Political Odysseus of Chief Madu Ndigba{Belief in Totems by An African leader Part25

. In the town, where he lived and worked, the facilities were not available. In his village, which was not a riverine area, it would arouse a lot of suspicion, as he did not like that part of his life to come under public scrutiny. Besides he was an elder in the church. His religious commitment was profound, but he was like many of the Nija politicians who always carry a chaplet in one the pocket and an amulet in another. It was rumoured that his name appeared on the list of politicians found in the register of ‘Okija Shrine’, following the scandalous Okija revelation by former Inspector General of Police, Tarfa Balogun, before he, himself was ironically booted out of power.

It is this contradictory evidence in his dealing that posed considerable dilemma. Even then, his popularity waned in his local government. When he was appointed a Minister, there was no project located in that area which could be attributed to him. He was nicknamed ‘Mr. Clean’. He would conduct prayers during council sessions and in the private Chapel of head of State or in State gatherings, but he remained unpopular. There was rumour that he disapproved that a private company should fix a borehole for his use and the community because he claimed transparency. His community never forgave him.

It was therefore doubtful whether his totem would be as efficacious by any standard compared with that of Mobutu Seseseko and Houphet Boigny. All these diabolical means of acquiring political power have not proved successful.