In Part 1 of this series, I drew on an analogy from the Christian holy book to illustrate the need to bind a strong man and reclaim the goods he has stolen. I explored the identity of the “strong man” in the Nigerian context, equating him with the culture of impunity and oppression that pervades Nigerian politics and society. This second part delves deeper into what the Nigerian strong man has taken from us and why it must be reclaimed.
Perhaps the most precious and foundational item stolen by the Nigerian strong man is our human dignity—the dignity of being equal citizens in a constitutional republic. This includes the right to live without fear of oppression by the powerful, to voice our opinions without threats, and to earn a decent living without the need to curry favor from the elite, a boss, or a politician. It is the dignity Colonel Thomas Rainborough championed in 1647 when he declared, “ The poorest he that is in England hath a right to live as the greatest he. ”
The Nigerian strong man accumulates wealth and power to elevate himself above ordinary citizens. His goal is not just financial gain but social dominance—ensuring he controls the affairs of individuals, communities, and the nation without being challenged. Accountability is his enemy; impunity, his playground. He despises the idea of equality, believing himself superior and untouchable. To him, fear is a currency; respect, a demand. He leverages his influence over law enforcement, thugs, and local officials to intimidate and crush anyone who dares oppose him. Such is the tragic reality of the Nigerian strong man: a megalomaniac who thrives on fear and control.
Examples of this strongman culture abound across Nigeria. On October 27, 2024, Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, delivered a package to the residence of Alex Ikwechegh, a federal legislator. When Abuwatseya requested payment for his services, Ikwechegh ignored him. After repeated requests, Ikwechegh erupted into violence, slapping Abuwatseya and berating him with dehumanizing insults. Among his words were these chilling statements:
“ Who the hell do you think you are talking to? Do you know who I am? I am a Senator of this republic… I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. You are not leaving this place. You will suffer. I will deal with you. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money. I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey. ”
Ikwechegh’s outburst and action epitomizes the Nigerian strong man mindset in its raw and unadulterated form. Had Abuwatseya not recorded the encounter, which went viral on social media, this act of oppression would likely have gone unnoticed. Public outrage forced Ikwechegh to apologize, but the case was ultimately settled out of court—highlighting a recurring pattern of abuse, public outcry, and evasion of justice by the powerful. Ikwechegh is a well-traveled man, he would not have tried what he did to Abuwatseya with an American or British Uber driver. He would have shown more respect, knowing well that such a behavior would not be tolerated in those societies. This is the place that Nigerians must aspire to; a place where all persons are respected, and their human dignity recognized, not because they are anyone, but simply because they are human, and because they are Nigerian.
The abuse Abuwatseya suffered is not an isolated incident; it is part of a deeply entrenched culture. From colonialism to military dictatorships, Nigeria’s history has cultivated a class of individuals who see themselves as above the law. Over time, this mindset has seeped into society, where many citizens idolize and aspire to emulate the strong man. This perverse admiration perpetuates the cycle of oppression. It is a mindset deeply entrenched in the psyche of many Nigerians, even though they may not be conscious or aware of this fact.
The preamble of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“ Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. ”
Yet, in Nigeria, the lack of respect for human dignity fuels instability. From terrorism in the North to secessionist violence in the East and rampant kidnappings in the South, these crises share a common root: a populace enraged by years of systemic oppression. When the dignity of citizenship is stripped away, resentment brews, leading to unrest and disillusionment.
The dignity of the Nigerian citizen must be reclaimed. The wealthy and powerful must learn to respect and uphold the humanity of the underprivileged. As Rainborough said centuries ago, the poorest individual has as much right to dignity as the richest.
Nigerians must demand an end to impunity. We must reject fear and stand firm against injustice. Until we restore the inherent dignity of all Nigerians, the dreams of justice, peace, and prosperity will remain out of reach.
The fight against the Nigerian strong man is not just about reclaiming stolen wealth but about restoring the essence of what it means to be human, what it means to be an equal citizen in a free country. For Nigeria to thrive, we must break free from the stranglehold of oppression and embrace a future built on equality, accountability, and respect for all.
