Opinion

By Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonechora)

Sometimes I wonder whether Nigerian politics has become the easiest place today to bury a questionable past and manufacture a somewhat respectable future.

Not everyone in politics is a thug or a criminal. There are many people that want to do good. But there is a troubling trend: people with questionable histories seem to find politics remarkably welcoming.

Sometimes, even those returning from the diaspora with troubled records, can enter politics, acquire new networks, new identity, titles and respectability, completely reinvent themselves, and get a new lease of life. Nigerian politics seems remarkably good at forgiving sins. Don’t you think?

But rehabilitation should mean transformation. Instead, for some, the second chance is simply an opportunity to acquire power, money and influence for themselves.

And then there is the cost. When it takes enormous sums of money to contest political office. If someone borrows hundreds of millions to run for office, are we really surprised when the person gets into office and starts looking for ways to recoup it?

That is when public service becomes business. It becomes an investment, and the people become the returns.

The agenda shifts from genuinely improving people’s lives to tokenism: a little money here, a bag of rice there, a few projects, patronage and handouts. No grand vision. No serious national agenda. Just enough to keep people dependent and grateful.

Meanwhile, many of the country’s brightest and most competent people are leaving, refusing to play the game by withdrawing from public life. Then we wonder why Nigeria is struggling.

We also need to look in the mirror. Citizens sometimes help sustain the very system that impoverishes them. Sometimes we clap for characters who should concern us. We celebrate thuggery, patronage and mediocrity. We happily accept crumbs and call it empowerment while complaining about the state of the country. We are patronised and somehow feel honoured. Are we really serious?

Politics should not be a hiding place, a rehabilitation ground or a business opportunity for mischief makers. It should be where the best of us go to solve the country’s biggest problems and move society forward.

Until we demand that, and stop rewarding the opposite, we will continue to get the politics we tolerate.

Dr. Ikokwu aspires to serve Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives

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