Nyesom Wike, The Overfed ‘Nza’ Ready To Battle His Gods?

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

In a moment reminiscent of the proverbial “Nza”, who, after being overfed, declared war on the gods, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State has adopted a similar stance. During a recent honour bestowed upon him by the Ijaw community, Wike boldly declared that he could defeat all his enemies, no matter how powerful they may be.

This proclamation, coming from a man who has enjoyed political success, serves as a reminder of the dangers of overconfidence and the importance of humility before divine and human forces.

The Nza bird, a symbol in Igbo folklore, is known for its insatiable appetite. After feasting on an unusually abundant meal, the small bird became overconfident, forgetting its place and challenging even its gods.

Wike’s recent statement mirrors this cautionary tale, especially when viewed in the context of Nigerian politics, where power is fleeting and fortunes often change overnight.

During his speech, an event organized in his honour by an Ijaw community, Wike’s declaration seemed less like a harmless boast and more like a defiant challenge to his political adversaries. His tenure as Rivers State governor was marked by his unrelenting battles with political foes, and now, as FCT Minister, his confidence appears even more emboldened. But history has shown that pride often precedes downfall, and overconfidence can invite divine retribution.

The Bible warns against such arrogance. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This scriptural injunction serves as a caution to those who, like Wike, believe that their achievements are solely the result of their efforts. While confidence and self-belief are necessary for leadership, it is crucial to recognize that human success is not independent of God’s grace. Wike must remember that no matter how many political victories he has secured, it is ultimately God who controls the destinies of men.

There is another scriptural reminder in James 4:6 that says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This verse emphasizes the divine principle that humility is the key to continued success and favour. Wike would do well to heed these words and avoid falling into the trap of boastfulness, for the Bible also teaches that God has a way of humbling those who elevate themselves above others.

As much as Wike has enjoyed a run of victories in his political career, it is important to note that these achievements are not solely the result of his efforts or strategies. The circumstances of power, influence, and opportunity are often orchestrated by forces beyond human control. God, in His wisdom, has a way of disgracing those who believe that their rise in life is due only to their strength, intelligence, or cunning. For Wike to think that his recent successes are entirely of his own making is to discount the role of providence.

The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel stands as a reminder of how God humbles those who are consumed by pride. In Daniel 4:30, Nebuchadnezzar boasted about his achievements, declaring, *“Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”* But his pride led to his downfall, and God humbled him by taking away his sanity and reducing him to living like an animal in the wilderness.

Wike would be wise to reflect on these lessons from scripture and avoid the temptation of boasting. As he continues to serve in the political arena, he must be careful not to alienate those around him with declarations of invincibility. Nigeria’s political landscape is complex, and even the most powerful figures can find themselves vulnerable when pride takes over. If Wike truly wishes to maintain his position and keep moving forward, he must acknowledge that his victories come from God’s grace, not just his abilities.

Instead of consistently boasting, Wike should embrace humility and focus on serving the people with wisdom and compassion. Power is transient, and those who hold it today may lose it tomorrow. Boasting about one’s ability to defeat enemies can easily be interpreted as arrogance, which, as history has shown, tends to attract downfall.

Given the foregoing backdrop, Nyesom Wike, like the proverbial Nza, must be cautious. His recent boldness may have been born out of his string of successes, but he must remember that overconfidence often leads to a fall. God’s hand is ultimately in control of all things, and it is only by His grace that men rise and fall. It would serve Wike well to humble himself before God and his fellow men, for, as scripture teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).