By default, humans are political in nature and according to Aristotle Man is a political animal. Every aspect of our life is a reflection of the political nature in us. From the way we think, we act, we react and we deal with one another in the Society, it all screams politics.
However, like every other human nature that has been made official and formal in terms of profession and education, politics is just one of the many attributes of humans that has now become a career for some.
PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS, CHALLENGES AND DECLINE IN INTEREST
The last election held in my country Nigeria saw me being fully active in the sensitization and campaign of my employers preferred candidates. Before then, I had gotten a privileged information that my uncle is a big shot politically and a godfather in our community and I had thought that would be a good way and soft landing for me in starting a political career because I have always been interested and passionate about politics. Unfortunately, my mother declined the request of paying my uncle a visit for political endorsement. That was the first challenge and disruption I had in wanting to pursue a career politics.
The second challenge why I shied away from pursuing a career in politics even when its of great interest to me, is the fact that I cannot speak in my local dialect and I cannot even understand it. In my experience working closely with various politicians and studying the political behaviour of the people in my country, I have come to the realization that for one to become a successful politician and pursue a career successfully in politics, the person must be able to communicate in the local language of his/her people as that is the most effective way of communication and gaining their trust plus endorsement.
When it comes to politics, Nigeria is divided into two border line which is tribe and religion, but tribe is the major driving force especially if you want to work your way up there. You cannot go to the various communities which is the grassroot level where politics is at its foundation to be conversing for support and communicating in English Language all through. Most of the people especially the elderly ones in attendance will pick offense and feel insulted that you came to oppress them with English, others will mock you that you came to show off you went to school, you dey come speak oyibo for them and expect to get their support. These language barrier has been a big nightmare for me which made me stay away from anything that has to do with building a career in politics.
Despite my friend Abdul telling me not to worry about the language barrier thing as I can always get an interpreter to communicate in our local dialect to the people on my behalf, I feel it will not be organic enough as politics is grassroot driven and the local dialect is the fuel. The thing is even by political appointment, I still feel its almost like a dead end for me because basically no political leader would want to appoint anyone in his cabinet who cannot deliver at their grassroot level.
THE ILLS OF POLITICS AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE
Taking a critical look at politics especially in Nigeria, I'd say its more of a business venture and a get rich quick scheme. Politicians now engage in political activities not to improve the economic situation or the welfare of the masses but to amass wealth, wealth that even their generation can not utilize in all their life time.
Public fund that is meant for 200million citizens is now comfortably being controlled by a selected few who ought to utilize the fund very well making sure it goes round. Everyday we read or hear in various mainstream media how billions of Naira is being used to finance the luxury of those elected. In an unfair contrast while fund is being misappropriated by the leaders, the lead is having a hard time remaining in business and surviving under the harsh economic situation of things.
If it is within my power, political leaders in various arms of government will be made accountable at every point of their political activities and punished accordingly where found wanting. These model has shown to have worked greatly in developed countries which has brought them to the position of world economy giants. We need more people with pure intentions in politics otherwise we will never get it right.
Thank you for reading this far, I would appreciate your thoughts and contribution on the subject matter.