Road to Animal Farm

Daemi Kunaiyi-Akpanah

In 1945, British writer George Orwell published Animal Farm, an allegorical masterpiece that received widespread acclaim for its thoughtful examination of unchecked power, the erosion of ideals, and the betrayal of principles. This book became a staple of the high school curriculum for my generation in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The story unfolds on a farm where a group of animals, yearning for freedom and equality, rise up against their human owner, Mr. Jones. They chase him away and declare their independence. The pigs, deemed the most intelligent among them, assume leadership and establish a set of guiding principles—the Seven Commandments. But as the pigs tighten their grip on power, the commandments are gradually altered to serve their interests. The most striking revision comes when the original declaration, “All animals are equal,” is transformed into, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” In time, the animals find themselves living under a regime more oppressive than the one they overthrew.

The themes explored in Animal Farm remain startlingly relevant today, especially in light of current events in our nation.

The constitution of Nigeria, our guiding document and the foundation of our democratic existence, promises good governance and guarantees freedom, equality, and justice. Yet, its ability to shield citizens from those determined to subvert its intent appears increasingly fragile. The three branches of government—meant to uphold the principle of checks and balances—now seem aligned in a shared resolve to deny citizens protection from abuses of power. Even the National Assembly, the emblem of our democracy, appears complicit in the erosion of democratic norms . What other explanation can justify the use of a voice vote to decide a matter that, by constitutional requirement, demands a two-thirds majority?

Recent developments in the Treasure Base of the Nation only deepen these concerns. The Supreme Court’s decision to deprive Rivers State of its statutory allocations—citing improperly appropriated expenditures—raises critical questions about federalism in Nigeria. More troubling is the appointment of a Sole Administrator, who now has access to the state’s funds. This not only seems incongruous , but also lends weight to the general perception in the state of a larger conspiracy to further undermine democratically established governance in the state.

Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly outlines the process for declaring a state of emergency. However, the suspension of the elected state governor and House of Assembly represents an anomaly in a federal constitutional democracy. No such power exists within the United States Constitution—or any democratic federal republic upon which ours is loosely modeled. The appointment of a Sole Administrator to perform the functions of an elected government raises serious concerns about legitimacy and adherence to the rule of law.

Equally disconcerting is the recent appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Councils by the very appointee in Rivers State. This action comes after the Supreme Court, in July 2024, ruled that the use of caretaker committees to administer local governments violates the 1999 Constitution. The court explicitly affirmed that only democratically elected local councils are legitimate. The move not only undermines that ruling but also adds fuel to the widespread perception that these appointments are part of a long-term plan to impose Local Government Councils in Rivers State in preparation for general elections in 2027.

Once again, Orwell’s chilling words echo through our present reality: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

These contradictions and inconsistencies in governance raise serious questions about the government’s sincerity in building the nation envisioned in our National Anthem—a nation “where no man is oppressed.” They also erode public trust and confidence in our institutions.

Our leaders need to remember that power is transient. Abusing it today not only normalizes unethical conduct but sets dangerous precedents for the future. If this trajectory continues, we may find ourselves hurtling not just toward Animal Farm, but into the dystopian world of 1984—another Orwellian warning.

We are, indeed, living in interesting times. But this moment also offers a chance for reflection. We must consider where we have come from, how we arrived here, where we are going, and the legacy we intend to leave behind. As Ecclesiastes 1:2 reminds us: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Nation-building is an onerous task but we can find unity in the prayer contained in our National Anthem—a prayer that remains as powerful and relevant today as ever:

“O God of all creation; grant this our one request: help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.”

 Kunaiyi-Akpanah is a former Member, House of Representatives, concerned citizen and advocate for good governance, peace and plenty