( Published by The Southerner, Saturday, April 12, 2025 )
The subject of this discourse was carefully chosen against the backdrop of the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy and worsening developing issues in the chequered political history of our country, Nigeria.
In order not to sound pedestrian, while outlining the contents and missives of this didactic discourse, a flip to the definition of politics and politician will put us in better pedestal to acquaint ourselves with the phenomenal indices that determine our country’s developmental narratives, in the face of mounting economic and political challenges.
According to encyclopedia Britannica, “Politics is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a global, civic or individual level. It is about achieving and exercising positions of governance – organized control over a human community, particularly a state. Specifically, politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given community, as well as the interrelationships between communities.”
In a similar vein, politician simply means “a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making. This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, inheritance, appointment, conquest, or other means.”
Politics is not limited to governance through public office. Politicians may also include freedom fighters, just as in media campaigns. Politicians are often times referred to as activists.
The definitions, no doubt refresh our minds on the bugging concepts of politics and politicians.
This calls to mind the sad scenarios that have sternly and continually held our political institutions at standstill with attendant bastardization of its inherent norms and ethics that hitherto veneer of our democratic system.
Suffice it to say that in civilized and progressive democratic climes, politics is played with a sense of decorum and patriotism geared towards engendering a progressive democratic government that promotes socio-economic wellbeing and livelihood of the citizens.
Dispassionately speaking, politicians are supposedly good men of tested integrity and modest character that steer the political and socio-economic affairs of a country with unwavering commitment to building an egalitarian society where good governance, social justice, credible electoral process, and the rule of law reign supreme.
Worried by the trajectory of uncertainties besetting the nation’s economy currently, it is regrettable to note that our bourgeoning democratic system has over the years been ‘captured’ by a horde of mediocre, impostors, touts, and area boys, whose unpopular political and administrative insights have slowed the country’s progress while the populace are trapped in extreme poverty and alarming hunger.
It is common knowledge that “rogue politicians” have hijacked our country’s political system and their disingenuous and warped political ideologies truncate all due process in the country’s political ecosystem.
This disturbing scenario unquestionably points to the dazzling fact that the Nigerian democratic institution is variously characterized by hate, antagonism, treachery, and subversive ideological posturing brazenly playing out in the haughty and obnoxious manner Nigerian opportunistic politicians ply their trade.
Following the bouts of rascality that trail the Nigerian political landscape over the years, it is pertinent to say that in the eyes of the public, the Nigerian politician is no better fellow than the grumpy element who places personal aggrandizement far above national interest, just as he casts a longing eye on offices, hence rottenness begets his conduct.
To put it differently, the Nigerian politicians, in the eyes of the hapless citizens, are simply the fellow who clings to primordial sentiments laced with crab mentality and toxic political ideologies that seriously frustrate all efforts made by people of good will to reintegrate Nigeria into the league of civilized nations where unfettered democratic ideals and norms are jealously and tenaciously upheld.
Small wonder, the relics of our failing political system has viciously trailed our imperiled political landscape, even when our future is quarantined in an ill-fated political vehicle screeching to a calamitous halt.
The current state of our nation’s economy is without doubt, a sad commentary of our socio-economic history.
Staring us in the face is the fact that every day, Nigerians lament excruciating poverty occasioned by inept, corrupt and clueless leadership.
No thanks to the crop of Nigerian political leaders cum jobbers, who have rapaciously plundered the peoples’ God- given resources with impunity and flaunt their ego to the consternation of the gullible and voiceless citizens.
With deep sense of patriotism and nationalistic candour, it is pertinent to say that Nigerians deserve a better deal from their political leaders.
Nigeria, the trumpeted ‘giant’ of Africa must be extricated from the evil grip of “political con men”, and boldly stand strong to take its pride of place within the comity of world’s great and prosperous nations.
Without mincing words, the present state of the Nigerian economy and political rascality call for national re-awakening. No More, No Less!
