JAMES EZE? “IT WASN’T ME” 

In the year 2000, Shaggy, the Jamaican-American reggae star released his biggest career hit, entitled “It wasn’t me.” The song instantly took the cake, for its catchy beat and smooth vocals as well as its thematic attempt to hold a mirror for commitment in romantic relationships. 

I found the title of that song perfect for my situation today in the politics of Enugu State. Just last week, I rose with profound bitterness and blind fury once again to put out a disclaimer on a curious article bearing my name. The article is a didactic rebuke of the governor of Enugu State for not responding to the tragic death of Junior Pope to the personal satisfaction of whoever had written it. Titled “Asaba Boat Mishap: How to Be and Not to Be Governor,” it came with the byline of a certain James Eze who had graciously identified himself as a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Like most online readers who had come across the piece, I had read and enjoyed it myself, feeling that may be… just may be, Ndi Enugu had finally begun to put the feet of their political leaders to the fire. That would be a welcome relief, I had thought.

Hours later, my attention was drawn to a lengthy epistle, written in village head-masterly English, which directly attributed the article to me and stingingly excoriated me for unearned audacity to criticize governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. The piece was authored by one Reuben Onyishi, a media aide to Mbah. I was taken aback by its rudeness first, then the evident lack of rigour on Onyishi’s part. I would have thought that anyone who took up the job of managing the reputation of a governor would have a natural inclination to thoroughness. Being thorough comes with the territory as it would help you pick your fights. There are often many war fronts and banana peels around the job and circumspection is important. I would also have expected that a competent media team would have the machinery to track negative stories so as to know when there’s a new entrant to the opposition camp. But there I was, dazed and brutally savaged for a story I knew nothing about.  

My only crime is bearing the same name as the author. But even so, the author had proudly identified himself as a member of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria. In much the same way, anyone who has closely followed me would know that I have consistently introduced myself as a poet, journalist and PR specialist. Never as an actor or a member of an association of actors. Therefore, it beggars the imagination how I would suddenly trade my hard-won profile for the threadbare title of “member of AGN.” Let me be clear here though; I am in awe of the author for his brilliant piece, but there’s a world of difference between his writing style and mine. I am not fond of phrases like “even as” and “after much” for instance, and you will never find them in any piece of writing that bears my name. My style may not be the best, but I try to sound a little different. A careful check would have shown that difference! 

Just before this incident, a tendentious piece, praising former governor Ugwuanyi to the clouds had circulated on various online platforms. My name had curiously appeared as the author of the article. Various people forwarded it to me, expressing horror that I could write such a panegyric for the former governor. But I never wrote anything like that. And I could never fathom why anyone would write such a praise song and “dash” me their byline. The truth is that I am not even known in Enugu. Nor am I hankering for approval here. And stupefied by the audacious criminality that marked the last general elections, I have scaled down my public engagement with Nigeria. It doesn’t make sense anymore. Nigeria is a hypothesis.  So, why me? Why would anyone gift me their articles? It beats me hollow!

The point has to be made though, that as a citizen of Nigeria, I am fully aware of my freedom of speech. It includes the right to criticize any government or organs of government that need a kick in the groin to sit up. I shall write about Enugu State, if and when I feel like it. So, there is no need to pre-empt me. However, experience has taught me to be hesitant in tearing down a government that has yet to mark its first anniversary in office. I would be repudiating my experience if I decided to run out with a cudgel to clobber a less than one year old administration for poor performance, except in the face of obvious glaring incompetence or avoidable tragedy. That would be playing to the gallery. And I am not one for that. I am aware that it takes time and patience to lay a solid foundation for legacies.

All said and done, I am a little surprised that governor Mbah’s media team cannot see the wood from the trees. I’m stunned at their eagerness to open war fronts and bait snipers into the fray. And for the umpteenth time,  I pray them to let me breathe in peace. 

James Eze writes from Obinagu, Alor-Agu