By Chibuike Nwabuko
In the delicate balance of Nigeria’s democracy, political rhetoric often straddles the fine line between spirited competition and dangerous hubris. The recent outburst by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), serves as a glaring example of the latter. In a disturbing display of power and arrogance, Hon. Kalu declared that the current governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, would be the last Labour Party governor in the state. He further boasted that as the sixth-ranking official in the country, he could not allow another party to govern his state. This kind of statement is not only reckless but also detrimental to the democratic principles Nigeria should uphold.
Kalu’s comments are troubling on multiple levels. Firstly, they betray a mindset that prioritizes party loyalty and personal power over the will of the people. The essence of democracy lies in the ability of the electorate to choose their leaders freely, without intimidation or coercion. By suggesting that he has the power to dictate the political future of Abia State, Kalu undermines the very foundation of democracy. His assertion implies that the choice of the people can be overridden by the influence of a powerful individual, a dangerous precedent in a country still grappling with the challenges of democratic consolidation.
Moreover, Kalu’s remarks reflect a deep-seated sense of entitlement that is all too common among Nigeria’s political elite. His declaration that he cannot be “No.6 in the country” while another party governs his state smacks of an arrogance that is unbecoming of a public servant. It reveals a view of political office not as a platform for service, but as a vehicle for personal aggrandizement and dominance. Such attitudes are not only counterproductive but also corrosive to the trust that citizens place in their leaders.
This display of hubris is particularly concerning given the context in which it occurs. Nigeria is a nation of diverse political affiliations and opinions, and the peaceful coexistence of these differences is essential to the country’s stability. When a high-ranking official makes statements that suggest he is willing to override the democratic process to maintain his party’s grip on power, it sends a chilling message to the electorate. It implies that their votes may not count if they do not align with the desires of those in power. This could lead to voter apathy, increased political tension, and even violence.
Kalu’s outburst also reflects a broader problem within Nigeria’s political landscape—the over-centralization of power and the personalization of political authority. In a true democracy, power should be diffused, with checks and balances in place to prevent any one individual or party from dominating the political scene. However, Kalu’s comments suggest that he views political power as a personal fiefdom, to be wielded at his discretion. This is a dangerous attitude that threatens to erode the democratic gains that Nigeria has made over the years.
It is also worth noting that Kalu’s statements are a disservice to the people of Abia State, who deserve leaders that prioritize their welfare over partisan interests. The implication that the political future of the state is a foregone conclusion, determined by the whims of a few powerful individuals, is an insult to the electorate. Abians, like all Nigerians, deserve the right to choose their leaders without interference from those who would subvert the democratic process for their own gain.
Hon. Ben Kalu’s outburst should serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians. It is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding our democracy. As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable and insist that they respect the principles of democracy, including the right of the people to choose their leaders freely and fairly.
In conclusion, the Deputy Speaker’s remarks are a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the need for constant vigilance. Power should never be concentrated in the hands of a few, nor should it be used to intimidate or suppress the will of the people. The outburst by Hon. Ben Kalu is a clear example of the dangers of power-drunk rhetoric, and it is imperative that we, as a nation, reject such attitudes and reaffirm our commitment to true democratic governance. The people of Abia State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve nothing less.
