By Musa Baba Adamu
Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted to the recent political setbacks suffered by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, describing them as a reminder that political power is temporary.
In a post on X on Sunday, Odinkalu reflected on Omo-Agege’s political journey, arguing that the former senator could hardly have imagined his current circumstances during the height of his influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The human rights advocate referenced the 2018 Senate mace incident, in which Omo-Agege was widely associated with tensions arising from political disagreements in the National Assembly, saying the former deputy senate president was then seen as one of the APC’s most loyal figures.
Odinkalu noted that Omo-Agege had endured a difficult political week, claiming he was effectively pushed out of the APC before suffering defeats in senatorial primary elections in two separate political parties.
According to him, the developments underscore the unpredictable nature of politics and the fleeting influence that often accompanies public office.
“Leadership is a voluntary thing and there is no joy when those who do or seek it for the right reasons get denied repeatedly. But that is when they seek it for the right reasons,” Odinkalu wrote.
He added that when Omo-Agege allegedly “burgled the mace” of the Senate to demonstrate his commitment to the APC, he likely did not foresee a period in which he would lose political ground so rapidly.
“In one week, he has been constructively booted out of the APC and lost two Senate primaries in two different parties – one to a man; another to a woman,” Odinkalu stated.
Despite the criticism, Odinkalu acknowledged Omo-Agege’s contribution to the APC’s growth in Delta State, describing him as one of the figures who helped transform the party into a credible political force in the state.
“The irony of it all is that Omo-Agege is arguably the person who gave the APC a credible chance in Delta State,” he said.
Odinkalu further argued that recent political developments across the country have demonstrated that many politicians who once benefited from the country’s power structure are now facing unexpected reversals.
“For many who have grown fat on the humbug of Nigerian power, the Tinubu system is handing out rewards indiscriminately. It is a rude reminder of the transience of power,” he added.
