Recently, Omoyele Sowore, who previously ran for the presidency under the African Action Congress (AAC), protested in Abia State in support of the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
After leaving Abia, Sowore made disparaging remarks regarding Governor Alex Otti.
He stated that he opposes what he terms 'half transformation' and labeled Otti’s administration a failure.
In the wake of public criticism against his statements, Sowore appeared unsettled and organized an interview where he made further questionable assertions.
To avoid engaging unnecessarily with Sowore, many initially refrained from responding to his sweeping remark that 'Otti is a failure' as it seemed like a provocation meant to ignite discussions.
However, following his subsequent interview, it became necessary to clarify and correct the record with the following points:
1\. Sowore aptly referred to Otti as his 'friend', though he neglected to clarify their relationship's nature. This raises questions about his understanding of friendship, which should hinge on respect and honesty. By calling Otti 'some guy there', he undermines the essence of their supposed bond. Given his controversial past in activism and politics, Sowore must have harbored significant trust toward Otti when he stayed at his house and shared meals during the 2019 campaign in Abia. A pertinent question for Sowore is whether his 'friend' even knows where he resides.
2\. Sowore incorrectly alleged that Otti had a column in his publication where he targeted sitting governors. The truth is that the only medium where Otti wrote as a columnist was Thisday Newspapers, while SaharaReporters simply republished his articles as originally printed by Thisday. Such claims can be substantiated.
Contrary to Sowore's assertion, Otti's columns did not attack any governors; they primarily critiqued national political and economic policies while suggesting solutions.
Additionally, Sowore misrepresented a purported conversation in which he claimed he warned Otti that he would pursue him if he failed as governor. While such a statement lacks merit, if it were true, there would be nothing wrong with it—yet it seems to be entirely fabricated, aimed at presenting himself as a concerned friend fulfilling his duties with professionalism.
3\. Sowore's claim of not compromising standards is misleading. In fact, it is Governor Otti who adheres firmly to standards. Otti has chosen to overlook the flurry of false reports Sowore has disseminated against his government. The only occasion in which Otti prompted Sowore to reconsider his course of action was on February 20 this year when Sowore alleged via SaharaReporters that the Abia APC Congress postponement was due to Otti's planned switch to the APC. Sowore’s claims were devoid of evidence and he neglected to communicate with Otti or his aides to ascertain the truth before hastily publishing erroneous information. Following this, Otti reminded him that spreading falsehoods could jeopardize his credibility.
4\. Sowore faces criticism from various observers, including his supporters from Lagos who accused him of launching a smear campaign against Governor Otti in Abia.
Should Sowore dispute this, he is invited to respond to these questions:
(a) Why protest in Aba when Nnamdi Kanu hails from Umuahia, the capital of Abia State? Did Sowore not recall the Operation Python Dance episode in Umuahia, which Otti vocally condemned back in 2017?
Just weeks ago, Kanu's family held a memorial for his late parents at their home in Afara Ibeku, yet Sowore did not find the time to visit them when he went to Aba for his protest.
(b) Why not stage a protest in Sokoto, where Kanu is currently detained?
(c) Why did Sowore choose to disparage Otti mere hours after leaving Abia rather than brief the public and especially Kanu's supporters on the protest's outcome and significance?
(d) Was it not possible for Sowore to select a more appropriate date to enter Abia discreetly and perform an in-depth assessment of Otti's governance before making his 'Otti is a failure' proclamation?
(e) Did Sowore's decision to visit Abia without prior notice to his 'friend' not reflect a deliberate attempt at provocation that failed?
(f) Is it possible that Sowore intended to incite unrest and disrupt law and order to fulfill some underlying political agenda, but left frustrated because Otti managed to provide ample security, ensuring no one was harmed?
5\. Sowore suggested that Otti was displeased because locals turned out to welcome him. This amusing comment inadvertently implicates Sowore, implying that his intentions were more about gaining publicity than genuinely advocating for Kanu’s release.
Sowore should be cautious; his self-congratulatory sentiments regarding hypothetical popularity in Aba are likely mere illusions. If he truly doubts this, he might consider campaigning in Aba when he seeks his presidential nomination and observe the stark difference between leveraging Kanu's name versus campaigning as Sowore.
6\. Sowore accused Otti of compensating Lagos influencers to attack him. However, if Otti were indeed funding influencer campaigns, Sowore would be privy to it, indicating he is well aware of his own falsehood. Most of those criticizing him understand him well.
For clarity, it is crucial to state that Otti neither employs nor seeks paid influencers. Otti enjoys genuine support from the Abia people and Nigerians, who have voluntarily appointed themselves as his advocates and spokespeople.
7\. Regarding Sowore's criticism of Otti’s 'half transformation', it is telling that he recognized some changes during his brief time in Aba. His only contention is that Otti has not achieved complete transformation within two years and ten months, yet further exploration of the city and discussions with its residents will surely reshape his perspective.
Otti has never asserted that he has entirely transformed Aba or Abia State; he acknowledges that it is a gradual process. He has consistently maintained that the current stage is just the beginning, with much work still ahead. However, we will not apologize if Sowore feels resentment over the accolades Otti receives from the Abia populace and Nigerians for his achievements thus far.
In the spirit of 'friendship', it must be reiterated to Sowore that arrogance, when donned like a costly garment, can lead to harmful outcomes, particularly when it seeks to serve self-serving interests at the expense of the community and future.
Regardless of his aims, it is evident that he has misdirected his target and should consider making a wise exit.
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