By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
For the tenth time, let’s revisit the timeless parable of the Tortoise and his father-in-law, set in a kingdom ruled by a stern king. The kingdom had a strict rule: anyone caught stealing would face 12 hours tied to a tree at the market square.
The Tortoise, a favorite son-in-law to the king, found himself in a predicament after being caught stealing a yam. True to the law, the king had to uphold justice and sentenced the Tortoise to the mandatory 12 hours tied to the tree. The community, praising the king for enforcing the rule, believed justice was served.
Surprisingly, after the initial 12 hours, the Tortoise refused to be untied. Expressing deep remorse, he insisted on spending an additional 12 hours tied to the tree to show his sincerity. The king, pleased with his son-in-law’s commitment to making amends, agreed.
However, the community saw it differently. They rebelled against the king, questioning his judgment. Why would he allow his son-in-law to endure 24 hours instead of the prescribed 12? They argued that if the king treated his own this way, what fate awaited the rest of the kingdom?
This rebellion stemmed from the perceived inequality in the king’s treatment of his son-in-law, sparking a questioning of the king’s ability to lead. The parable serves as a reminder that leadership actions, even within personal relationships, can have broader implications and influence the perception of fairness in the community.
The depicted scenario is resembling the situation involving the NLC chairman, Comrade Ajaero, who appears to be intertwining his personal relationships with his responsibilities as the NLC president.
Not long ago, the President of the NLC orchestrated a protest, wielding the influence of his office, to express opposition against the Imo state government. The primary objective was to inject a political dimension into the recently concluded Saturday’s gubernatorial election with the intent of preventing the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
In the words of my people, there’s a saying: “I NO GREE …I NO GREE na dey tear cloth.” Ajaero experienced a severe beating from thugs, highlighting the truth in the proverb, “He who fetches ant-infested firewood should get ready for the reptilian groove.”
Undoubtedly, this is profoundly regrettable, as no individual or group of people should have the authority to subject someone else to humiliation merely for the sake of exercising their fundamental rights, even if undertaken in a mischievous manner.
Following the aftermath of his humiliation, Ajaero opted to disrupt the functioning of the “Nation.” it is funny as we see no relationship between” Fowl and TOOTHBRUSH” , yet Oga. Ajaero left Imo state, sporting his unfortunate black eyes, for Abuja.
In the capital, he began engaging in societal nuisance. On Thursday, he leveraged his position to mobilize workers, causing a blockade on the heavily trafficked highway leading to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This action subjected Nigerians and commuters to extended hours of inconvenience and misery.
Previously, he had incited Imo workers to go on strike, which shut down the airport and interrupted the state’s electrical supply. He persisted in his insistence that the elections ought not to take place.
Now, he has gone as far as threatening a nationwide strike to bring the nation to a standstill. Ajaero has assumed the role of a commanding authority, even in personal conflicts. It’s essential to recall that Ajaero hails from Imo state and holds a vested interest in the LP winning the gubernatorial election.
Ajaero is increasingly resembling the Tortoise in his approach, believing himself to be more cunning than both the King and the people, aiming to create substantial chaos.
How must he be feeling now that Hope Uzodinma has not only secured his reelection but has also set a record by winning all the Local Government Councils in his state, a feat reminiscent of Adams Oshiomhole’s achievements?
Is it prudent for him to incite a protest just days before a gubernatorial election in a tumultuous state like Imo, where he is well aware of the prolonged misbehavior of thugs and miscreants, and even the prevalent activity of unknown gunmen?
Such actions, marked by intolerance and potential vengefulness, pose a significant concern, particularly when considering that individuals with such tendencies should not be entrusted with significant power, as it jeopardizes the safety of both those directly involved and innocent bystanders.
Anyway who “chop bellyful go still hungry,” Ajaero should exercise caution to avoid becoming a victim of his own imprudence. At present, Nigerians do not require a strike, and Ajaero should refrain from allowing his personal grievances to inflict unnecessary troubles upon the nation.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.