Nigerian businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has thrown his weight behind Abia State Governor Alex Otti, delivering a scathing assessment of the state's previous administrations in a widely circulated online video.
Fayose's Stark Comparison: Otti's 2 Years vs 24 Years of Predecessors
In the video shared on his Instagram page, Fayose made a bold claim that has ignited discussions across social media platforms. He asserted that Governor Alex Otti has accomplished more in just two years than former governors like Theodore Orji and Orji Uzor Kalu achieved collectively over a span of 24 years.
Fayose framed his argument in biblical terms, urging the people of Abia State not to allow the "Egyptians they saw before" to return to power. He contrasted what he described as the past era of "wheelbarrow empowerment" with the current administration's focus on creating sustainable opportunities in education, technology, and skill acquisition.
A Broader Warning for Nigeria's Political System
The outspoken businessman did not limit his criticism to Abia State alone. He issued a stark warning about the trajectory of Nigerian politics at large. Fayose suggested that, judging by current events, many former governors and political office holders could become ex-convicts within the next decade.
He lamented the "cash and carry" nature of politics, where he claims individuals bribe their way back into power after showcasing questionable past achievements. Fayose turned a well-known biblical phrase on its head, noting that while scripture says "the Egyptians you see today, you will see no more," the opposite appears true in Nigeria, with the same political figures recycling through power.
His most dire prediction was that if citizens are not vigilant, ex-convicts will continue to produce other ex-convicts to rule over them, trapping the nation in a cycle of poor governance. He expressed concern that some in Abia seemed willing to "return to Egypt again" and concluded with a prayer for the nation's healing.
Public Reaction to Fayose's Political Commentary
The video prompted a flood of reactions from Nigerian social media users, reflecting a mix of agreement, frustration, and cynicism.
One user, @briankeloz, blamed "shameless elders" as the country's core problem. Another, @iam_oje_official, pointed fingers at the judiciary, calling it "the most corrupt institution" and citing unspecified cases. A comment from @chima_dozie expressed a sense of helpless resignation towards the political awareness of the populace.
However, not all feedback was critical of institutions. User @tosynoscopos231 praised Fayose, stating they watched the video "up to ten times" because of its powerful message, linking it to the timeless critiques of Nigerian governance. Others, like @s_feranmi and @herbedeymee1212__, simply agreed with Fayose's sentiments.
This intervention by Isaac Fayose comes amidst ongoing evaluations of Governor Otti's performance, which has drawn both praise and criticism since he took office. The video has successfully redirected public attention to the legacy of past administrations in Abia State and the broader patterns of political accountability in Nigeria.
