Opinion
ZUZURU GỊ PỤỌ N’ỤZỌ
By Dr jalarth Uche Opara
A few days ago, I came across an Igbo expression on Facebook: “Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ.”
The writer was apparently expressing frustration with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and what he perceived as his inability to politically outmanoeuvre the forces that eventually culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency.
The Igbo have many expressions for such exasperation:
Otondo! Mugu! Kposhishi! Lele! Osi gini?
But “Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ” carries a deeper sting. It is an expression of contempt, disenchantment and frustration—almost saying: “Please, get out of the way.”
But was it fair to Fubara?
The more important question is not whether he was weak, meek or politically naive. It is: what could he have done differently to prevent a political dispute from becoming a constitutional crisis?
The Rivers crisis demonstrated a sobering truth about Nigerian politics: holding political office is not the same as possessing political power.
A governor may have constitutional authority while his opponents possess political structures, alliances, legislative influence and networks capable of neutralising that authority.
Fubara eventually chose reconciliation rather than prolonged confrontation. Some will see that as wisdom; others may see it as surrender.
Both interpretations deserve examination.
Political mastery is not simply knowing how to fight. It is knowing when to fight, what to fight, when to negotiate and when to retreat.
So perhaps “Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ” should not be our final verdict on Fubara. It should be a question we ask every leader—including ourselves:
Have I become an obstacle on somebody else’s journey?
In politics, religion, business, family and friendship, people may not always tell us to zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ. Sometimes they simply stop correcting us. They stop challenging us. They quietly find another road.And that may be the most painful meaning of the expression.
As 2027 approaches, which presidential aspirant deserves “Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ,”?
Which of the politicians you know would deserve this expression Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ,”?
As this UNGA non attendance by our President continues to generate viral conversations who would one say Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ? Those that criticize the President’ absence or the President and his sympathizers?
When some looks at your eyes and says to you Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ,”. It is not only an expression of disaffection but more of see finish. May nobody look at you and bellows Zuzuru gị pụọ n’ụzọ,” it is the height of condescension.
To all who are making Nigeria a very stressful place to live in ZUZURU UNU PỤỌ N’ỤZỌ
To all the men of God defaming the name of God ZUZURU UNU PỤỌ N’ỤZỌ
To every Nigeria defending the indefensible, supporting corrupt leaders ZUZURU UNU PỤỌ N’ỤZỌ
Jarlath Uche Opara
jarlathuche@gmail.com