Essential Ndubuisi
By Tai Emeka Obasi
When you’ve closely observed HE Peter Obi and closely observed Hon Chris Emeka Azubogu, you would notice about 90% similarities of the both, leaving only about 10% to individual differences. I’ve seen enough of the two to make this honest assertion.
When I heard that this lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency would be honoured with a chieftaincy title on the 28th of December, I naturally frowned. Personally, I hate noise making and all these chiefs this and that happening all over the place appear nothing else to me.
I wondered why this unassuming gentleman would be interested in any title when the one the masses crowned him with can never ever be subsumed, talking about Mr Project. I was ready to protest this until I got to know exactly how he was approached for it and why he accepted, albeit reluctantly.
But unlike Obi, who chose to be titled Okwute when he was eventually forced to accept a title while winding up his days in office as governor of the decade, Azubogu’s hands were tied. The ex-governor chose the title the masses already crowned him with, alas, that’s also the Greek meaning of his name “Petro” (stone or rock). Azubogu could not choose his because no traditional ruler in Igbo land, let alone the longest serving one in HRH Kenneth Orizu (57years on the thrown) would crown one with an English word. So Mr Project was out of it.
I was eager to know the title he chose and would have known earlier if I had been to his home in the morning of the event. But I had to join at the heat of the event from a very important burial at Arondizuogu.
I was right there just few metres behind the Igwe when Mr Project sat before the monarch while my good friend, Hon Ben Nwosu, read through the very abridged citation of this great son of Igboland. Like the mammoth crowd, I was all anticipation. What title did this very humble man choose that would appease my skeptical mind?
And guess what? My day was completely made when the Igwe said, “I crown you with the title, Ifeanyichukwu na Nnewi.”
Simple. Direct. Class.
Nothing like Odotuluenyi 1 of Igboland, Onwanaetili uwanine of Anambra, Ojiakagbuagu 1 na Africa, or such ego-filled titles that only erode nausea in my eardrums.
Ifeanyichukwu is Azubogu’s first name, although he uses another of his names, Emeka. Loosely translated, it means Nothing Is Beyond God. Some might prefer Nothing Is Impossible To God. Whichever one prefers, Azubogu’s life trajectory, especially his very giant strides in politics, are clear manifestations of the name given to him by his dear parents from birth.
Predicting the future without the power of clairvoyance is always an impossible task, but I don’t think this University of Nigeria, Nsukka-trained engineer would be taking another title in the near future. He would have unduly insulted a 95 year-old monarch and his cabinet if he had rejected this one, especially when it was strictly by merit as were those of the other four great sons of Nnewi crowned same afternoon.
Believe me, the basis of people-oriented public service starts with humility and simplicity. Whoever hasn’t understood that from Okwute Ndi Igbo should take a steady look at Ifeanyichukwu Nnewi.
It’s time we started a course in Humility and Simplicity as part of Obimetrics in our universities. Ask me for a great leader and I start looking for those who live a simple life of genuine humility.
When next you hear #HelpIsComing better believe it.
