By M. O. Idam, Esq.
Among the figures of classical antiquity, Odysseus stands out as a master rhetorician who employed an almost unrivalled command of language to persuade audiences, often using half-truths, cunning arguments, and deception to advance his goals. I guess Mr. Okonkwo must either be a student of this character or a certain descendant, though they certainly do not share the same lineage.
Be it one or the other, it is no exaggeration to say that God has gifted actor Okonkwo with the cherished gift of the gab. How I failed to notice this throughout his short-lived but frankly eventful career in Nollywood can only be attributed to my lack of interest in that genre of movie production, which was famously riddled with pitiful storylines, predictable endings, and shabby directing. I often dismissed it as the “Asaba lazy cast” style (no offence intended). Nigerian actors and their craft will always have my respect for their decent choice of making a living, wrapped in arts and culture.
I was not going to waste my time on home videos that would leave me sad afterwards and imprint a peasant psychology in my head throughout the day, so I quit watching them. No doubt, I once thought “Living in Bondage” was actor Okonkwo’s name. It was not long before I realised it was the title of his popular movie, now assigned to him by those uncomfortable with his new public persona, having chosen to make a living in the arena of modern-day Nigerian politics, where dishonesty is the best-selling point, eagerly sought after by renowned politicians.
It is a trade that has richly benefited Mr. Bwala, Ambassadors Omokri and FFK, men previously famous for their deceitful cantatas and double standards.
How the actor was able to smoothly sway his way to stardom through a witty tongue is quite intriguing. His electrifying diction can resolve an obstructed labour case without the assistance of midwives in the labour room. He has become a lad to behold in newsrooms. Actor Okonkwo would have me replay his speeches several times, such that I would often forget he was telling a lie, or that he may have previously said the exact opposite of whatever he was saying at the given moment. Sadly, that trait happens to be one of the most valuable assets in the Nigerian political space today.
Not only has he praised his now-despised principal to high heavens, describing him as next in sainthood only to Archangel Michael, a corruption-free Nigerian, and the most qualified man to lead Nigeria, citing his initial grouse upon exit as merely that Obi was too diplomatic in handling issues concerning the Labour Party leadership crisis. According to the ace actor, “Obi is not as tough as he should be as a leader.” That was the only reason he gave for leaving Obi’s camp.
That reason later changed to Obi not being capable of leading Nigeria, and today it has graduated into the allegation that Obi is a fraud who engaged in extorting aspirants under the NDC.
This allegation has been sustained despite being firmly denied by the very man whom Mr. Okonkwo claimed supplied him with the information. But was that even going to unmake Mr. Obi if Kenneth was factual? The answer is no. Obi’s criminality, if proven, would still amount to the sainthood of both Tinubu and Atiku combined. There exists no better politician in the presidential race than Obi today, if truth is still relevant in Nigeria.
Mr. Okonkwo’s new vocation should be rewarding enough to pay his children’s tuition fees and cater for other eventualities when the election is over; otherwise, he might find himself out of a job after the election season. I am sure Atiku himself must be scared, if not wary, of retaining his services after the elections, whether he loses or wins, considering that Mr. Okonkwo may have exceeded even Atiku’s expectations in conveniently throwing jabs at his former principal—the same man Atiku once described as the best personality he could run with in 2019. That fact alone may make it difficult for even Mr. Okonkwo’s present principal to keep him in his employment or leave him close enough to access privilege information from him.
Mr. Okonkwo must know that those who sell their brothers for shillings may find willing buyers, but they rarely earn their trust.
—M. O. Idam
The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.
