By Val Obienyem
A few hours ago, we left Anambra for Kogi State. As we reached Unobe, a town in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, we encountered a long line of stationary vehicles stretching for about half a kilometre. Upon inquiry, we learned that the police had shot the tyre of a trailer driver, leading all the trailer drivers at the scene to block the road in protest.
True to his nature, Mr. Peter Obi got out of the car and walked towards the epicentre of that earthquake of protest that was simmering. As he approached, the tense atmosphere among the commuters quickly turned cheerful, with chants of “Our President!” echoing from Igbos, Yorubas, and Hausas alike.
When Obi reached the Hausa driver, who had been crying over his damaged tyre, the man’s mood shifted instantly. Rather than continue his lament, he began taking selfies with Mr. Obi, and soon, an epidemic of selfies broke out among the crowd.
Without even waiting for Obi to plead with him, the driver exclaimed in Hausa (as translated by those nearby), “Who am I for Obi to beg me?” Immediately, he cleared the road, much to everyone’s relief.
What do we call this? Is it Obi’s influence or something else entirely?
In the attached picture, you’ll see the driver in a brown caftan taking a selfie with Obi, along with commuters either taking their own selfies or expressing their thoughts on the incident.
