By Ebuka Nwankwo
Last Thursday, the South-East director of the City Boys Movement (CBM), Obinna Iyiegbu (also known as Obi Cubana), paid Governor Chukwuma Soludo a courtesy visit at the Light House, Awka and intimated him of the objectives of the CBM. After the visit, Obinna Iyiegbu referred to Governor Soludo as a City Boy. Earlier this month, after receiving his appointment as the director of the South-East CBM, Obinna Iyiegbu argued that “influence works better from inside the system” in order to drive national and regional development. “I’ve learned that influence is limited from the outside — so yes, here we are!”, Obinna Iyiegbu remarked. Actually, he has a strong argument here! He framed his role as the South-East director of the CBM as a means to ensure that the South-East is not sidelined and is part of the national conversation. In this article, we will x-ray the various public criticisms of the CBM, counterarguments against these criticisms and, of course, analyze the potential benefits of this movement.
To be clear: this article supports the argument that the ongoing activities of the CBM do not constitute a political campaign, whose window for the 2027 general elections is not yet open. Besides, Obinna Iyiegbu is not known to be a card-carrying member of the APC, the President’s party. Supporters of the CBM argue that the movement positions itself primarily as a platform for youth empowerment, civic education, and grassroots development, rather than a vehicle for ballot-box victories. For instance, its activities often emphasize workshops, empowerment programs (like skill-building initiatives or donations of resources such as buses for community use), and awareness campaigns about government policies under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The City Boy Movement – whose ground patron and founder is Seyi Tinubu – is a youth-oriented political support and civic advocacy group dedicated to promoting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supporting government empowerment initiatives. A rival movement – the Village Boys Movement – launched by Peter Obi’s supporters has not generated the kind of attention the CBM has generated. This is probably because of the people behind the CBM.
This brings us to the first criticism of the CBM. Critics of the CBM argue that the CBM celebrates “city life” pretenses and unearned wealth, prompting rivals like the Village Boys Movement (pro-Obi) to emerge as a “moral alternative” focused on earned prosperity and accountability. While some analysts claim that the CBM lacks real community influence, functioning more as a social media and elite network than a transformative force. But this argument falls flat when you consider that we are living in as society where many people – even the poor – cherish and celebrate the grass-to-grace stories of the billionaire supporters of the CBM. (Besides, most of the public supporters of the CBM showcase the businesses that gave them their billions on social media). Many people believe that the good fortune that has smiled at these billionaires can also smile at them. This is the way many Nigerians think. Besides, Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) and Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) – the Imo State director of CBM – have a combined followership of over 11million people on Instagram. In this digital age, one cannot wish away the kind of reach these folks have.
Critics argue that the promoters of the CBM are insensitive to the economic hardship in the country. Yes, the ongoing reforms by President Tinubu’s administration come with some teething problems such as lack of inclusive growth and eroding purchasing power but nobody, who has a knowledge of economics, can deny the fact that the President is on course, economically. Today, Nigerians are happy to hold the naira because it is stable. Nigerians are no longer rushing to save their money in dollars. The President through his reforms has made state governments to have more resources and very recently with the reforms in the NNPC and the recent executive order, the income of subnational governments and local governments – which are the closest governments to the people – would likely increase in nominal terms – though. These are brave decisions that only a strong president can make.
Many of these progressive agendas of President Tinubu have been openly supported by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Little wonder that many leaders in Governor Soludo’s party and that of the President believe that progressives are working well together!
Some critics argue that the promoters of the CBM are weaponizing poverty by engaging in philanthropic acts like distributing food packs and cash handouts in order to buy political loyalty rather than offering sustainable economic solutions. But this is not exactly true. The promoters of the CBM have been known to be public spirited-individuals, who have mentored and built many millionaires. They are also well known for their past acts of philanthropy. A simple Google search will confirm this.
Some critics also argue that the promoters of the CBM are basically promoting their personal commercial interests and trying to open doors to federal networks, contracts, and influence. While this column cannot speak for the promoters of CBM in this regard, it is important to note that human beings do not engage in ventures that are not of mutual interests or benefits. However, the question to ask is if this engagement will lead to an overall public good.
Because the CBM is a youth-driven political and civic advocacy group, no matter how you look at it, you cannot remove some benefits that could come with it.
Make no mistake about it, for figures like Obi Cubana and Chief Priest, joining the movement could offer them a strategic seat at the national table, transitioning them from social influencers into recognized political power brokers. Since these folks are public-spirited individuals and can relate well with the masses and the grassroot, the overall benefit to the large number of their mentees and followers cannot be wished away. These folks have a record of building, mentoring and developing people!
Fundamentally, by aligning with President Tinubu, these leaders can act as conduits to bring federal presence, development, and appointments back to their geopolitical zones. In politics, you bargain and work for what you get.
*Prof Ebuka is special adviser on special projects to Governor Chukwuma Soludo
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