Reflections on Politics, Ideology, and Personal Values
As I reflect on the frustrating situation surrounding Nigerian politics, I can't help but think of the lyrics from the song "Carry On" by Fun**: "I like to think I can cheat it all to make up for the times I was cheated on." It makes me feel like I should be cheating my way to the future. But turning off my light doesn't benefit me or my loved ones...or does it?
Because in life, we are all playing politics, whether we like it or not. The moment we find ourselves fixated on our reputation, we are either a bad person trying to look good or a good person looking bad.
Jesus, in his bid to not stand in the way of the government, said “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's”. Matthew 22:22.
It doesn't help that there are people who defend the bad guy by making accusations against the supposed "good guy". They claim his tribe is a tribe of bigots who vote for one party in mass, but what evidence do they have to support this claim?
Maybe the video I saw was from the supposed "good guy's" tribe where kids were voting! I always hated it when the bad guys did that, so how do I defend that? My best defense against some bully was that the good guy didn't know anything about children voting...but how do I know if he does or doesn't?
It is easier to defend a person who people think is a demon but is really just human. It is impossible to defend someone who people think is just like everyone else but is really an angel...to you…
The good guy is an angel to me, he is very hard to defend.
Then there are tribal and religious sentiments in the mix; it's a huge problem in Nigerian politics. People vote based on their tribe or religion, rather than the merits of the candidate.
The beauty of being from a minority tribe is that I really do not have a tribe. I have traveled to the different places in the South East and West, and they all say I look like I can speak their language. I can't ever be accused of voting based on tribe because I really do not have a tribe. I am Nigerian.
So when people attack my candidate, they just end up attacking the best representation of good.
In America, my best representation of good would be the Republican party, and you know those are the racist gun owners. At least those are the demons people see them as; you see how easy it has become to defend them?
Now if you add the fact that the election against Donald Trump was rigged and that Trump’s tenure employed more black people than Joe Biden’s and Barack Obama’s, you start to see how Trump is just a human with a few character flaws.
Trump’s story is also like the good guy in my story. He took the rigged presidential loss to court and has been fighting for close to 4 years to win back the presidency. He is also a very successful businessman...sure he has a few tax return issues, but Democrats increase tax for their own benefits (it’s a complex issue).
Joe is also very much like the bad guy in our story. He is an old man who says "Balablu", forgets where he is going on stage, and says insensitive things like "you ain't black if you don’t vote for me". He has more power as a whole and control over the media, so the truth about him is covered up.
Are people adopting these ideologies, parties, and beliefs to justify their racism, sexism, and bigotry? What is all of this?! Why do I want to be a protector and provider for my family? Am I just rationalizing my role as an oppressor of women who only gives them crumbs? Why do I listen to Andrew Tate for motivation when he does exactly that?
What if politics is a game where those who appear as innocent as doves can be as diabolical as serpents and still win?
What we truly need is a profound shift in our collective mindset. We must stop thinking about politics as a tool for personal gain and instead view it as a way to serve the people and better our nation. We must prioritize honesty, transparency, and fairness in our political system...or should we not?
