25/11/2024
POWER SHIFT
WHEN POLITICAL POWER WAS IN ENOCHI (OTUKPO): A REFLECTION ON MATURITY AND CALMNESS IN LEADERSHIP
By: Austin Akogwu
For many Idoma people, the era when political influence centered in Enochi, particularly in Otukpo, is remembered as a time marked by a distinct maturity and calmness in leadership. Political discourse during that period, despite occasional disagreements, was largely characterized by respect, unity, and a focus on community priorities. However, with the recent shift of political power towards Enone, social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become a battlefield of insults, rivalries, and what has been described as a “PhD (Pull Him Down) syndrome”—with individuals preoccupied with undermining each other’s credibility and achievements rather than constructive engagement.
This shift in political culture raises an important question: why has the change in political geography led to such a significant shift in behavior? And, more importantly, what can be done to restore a sense of unity and purpose among Idoma leaders and followers?
1. THE ENOCHI ERA: A Legacy of Stability and Respect
MATURITY IN DISCOURSE: The Enochi era was characterized by leaders who prioritized diplomacy and negotiation over public confrontation. Conflicts were often resolved behind closed doors, reflecting a culture of maturity and a commitment to collective respect.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED APPROACH: Leaders from Enochi were known to center their discussions around the needs of the people. Policies and debates were focused on development goals for Otukpo and the larger Idoma land, rather than individual power struggles or personal agendas.
UNITY OVER DIVISION: Even when leaders disagreed, they typically avoided open confrontations that could divide the community. This approach fostered a unified political atmosphere, where leaders and followers were aligned towards common goals.
2.THE SHIFT TO ENONE: A CULTURE OF DIVISION AND NOISE
INCREASED SOCIAL MEDIA DRAMA: With the shift of political power to Enone, there has been a notable increase in public disputes, with Facebook becoming a hotspot for insults, name-calling, and public criticism. Rather than fostering constructive dialogue, social media has been used as a tool for creating division, attacking opponents, and promoting personal agendas.
THE "PHD (Pull Him Down) SYNDROME”: A phenomenon often associated with the Enone era is the “PhD syndrome,” where leaders and supporters appear overly focused on proving their superiority and undermining others. This constant need to project expertise and belittle rivals has led to a breakdown in unity and a rise in competitive hostility.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY PERCEPTION: This combative culture has impacted how the wider Idoma community perceives its leaders, breeding disillusionment, distrust, and a sense of disconnect between leaders and the people they represent. The noise has created an environment where genuine concerns are overshadowed by personal rivalries.
3. UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF THIS SHIFT IN POLITICAL CULTURE
GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE AND SENSE OF DISCONNECT: With power shifting to Enone, leaders may feel pressured to assert their influence over a broader base, leading to more public displays of power struggles as they vie for recognition.
THE RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: While social media wasn’t as prevalent during the Enochi era, it is now a powerful tool for political messaging. However, it has also given rise to public spats, with individuals feeling emboldened to voice harsh criticisms in an attempt to assert dominance or gather support.
PERSONAL AGENDAS OVER COMMUNITY GOALS: In recent years, there seems to be a shift towards individual ambition, where leaders prioritize personal reputation and influence over unity and community advancement. This shift has only fueled division and infighting, overshadowing the collective interest.
3. RESTORING THE VALUES OF UNITY AND RESPECT
FOSTERING CONSTRUCTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA USE: To avoid further division, leaders and their supporters must recognize the need for a respectful, community-centered approach on social media. Platforms like Facebook can be used constructively, with leaders focusing on educating, informing, and engaging followers on key issues.
REINTRODUCING CLOSED-DOOR DIPLOMACY: Reviving the tradition of addressing conflicts privately rather than publicly can help foster a sense of maturity in political discourse. By discussing and resolving issues away from the public eye, leaders can present a united front and avoid inflaming public disputes.
PRIORITIZING COMMUNITY-DRIVEN AGENDAS: Leaders need to focus on policies and actions that benefit the people of Idoma land as a whole, rather than individual ambitions. A renewed emphasis on community-driven goals can help reestablish trust and reduce the noise associated with personal rivalries.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Lessons from the Enochi Era
The era when political power resided in Enochi taught the Idoma people valuable lessons in respect, unity, and calm leadership. By revisiting these values, current leaders in Enone and across Idoma land can create a political culture that prioritizes the collective welfare over personal interests and noise. Embracing these values will ensure that political power, wherever it is based, truly serves the people and fosters a lasting legacy of unity and progress for future generations.
