By Ikenna ONUOHA, Ph.D.
Like a literary icon, Chinua Achebe refers to “Chi” “God” in his Things Fall Apart as “an individual’s personal god or spirit, a concept central to Igbo cosmology that plays a significant role in determining a person’s fate and fortune. The well-being and effectiveness of a person’s “chi” is believed to influence the person life’s outcomes, with a “good chi” bringing protection and fortune, while a “bad chi” can lead to misfortune.
One politician currently in existence in Nigeria today that has been dengerously betrayed is Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Reason being that those struggling to compete with him do not know that Anyanwu is unaware of their schemings and competitive tendencies against him. He is a man who easily and freely gives himself to people, friends , associates and allies, yet receive betrayals and sabotage at the end.
He has fought battles, but the truth of the matter is that non of the secret and open battles fought by him had ever eluded him. He has always come out successfully and without bruises. A man who doesn’t physically and easily fights his enemies yet, those enemies fail and count loses.
As local government Chairman, Senator Anyanwu was blackmailed and suspended by the then Governor Achike Udenwa, later his purpoted suspension pushed him to House of Assembly. After serving for one term, his people of Ikeduru LGA reelected him for a second term. At the State House of Assembly, he became the eyes, nose, ear and mouth of the Assembly. Infact, he was named the leader of the three wise men!
From there, his goodwill, legislative performances and verifiable achievements took him to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Quite unusual of any first timer, Anyanwu was appointed Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. A committee that is charged with enormous responsibilities to entertain, decide, probe, judge and implement decisions either against or in favour.
Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has shown that his “Chi” is capable to do all things including doing the undoings. His “Chi” is so merciful that He embarrasses those who attempt to embarrass His son before invoking blessings and goodwill to him.
This battle started in 2023, shortly after Senator Anyanwu contested Governorship election in Imo state as an incumbent National Secretary of the main opposition party in Nigeria.
Unknown to him that his “unfriendly friends” who openly attempted to lure him into accepting a Greek gift of support if only he could resign as National Secretary of PDP to qualify for the gift were out to destroy his political chances. The strong push to remove him as National Secretary of PDP has metamorphosed into undeniable victory against principalities and powers. The press conference of the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Amb. Iliya Damagun speaks volumes.
As a man his “Chi” always backs up vehemently resisted the Greek gift and decided to pursue his cause alone. In as much as he “won” the Governorship election but was pretentiously hijacked, Senator Anyanwu has refused to be cowed, intimidated, harassed and blackmailed. Who can battle with a child whose “Chi” is always awake? Even Pharoh in the Bible tried it on Israellites, but failed woefully and shamefully!
Like in Things Fall Apart, “Each individual in the Umuofia clan has a “chi”, which acts as a guardian spirit or personal god.” Here, the concept of “chi” is closely tied to destiny; a person’s chi is seen as a major factor in their successes or failures.
For instance, Achebe records that, “Okonkwo often attributes his misfortunes to a “bad chi”, but Senator Anyanwu, his “Chi” has remained straightforward, consistent, dedicated, forthright, devoted, meritorious, responsible and responsive.
When a chi is actively protecting an individual, as in the case of Senator Anyanwu, it is described as “awake,” as viewed in a scene where Okonkwo’s “chi’ prevents him from accidentally shooting his wife”.
The Igbo proverb, “when a man says yes; his chi says yes also,” highlights the interplay between individual will and the guidance of chi, suggesting that while destiny is influenced by “chi”, personal choices also play a role. Characters in the novel, including Okonkwo, both acknowledge the power of their chi and sometimes blame it for their misfortunes, reflecting the complexities of fate and free will within the Igbo clan.
What is necessary is for those working to undue Senator Anyanwu to embrace him as the substantive National Secretary of PDP. For me, am sure Samdaddy with his large heartedness, will NEVER witch-hunt anyone!
By so doing, we shall be expecting a united, formidable and viable PDP of our collective dreams.
