amaechi was there to pick it up.
You heard Dele Momodu an accomplice in that plot telling you that Amaechi was more experienced than Obi in that interview with Charles Aniagolu on ARISE NEWS Television’s Prime Time.
It was all figured out. If Peter Obi had fallen to the plot he would have been the greatest political mugu of the century. He would have rubbished the rock-strong foundation on which his profile was built and stands today – as businessman and politician.
Indeed the plot appeared skewed towards not only making him wave goodbye to politics forever, but caast a huge slur on his exhilarating credentials that account to his being celebrated as one of the most successful Nigerian business tycoons today.
Only a few seconds and the trap would have snapped. Had he waited a few days more in that ADC environment, it would have been over. He would have been trapped in the odd situation of point of no return.
By now he would have become an object of mockery and an item of sport for his enemies. Tons of them would be having a bellyful of laughter over his ordeal by now – had he wasted a second more.
But having that laugh would mean that the eagle has lost its lustre. Obi isn’t Obi just by name. Now, here is the Obi they wanted to trick into a trap. Still in his early 20s, he drove three cars he bought with his own money before graduating from the university.
First year – a Volkswagen Beetle (today’s Venza) – second year a Peugeot 505 (today’s Prado) – third year – a BMW (Today’s Maybach). Now think of yourself as a student then. Think of your children that are students today. That would bring you closer to the persona in question.
It didn’t end there. Still as an undergraduate, he owned the supermarket on campus. There was more. He built residential houses and became a landlord to students and locals in the university community – one of them, said to be Abubakar Sa’ad, the current Sultan of Sokoto, who was then a military officer.
De hear o! This same Obi, was among the 1,000-ONLY, UK customers the American Express Bank gave their Platinum Cards. You know what that means. In the whole of the UK – including oyibo people of all nationalities doing business.
Before his 33rd birthday, this Obi, had become Chairman of a commercial bank and director of other blue-chip companies. At the same age when his colleagues still clutch files in their armpits in pursuit of jobs, he was already heading a conglomerate of firms dealing with supplies and distribution of goods.
So, add all these up! Imagine the number of intriguing situations he must have dealt with in this long journey. Imagine the boardroom politics. Imaging the various business tricks he must have survived.
In politics, this same Obi practically cut off the head of the political monster prowling Anambra for years.
Before his arrival, the whole of the state was one huge conflagration and cataclysm. Elements sponsored by patrons of evil had razing down structures including the Government House of governor’s residence. Anambra was all chaos – a huge bedlam!
But all these Obi faced and conquered, arresting the tempest, quietening the tide and smoothening the waves – not without battles – there was a deluge of them – but with willpower, wisdom, tenacity, consistency, and above all – courage.
He battled the electoral heist that stole his original mandate, won, then impeachment, triumphed, then abrupt tenure termination, challenged it and returned to power – battled entrenched interests in the labour unions – teachers, doctors, workers – et al – prevailed and handed down a new Anambra sitting on the foundation of sobriety and good behaviour.
Now this was the man they wanted to trick. Obi’s case would have been that of the late John Chukwu, the hero in the tragicomedy, Isubru Ekperi – described as the crab which swam across the mighty ocean, but fell in the woman’s pot of soup.
Had Obi, stayed in ADC to contest against Atiku, his fate would have mimicked Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, whom for fear of being thought weak, destroyed his own destiny by killing Ikemefuna and ended up committing suicide! But providence was on his side;
Thankfully, he did not. And today, NDC provides a new horizon. Nigerians are being provided the opportunity of a new country, that could rise from the ashes of the old order – a clean break from the past – a new hope of awakening the sleeping giant!
The Tiny Voice!
By Sunny Igboanugo
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s 14th leader and the fourth elected President was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on a visit to President Bola Tinubu. Nobody knew the content of that visit because discussions were conducted closed doors.
However, knowing Tinubu, would anything concerning him ever be free of politics, especially given the nuances of the season? Would the snake ever give birth to a creature that is short?
Naturally, as it is wont with Nigeria where one event takes over from the other in quick successions, the Jonathan visit, naturally disappeared – buried inside the reservoir of public consciousness.
But then, things have begun to unfold that people are not only now returning to that April visit, but are taking notes as well as connecting the dots.
Nothing yet seems definite, except in the realm of the popular local saying that when a witch cries at night and the baby dies in the morning, the people know where to look.
Indeed, the droppings of the caterpillar on the ground is making people look up to the tree to see if they are actually eating the green leaves on them. Naturally, events around the 14th President, do not look ordinary – at least not that ordinary to escape more than a scant public scrutiny.
So, when on Thursday May 7, 2026 youths stormed the Abuja office of the ex-President urging him to run for the office he left in 2015, after his historic defeat by Muhammadu Buhari, it elicited a deeper interest from the previous attempts. Yes! It wasn’t the first time Nigerians would be making the pitch. Several groups had tried in the past, even as far back as the 2023 elections.
So, the attempt three weeks ago, was not new. But, this time, eyebrows were raised all the same because it seemed to conduce more intriguing interpretations. Therefore, instead of mere passing interests, Nigerians are now interrogating deeply, putting two and two together.
How much did the former President know about that visit? Did those youths ambush him or was he in the know that such a visit would take place? Was it what is known here as an arrangee – a well-crafted political facade?
Then came the angle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A long time ago, when speculations were rife that Peter Obi, was being courted by the former ruling party to return and run for the 2027 presidential election on its platform, Jerry Gana, a stalwart of the party had served notice that they even had a more seducing and deliverable option. It turned out to be Jonathan.
So, long before the Nyesom Wike devastating blow on the party that has kept it in its prostrate state, Jonathan had been on the cards as the number one option for the party. Therefore, it follows that the current steps the party is taking to draft him in, to run as its candidate in the election, is normal. But is it?
The argument in PDP quarters for the Jonathan choice is because he is the only one constitutionally barred from contesting a second term, he is the most fitted to satisfy all shades of political interests in Nigeria today, especially the North eager to return to power. Quite scintillating.
But seducing as this appears, there is a hugely compelling argument against the move. A groundswell of analysts swear that the ex-President is being pushed into the ring as an instrument to stop Peter Obi, the current moving train threatening to crush the ambition of Tinubu to remain in office beyond 2027. In other words, the sole reason is to play the spoiler role.
Supposing this is the reason. Then what is before us is more fatal than critical. This is the same Jonathan whose singular act of calling Buhari that morning on March 31, 2015 to concede defeat, suddenly catapulted him to a global democratic icon – the same that hops into presidential planes to other countries in Africa to straighten crooked democratic roads.
Now, would the same Jonathan swear with his church mind that Tinubu’s model of democracy is what he would prescribe even for an enemy country, let alone Nigeria? What aspect of the country has Tinubu not damaged. So, what would make him a Tinubu’s ally in the further destruction of Nigeria, if he truly loves the country?
This was the same Jonathan who swore that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. Is he not aware that the land on which he’s standing is already soaked with the blood of the same citizens by the sheer butchery that is happening daily in the country under the nose of the most underwhelming President yet? Isn’t this the issue now?
Indeed, not a few people have argued that Jonathan should be in the forefront of the Obi project. For one, Obi was once his appointee apart from being a sworn ally. So, he would be in a position to ascertain his true qualities first hand and confirm that he’s the only one among the lot that could fix the country. Even an imbecile knows that Obi would create the clean break from the past that Nigeria needs today to build the future everyone desires.
Besides, he Jonathan, if anything is substantially part of the reason the South East is in its current state at the moment, the level of support the area gave him throughout his tenure is part of the reason the late Buhari increased his hatred for the Igbo a million times more – a phenomenon he transferred through the APC to Tinubu – and which the current President has been unable to extricate himself from.
Okay, is the former President not aware that the position Tinubu is sitting on today belongs to the South East – the zone that took him like one of them that they even gave him an Igbo name – Ebele. If everyone else shortchanges Ndigbo, would he also join, given the foregoing? What manner of ingratitude would that be?
O yes! He has had his Villa meeting. PDP has adopted him as their candidate. Even the legal barrier that would have stopped him, was cleared on Monday when Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, handed him the all-clear sign. He has told the world that he is consulting. While at it, hopefully, more people would tell him the home truth.
Fortunately, he was the one who said it is easy to wake someone that is actually asleep than someone pretending to be asleep. Regrettably, by his silence since the obscene drama began, it appears he prefers the latter. Therefore, his action would not derive from ignorance.
If he finally bites at the apple, it wouldn’t be because he didn’t know how much Tinubu has messed up Nigeria and the implication of reinforcing him with another four years.
His complicity wouldn’t mean that he doesn’t know what to do to reverse the trend. It would only mean that personal interest has taken the better part of him and not the love of the country.
If he deliberately makes that choice, with both eyes open, then he’s welcome in the hall of infamy rather than honour. Fortunately, there is still a window to prove that the foregoing was a mere political nightmare and not reality. But otherwise, it would be apposite for Nigerians to say in unison – GOODLUCK?
My name is Sunny Igboanugo, I’m The Tiny Voice!
Option A4, occupies a central place in Nigeria’s democratic development. That unique election model developed and introduced in the Nigerian electoral process by Humphrey Nwosu, the late Professor of Political Science, has become a symbol mounted on a standard and raised high above the sky.
It is Nigeria’s mimic of that biblical golden serpent to which both the nation and its citizens look up at and derive instant succour – much like a balm to their heavily-lacerated democratic soul – a wonder device, that once mesmerised the world.
Yes! Anytime Nigerians want to serenade their democratic spirit with the allure of sweetness, they take a recourse to that unique event that happened more than three decades ago, on June 12, 1993. They reminisce on the purity of the process and beauty of the outcome.
Like the saying that precious things come in simple packages, Option A4, was not only as simple as simplicity itself, but was as powerful as the most impactive dynamite – simple enough to break all barriers of ignorance and powerful enough to destroy all electoral bad behaviours defacing the beautiful perspective of democracy.
Here is the process. Voters converge on a location at approved time, get accredited, queue behind preferred candidates, get counted and the votes recorded in approved result sheets. Finish! No ballot-snatching, no ballot-stuffing, no quarrel, no thuggery, no blood on the floor.
Even the issue of proper voting that lead to void votes is eradicated by the process. The electorates need no education on how to vote properly. The issue of thumb-printing in the wrong space or double-voting is taken care of.
Today, in Nigeria, June 12 is designated as Democracy Day, based on the outcome of that election. It was so seamless and produced such a perfect result that the product – Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was never challenged on the inviolability, but on the other ideas the military government in power then had.
But did you see the same Option A4 put to test under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Did you watch the primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC), at various stages, including the one that produced the President as candidate of the party in the 2027 presidential election? If you did, you would understand where your country is currently and where it is headed.
How could anyone have the mindset to deface such a beauty, let alone design a mechanism to destroy it, given its centrality as the bastion of Nigerian democratic commemorations? How could anyone be so wicked as to destroy the most beautiful Nigerian democratic ornament?
It is like pulling the original of Monalisa or the best of Bini Bronze from their protective encasements and smashing them on the floor. It takes a mindset that has scant regard for beauty – a destructive spirit to do so.
But see how easily they did it! See how simple it was for them. It was as easy as jumping from 10 to 1,000 in a simple counting process a primary school child could do.
Did you see the smiles on their faces to indicate how much fun they had supervising the putrid, outlandish and parlous construct – like the lurid expression of a rapist seeking to satiate his lust? Clearly, it did not matter to them the danger they’re putting themselves and future generations – comprising their children and grandchildren, Tragedy!
But what is it that Tinubu and his co-travellers have not destroyed since happening on Nigeria? What pain have they not wrought on the polity? Is it the economy? Think of those rich Nigerians alighting from their fancy cars and jumping into the Lagos Lagoon.
Is it security? Reminisce on the last moments of General Sani Uba, as he watched the approach of the terrorists while crouching on his knees in the forest, having lost the vain hope that his country would save him.
Think of the Oyo school teacher in that final moment as he waited for the impact of that sharp knife on his bare throat, while being slaughtered like a goat at the abattoir. Think of Zamfara, think of Sokoto, think of Kwara, think of Anambra – add to the list – think Nigeria.
Yet, the APC foot-soldiers – including a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives – a leader in the legislature – the most important institution of democracy – clowned, jested and had fun.
For them, the rest of the country doesn’t matter. All that matters is Tinubu’s happiness. And the master-strategist, the democratic doyen, the June 12-NADECO icon, was all and about, grinning from ear to ear and lapping everything up.
With economy destroyed from day-one with the impulsive, brainwave – subsidy is gone declaration – with security in tatters that school children, now scurry and scamper in different directions like scared rodents, at the slightest sight of strange faces for fear of being the next kidnap victims – with the national fibric almost giving way from the consistent and unrelenting pressure in running the most nepotistic administration – far worse than the days of the late Muhammadu Buhari, thought to be the worst at a time – what else remains of Nigeria?
Before now, I had grieved that Tinubu deliberately left out Humphery Nwosu in that outlandish June 12 struggle honourees list, when he ought to be the numero uno. I had hoped however that someday, someone more amenable than Tinubu would do the needful. But what hope is there now that Tinubu and his men are tightening the noose on Nigerian democracy? Now this!
The worst part is not that the APC goons committed this heinous atrocity, but in the manner they did. They enjoyed the process. Only mindless characters such as mafia kingpins we watch in movies, take pleasure in inflicting pains. That we now watch such playing out in real life is not only disturbing, it is THE TRAGEDY!
My name is Sunny Igboanugo, I’m The Tiny Voice!
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