THE NIGERIAN POLITICIAN: Victim Of our Political Manipulations

By Festus Fifen.

About 3 days ago Sahara Reporters one of the foremost online news medium in investigative journalism published the names and mobile numbers of state governors in Nigeria for the public to see and demand for a "better deal" in terms of governance; this is shortly after the names and mobile numbers of Senators Representing the 109 Senatorial Districts of the country were published on social media  by the same organization with a 'Directive' that Nigerians should demand for dividend of democracy from their representatives. 

As good this action may seem to some Nigerians, it got me thinking of the impacts those mobile numbers can have on  an impoverished people who find it very difficult to feed under the current economic fortune of Nigeria.

This publication reminded me of an article Written by one of my  colleagues Ukachi Chukwu with the title,  "OUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE MORE INTERESTED IN REPRESENTING THEMSELVES" initially I thought oh, this topic has been over flogged, we know this already, they are selfish and self - centered  people, they only think about themselves

But again, I told my self that these Politicians might just be victims of our political Manipulations as a country who will always want to eat our cake and still have it. 

Why won't they be interested in themselves and their God fathers only? When they practically carry almost all the burdens that brought them to power. 

Monitoring the forthcoming presidential elections in America for example, with the ongoing debates and political jingoism currently going on, political parties, their candidates and activities are funded by contributions,  levies and donations  from card carrying members and other individuals that believe in their ideology. 

In Nigeria for example, (I stand to be corrected) the candidates are the ones that mostly sponsor political parties, they bring in the money, I don't know of any political party where members pay levies in Nigeria, instead the members come to share the money that was brought in by these politicians, the politicians print their posters, they give monies to their godfathers to help them lobby prospective voters ahead of the election, they are the ones that buy salt and sugar to share in the village square, they give money to Royal Fathers, Chiefs and pastors for prayers and support, they pay for media interviews aimed at promoting their ideology, the list goes on and on.

In some places they even organize vehicles that will take prospective voters to  the polling unit on the day of election to cast their votes and bring them back home to share the largess later in the day.

Before during and after elections in Nigeria, the politician spends Money. 

Immediately after winning the election, lobbying for another term in office starts with another round of money spending. We invite them as chairman, sponsors and financiers of one social event or the other, some even ask for money for children school fees, house warming, naming ceremonies others even shamelessly ask for money to marry a third of fourth wife.

I am not holding forth for any politician, but let's face reality where do we want these politicians to get these monies? Don't you think they are the victims in these whole story? I did not mention family pressure and responsibilities on their shoulders as the breadwinner in the family as it is with most political office holders. These same politicians are also looking for a better life when out of the office. 

So tell me why won't they be interested in themselves if they do all the spendings? they should recoup their investment before they think of you and your problems.

If you carefully analyze these scenario you will observe that the politician is the endangered specie in our political setting in this country.  

If we want them to work for us, let's support them with our money time and energy, let them not feel as if they always buy our votes.

Nigeria will be great again