From Idu Jude, Abuja
His Royal Majesty, Eze Williams Ezugwu, is the Eze-Ogbozarra 111 and the Igwe of Ibagwa Opi Autonomous Community in Ogbozarra Opi Ancient Kingdom.
The former secretary general of CNPP has seen it all since the Bola Tinubu administration pronounced end to fuel subsidy.
In this interview, he expressed concerns on the situation, saying that the pains the masses are going through are enormous, begging the government to get urgent solutions.
He told Tinubu that many Nigerians are hungry and jobless.
He said that Mr. President may have tried, but the Nigerian masses demand more from him, pointing out that they cohabit in the same communities and therefore feel the sufferings together. Excerpts:
How did you receive Tinubu’s signing into law the South East Development Commission (SEDC)?
It is a welcome development, and hopefully, it will address the years of absence of federal presence in the South East. I hope that the commission will be adequately funded to be able to change the narrative in the Southeast and give the people of the zone a sense of belonging to reduce the ongoing agitations in the geopolitical zone. This would heal the wound of reparations of the civil war, which the Southeast suffered greatly and is still suffering today. I hope they would allow the Southerners to be in charge because we know what we suffered during the war. So in simple terms, these are some of the things we have been asking for. We ask that if added in the scheme of things, there will not be agitation as we witness nowadays.
Few months ago you spoke on the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a measure to curb insecurity in the Southeast?
Yes, it’s key to curbing insecurity in the Southeast. Those who don’t understand what is happening or those who want to play politics with the situation may say that releasing Nnamdi Kanu as a measure to curb insecurity in the Southeast is a complex issue. But Kanu’s release will help reduce tension and emotions in the region, as his detention has been a rallying point for common criminals claiming to be speaking for the IPOB and fighting for his release. On the other hand, it will open doors for genuine dialogue and negotiations between the government and IPOB leaders, which could lead to a peaceful resolution of grievances and a reduction of violence and militant activities in the region. He may be able to lead his genuine followers to engage in peaceful discussions with leaders in the region. With the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, I would want to believe that the underlying issues driving insecurity in the Southeast, like poverty, unemployment, and cry of marginalization are being addressed. So, keeping him in detention after a court ruled against his rendition has emboldened criminals pretending to be fighting for his freedom in the Southeast region.
Do you think the traditional stool can still be of good use in fostering democracy in Nigeria?
Yes, of course, the traditional institution can still be of good use in fostering democracy in Nigeria, and that’s why there has been agitation for constitutional roles for traditional leaders. The traditional stools and leaders have played important roles in the society for years. They have continued to be of influence and are respected. For example, when you think of their cultural relevance, the traditional stools are well rooted in Nigerian culture and are more accessible and within reach to ordinary citizens than today’s democratic institutions because they are closer to the people. Traditional leaders live among the masses. So, a constitutional role will legalize their roles in a democracy. Also, when you think of grassroots engagement, traditional leaders can mobilize citizens at the grassroots level, promoting participation and engagement in democratic processes. We see it every day. The traditional stool is known to play a role in resolving conflicts. I know how many cases awaiting my intervention in the village right now. So, traditional leaders have, over the years, played a role in resolving conflicts and disputes within their domains. And because they know the people in their communities, their skills in settling cases can be a way to promote peaceful democratic processes.
Don’t forget that the traditional stool can play an advisory role that can guide elected officials, drawing on their experience and knowledge of local customs and traditions. Even with the insecurity in some parts of the country, the traditional stools can play a major role if given the constitutional powers they deserve.
As a former leader of the CNPP, how do you see the gale of internal crises rocking political parties today?
It is part of politics; it is all about interests, but when the issues go beyond what is best for society, they become selfish interests, just like there are many other factors. This is because of power struggles and competition for leadership positions and control within the party. But most of the time, it is not based on conflicting views on policy and direction. It is usually about individual interests clashing with party goals or based on tensions along ethnic, regional, or religious lines. However, it is happening because of the years of lack of internal democracy, which results most of the time from the imposition of candidates. And if not that most of our politicians are selfish, internal political party crisis will be minimal. So, these crises have led to party splits, defections, and loss of public trust, which is affecting the party’s ability to function effectively.
Let’s assess the performance of the 10th Assembly under the leadership of Sen. Akpobio, what do you think?
The President of the Senate is doing his best, but more is expected from him. The National Assembly should show empathy and work for the ordinary people of this country. How long will we live on earth? And how much money do we need in our lifetime? The only legacy we will leave behind when we are gone is how much impact we made in the lives of the masses.
How do you see the government’s plea as a solution to end protest and hardship?
The government has done what any government should have done. I hope that the people can endure the hardship more to allow the president to implement his policies.
Is the N70,000 minimum wage commensurate with the economic realities?
Well, it is better than N30,000 minimum wage, but it cannot buy a bag of rice today. But I will leave it for the workers to decide if it is commensurate with economic realities, but from the feelers we get, it is not. What the government can do now is to bring down the cost of living. Prices of foodstuff and other basic commodities are too high and out of the reach of the average worker in Nigeria.
With the plethora of issues bordering on inflation and insecurity, what is your feeling about the choice of leadership in 2027?
2027 is still far away. We should not be talking about the choice of leadership of the people. The people have always made their choice, but forces within and outside INEC will not allow their choices to stand. The best legacy any president can leave is a free, fair, and credible election. See Goodluck Jonathan how he is being celebrated across the world for not interfering with the outcome of the 2015 general elections.
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