By Nathaniel Nongu
The English playwright and screenwriter, Robert Oxton Bolt must have had a different context in mind when he coined the phrase ‘A Man for All Seasons’ as the title of his play written in 1954 based on the life of Sir Thomas More, a foremost English lawyer, judge, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted renaissance humanist.
With the passage of time however, events and circumstances have proven that the phrase ‘A Man for All Seasons’ as was conceptualized perfectly fits a Nigerian ace journalist, publicist, technocrat and emerging political figure, Terver Akase, who is a prominent 2023 Governorship aspirant in Benue State on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP platform.
It should be noted that Bolt himself borrowed the usage of the phrase from his contemporary, an English grammarian, Robert Whittington who in writing about Sir Thomas More had earlier expressed his perspective as paraphrased thus: “More is a man of an angel’s wit and singular learning. I know not his fellow. For where is the man of that gentleness, lowliness and affability? And, as time requireth, a man of marvelous mirth and pastimes… A man for all seasons.”
Robert Bolt’s play portrays More as a man of principle, envied by rivals and loved by the common people and by his family. More is presented as one who remains true to himself and his beliefs while adapting to all circumstances and times, despite external pressure or influence; representing “a man for all seasons.”
Linking Akase to the worldview created by Bolt in the mentioned play, there is clear manifestation that Akase, a product of uncommon grace rising from a humble background, has firmly established himself as someone with a lofty vision for societal transformation. He remains true to convictions and has an enduring place in history for pursuing his goals with single-minded commitment as can be seen in his admirable approach towards his gubernatorial bid.
In the play, Bolt created the common man to illustrate the place and influence of the average person in history, even though they are often overlooked and this has a correlation with Akase who has clearly demonstrated that everyone irrespective of status matters in the society. That is why his governorship quest has become a populist project as rightly themed: “Benue Peoples Project 2023” whose visionary echoes reverberate across the length and breadth of the State.
Akase, 45 exudes the maturity, emotional intelligence, uncommon discipline and refreshing candour which place him miles ahead of his generation, yet his unassuming and charismatic personality remains distinct in his interaction with everyone who comes in contact with him. For Akase, every human being is created equal and so the level of social interactions measures the same.
In his endeavors over the course of years, Akase’s brilliance and outstanding character has reflected in every opportunity and position he served; his footprints of excellence remain indelible in public service and professional career generally.
As he aspires to govern Benue State in 2023, this writer affirms that Akase’s poise and tenacity of focus has removed the glass ceiling for many young men in Nigeria as he has established himself as a source of inspiration and beacon of hope for many in diverse ways, politically and otherwise.
The foresight, clarity of vision and a purpose driven focus with eyes on the future of Benue has singularly endeared Akase to the youths, women, middle-aged and the elderly whose confidence he has earned thereby stamping a spot in posterity for himself. As it does appear, Akase’s Governorship ambition though on a partisan political platform, has transcended partisanship given how his Benue Peoples Project theme has continued to garner teeming support.
It is unarguable therefore that an Akase candidature on the ballot will be a choice way of winning the hearts of people, given that the Konshisha born gentleman has the competence, commensurate exposure and ample education and strength of character; the qualities that make him appealing beyond partisan lines.
When Chinua Achebe wrote ‘A Man of the People’ in 1966, he might have had someone like Terver Akase in mind. From Benue Northeast, Northwest and South respectively, the name Akase reverberates as a man so deeply loved by people for different but interwoven reasons all revolving around his humane, humble and calm disposition and above all his exemplary leadership conduct.
Akase is no doubt a man for all seasons; seasons of the young, the not too young, and the old alike, he is that connecting link between our experienced elders and the tech-savvy young minds who will collectively champion a noble cause towards taking Benue to greater heights of socioeconomic transformation.
Nongu is the Director, Media of the Terver Akase Governorship Campaign Organization
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