IMO ASSEMBLY ERRAND BOYS AND THE POLITICS AND GIMMICK OF SYCOPHANCY

BY STAN-STAGGER NWAMAMA

One of the hallmarks of responsibility is the proper delineation of duty. It should be said that one is a round peg in a round hole, not a square peg in a round one, in whatever duty or responsibility he is saddled with. There is no denying the fact that sycophancy characterizes Nigerian politics to the point that it permeates the three arms of government. This is happening in what should ordinarily be a true democracy where separation of powers ensures checks and balances, which in turn guarantees the dividends of democracy.

I have never been affiliated with any political party, neither have I been a registered or card-carrying member of any in Nigeria. This is not to say I am apolitical—far from it. By nature, I am a Homo politicus (a political animal).

The caption of this article was triggered by the recent renaming of the renowned Douglas road after governor Uzodimma, though before now the members of Imo State House of Assembly have proven themselves “executive lap dogs”. It is no longer news as the social media space has be agog with news making the rounds that “Imo Assembly passes motion to rename Douglas Road after Uzodimma.” The report read in part:

“The Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a motion for the renaming of the popular Douglas Road to Governor Hope Uzodimma Road. The lawmakers passed the motion at the resumption of sitting after about three months’ break, directing the State Government which will in turn direct the Executive Chairman of Owerri Municipal Local Government Council to rename the road after Uzodimma. The House resolved to instruct the relevant agencies of government to reflect the new name in all records, signage, and official documents of the state.” The bill, which is said to have passed its second reading, was reportedly sponsored by the member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu. Now, the big question is: is the renaming of streets the duty and function of a State Assembly?

Under the Nigerian Constitution, the function of street naming, along with house numbering and the maintenance of local streets, falls under the Local Government Areas. In fact, the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution lists these duties as part of the exclusive responsibilities of a local government council. Section G of this schedule is unequivocal, stating: “NAMING OF ROADS AND STREETS AND NUMBERING OF HOUSES” is part of the functions of the Local Government Area. It then beats the imaginations of all and sundry that a legislator would propose such a bill, let alone present it before the floor of the State Assembly for deliberation and possible passage.

Before I proceed further, let me make this clear: I am not an aficionado of Governor Hope Uzodimma, neither do I have anything personal against him. He is human, not a saint. I have, on many occasions, criticized him for actions and inactions over issues that happened under his watch—issues that should not happen under the watch of the numero uno and helmsman of our dear state. Yet, such things abound, past and present. It is not fair to allow the infuriation orchestrated by the buck (he-goat) to break the legs of the doe (she-goat). As we say in our local parlance: “anaghi eji iwe nwamkpi zojie nne-ewu ukwu.” In this case, there is no need to make recourse.

Again, despite Governor Uzodimma’s many failings, I have, in some fora, advocated that credit be given to him where due—particularly for the quality roads he constructed in some areas. In that aspect, he is miles ahead of former Governor Okorocha, who built us “China roads” which he claimed that acid rains destroyed.

While reflecting on this anomalous bill, sponsored by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu of Nkwerre State Constituency to rename Douglas Road, I asked myself: who was this colonialist Douglas? My findings are as follows:

1. Harold M. Douglas became the first District Commissioner of Owerri on May 10, 1902, because of his role in the Arochukwu expedition of 1901–1902. He was a typical example of colonial despotism and hatred for blacks, with no atom of kindness in his soul.

2. He was oppressive and violent, presiding over the Owerri Province like a monarch. Nobody dared question his authority.

3. Of all the District Commissioners that ever-ruled Igbo land, he was described as “the most difficult and the most cruel.”

4. His violent disposition and insensitivity made him one of the “best” men for the job, as he was responsible for the destruction and total decimation of most towns within the Owerri Province and beyond as he moved his forces around.

5. During the Eziama crisis of March 1904, Douglas destroyed all the compounds of Eziama, along with their homes, farms, and villages, extending the destruction to those who supported them.

6. He implemented the Collective Punishment Ordinance of 1909, which involved seizing chiefs and elders as hostages in order to assert colonial power.

7. During the Nnorie crisis of April 21, 1905, Douglas declared war on the locals. Known as Ogu Nkwo-ala by the natives, the war was brutal. All compounds and farms encountered were destroyed, with 39 towns and 137 villages in the Ngor court area punished by Douglas and his forces.

8. The Ahiara people in Mbaise bore the brunt of his savagery in March 1905 after they closed roads in protest and killed Dr. Stewart, a British medical officer they mistook for Douglas. Douglas ordered a punitive expedition that left widespread casualties, with many villages obliterated, farms burned, and people bludgeoned or buried alive by British soldiers.

After reading about Harold M. Douglas’s barbarities, I had no doubt that no edifice or monument in Imo State—or Nigeria at large—should be named after such a bigot and chauvinist. However, my concern remains this: while I agree that leaders who have served their people well deserve to be immortalized, this should not be done while they are still in office. Worse still, it should not be initiated by “errand boys” masquerading as a State Assembly. Such actions contravene the true essence of delineated duty.

In a true democracy, there should be proper separation of powers among the three tiers of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent excessive concentration of power. In Nigeria’s practice of democracy, however, the legislative and judicial arms have become mere appendages of the executive.

We have seen, in recent times, members of both the National Assembly and State Assemblies chanting praises for the executive instead of holding them accountable. Some were seen chanting “On your mandate we shall stand” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the Senate President himself shamelessly chanted “Things are getting better when Asiwaju is on the throne.” Similarly, members of the Imo State House of Assembly were recorded chanting the same for Governor Uzodimma “on your mandate we shall stand”. These are the very men who should be keeping the executive in check.

Unfortunately, in our brand of democracy, both the National Assembly and State Assemblies have become toothless bulldogs, lacking the mandate of the people and instead serving the executives on whose backs they were rigged into office.

History reminds us of better times when legislatures exercised their powers. In the Second Republic, Governor Balarabe Musa of Kaduna State was impeached in 1981. In the Third Republic under President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007), five governors were impeached at state level. At the federal level, two Senate Presidents—Evan Enwerem in 1999 and Dr. Chuba Okadigbo in 2000—were removed from office, showing that accountability was once possible.

Let me not be misconstrued: I am not saying Governor Hope Uzodimma is undeserving of monuments named after him. But such honors should come constitutionally, from the Local Government Council, which the law empowers to handle street naming—not from “errand boys.”

If we truly sing that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” then the honor of immortalization must come from the people, not from a handful of twenty-seven legislators—many of whom were not genuinely elected.

Even if, as it stands, Governor Uzodimma controls the local councils, a bill to rename Douglas Road should rightly originate from the Owerri Municipal Council. At least that would align with constitutional duty, even if the councils themselves are not independent, having been picked by him.

If the Imo State Assembly has forgotten its functions, let me remind them: their primary duties include creating and amending laws, budgetary control, oversight of the executive, confirming appointments, impeachment, representation, and redressing grievances. Additional functions may include public policy analysis and facilitating civic education.

If indeed we claim to be the “Giant of Africa,” then like Caesar’s wife, both the nation and the states legislatures must live above board.

Just as Elisha Hoffman, the Presbyterian minister, wrote in the hymn “Are You Washed”: “Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin and be washed in the blood of the Lamb,” I similarly charge the Imo State House of Assembly—turned errand boys—to lay aside the politics and gimmicks of sycophancy and face their true legislative duties.

Imo Assembly members have far more to gain by standing firm against executive excesses than by sycophantic praise-singing. A strong legislature will make Imo State better.

On the side of Governor Uzodimma, sir, I have never been your fan. But lately, I admit to developing some soft spots, particularly in the area of road infrastructure where you have performed commendably despite widespread criticisms in areas such as insecurity, touting, and the recklessness of ENTRACO. You are the numero uno of the state, and I believe you can stop these excesses.

Regarding the proposed renaming of Douglas Road to Uzodimma Road, sponsored by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu: sir, I urge you to reject it outright. The widespread criticism that has greeted it will not reflect well on your legacies. This is not what you need at the twilight of your second term.

Imo people are intelligentsia with a deep penchant for history. We keep records. Do not, in the quest for earthly accolades, accept illegality. Such honors are fleeting, ending in the grave.

Yes, the concept of “doing right” is subjective. But leaders who live rightly and act justly are remembered for their moral leadership and positive impact. You, sir, can be one of them. Do not be swayed by sycophants. It is better to be remembered and sung by the saints than to be celebrated briefly by mere mortals.

Finally Sir, remember, Ira D. Sanky in the hymn ‘Only remembered’ wrote “fading away like the stars of the morning, losing their light in the glorious sun— Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, only remembered by what we have done”. Onwa Oyoko Sir, ensure you be remembered for doing legal things and not illegal things.