Chiwetalu Agu's Arrest And Detention, Sign Of Weakness Or Intimidation?
The arrest, detention and mistreatment of the Veteran Nollywood Actor, Chief Chinwetalu Agu by the Nigerian army on the 7th of October 2021, who was later handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), really infuriated the entire social media community. The Nigerian military has a running history of intimidating innocent civilians that are going about their daily activities. Chief Chinwetalu Agu's intimidation did not in anyway, come as a surprise. It is already part of the culture of the Nigerian state. It is ridiculous that the same Nigerian military that loves harassing unarmed and ordinary citizens on the streets, yet looses focus, flees and screams with reckless abandon, when confronted with armed Boko Haram terrorists or even the so-called unknown gunmen.
What really was the gravity of the act of insecurity that was committed by this elderly man, to have warranted the level of maltreatment and humiliation meted to him, that fateful day on the streets of Onitsha and elsewhere by the Nigerian soldiers? It was surprising to learn that he committed no other crime besides putting on clothings that adorn Biafran colors which he made by himself and paid for with his own money. The Nigerian soldiers may have been searching for an occasion to insult the man or exchange a few words with him until this opportunity showed up.
How can you tell a reasonable person that Chinwetalu Agu was arrested and forced to sit on the ground by the Nigerian military simply because he wore Biafra colored dresses? If he was arrested and humiliated because of his choice of clothes, I believe it is a sign of weakness on the part of the Nigerian military. If this old man's main offense is that he wore Biafra colored dresses, then the Nigerian security's act of reckless impunity, stemmed from intimidation. Is it now the responsibility of the Nigerian military to checkmate the type and choice of clothing that should be worn in Nigeria? And even if the Nigerian army's false accusation that Chief Chinwetelu Agu is inciting violence is correct, is it the responsibility of the soldiers to initiate arrest and prosecution?
Consider how Chinwetalu Agu, a well acclaimed Nollywood actor of international repute, was treated with disdain. What could have happened if he were a mere being on the street? They would have shot him on the spot or even tagged him with a name and then killed him. The harassment of this veteran, signaled clearly the Nigerian army's weakness. It demonstrated that this security institution employs its capability in intimidating peaceful, innocent civilians, thereby showcasing the magnitude of its irresponsibility to professional ethics.
This is a military, which is supposed to imbibe high level of discipline and friendship with the civilian populace since they can no longer be confined in the barracks. Soldiers now derive fulfillment in fighting with civilians. Their heinous acts with the police especially, the Department of State Services (DSS), have further demonstrated their preference, romancing with Fulani killer herdsmen.
Chief Chinwetalu Agu's mistreatment is state-sponspred act of terrorism, harassment and abuse of human rights. The concerned security agencies should note that this act of intimidation does not in anyway, affect all men and women. It is yet another costly mistake to assume that intimidation can halt the Biafra restoration struggle. They may have seen that Chief Chiwetalu Agu is not in the mold of Nigerian politicians who are afraid to say what is in their minds. They may have also realized that this man is not the kind of person that can be caged. He is a brave and staunch Biafran and the army should be aware of this reality. In the words of the veteran actor, the "sun will one day rise." This is indicative of the fact that Biafra will undoubtedly be restored someday, the odds, notwithstanding.
Written by Chidiebere Obulose
Edited by Domendu Udochukwu
For Family Writers Press International
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