Chapter 2 (3): Moving Forward

Moving Forward

To break this cycle, we must begin by protesting against our own corrupt tendencies. We need to recognise that the problem lies not just in the actions of politicians but in our willingness to sell our support for short-term gains. It is only by rejecting this culture of early gratification that we can hope to foster a political environment where leaders are chosen based on merit and integrity, rather than their ability to pay off voters.

By taking a stand against bribery and corruption, we can pave the way for a brighter future where governance is driven by the genuine will of the people, rather than by the highest bidder. Only then can we truly begin to address the root causes of bad governance and build a society where fairness, justice, and progress prevail.

The notion that society often contributes to the rise of corrupt leaders is an uncomfortable but necessary truth to confront. When someone assumes office as a political leader, the expectations placed upon them by their community—be it their church or mosque, their village or town, their old friends and colleagues—become immense. These expectations often include the anticipation of financial rewards or favours, which, if unmet, can lead to isolation or even hostility.

Consider, for example, the situation of a man who has recently been elected to public office. His close associates, friends, and even family members may expect him to use his new position to funnel resources their way. The pressure to meet these demands can be overwhelming. A wife, for instance, might continually pressure her husband for more money to sustain a lavish lifestyle, pushing him towards unethical means to fulfil these desires. If he isn’t careful, he may be driven to engage in corrupt practices just to keep up with the relentless expectations placed upon him.

Our politicians are often complicit in this system of corruption, but they are not alone in bearing responsibility. The citizens themselves act as collaborators in this cycle. If a politician refuses to misuse government funds to satisfy the demands of greedy godfathers, community leaders, or decision-makers, they risk losing their position in the next election. This dynamic creates an environment where those who are willing to engage in corruption are rewarded, while those who refuse are pushed aside.

How We Got Here

Before we participate in protests, we must ask ourselves how these politicians came to power in the first place. The processes that elevate such individuals are often deeply flawed and tainted by corruption. If we continue to engage in these same corrupt practices, we can only expect the same dismal results.

Take, for example, a situation where party elders and chieftains urged an experienced politician to step aside in favour of a younger, wealthier candidate. The reasoning? The older politician lacked the financial resources necessary to fund his campaign. Despite his experience and capability, he was forced out because he could not afford to buy the electorate’s support. This is not an isolated incident; it is a pervasive issue within our political system.

In Nigeria, passionate and visionary young people are frequently overlooked simply because they cannot navigate the corrupt system we find ourselves in. I recall an instance many years ago when I approached a labour leader with a letter proposing a project. He barely glanced at me before dismissing my efforts, stating that everyone was in it for themselves, to “feed their mouth.” He offered no assistance, convinced that no one would work for free. Other elders I approached provided no tangible support, believing that because I lacked money and connections, I was not serious about my vision.

In our society, it seems that until you have money, few will recognise your efforts or support your cause. We are more inclined to spend our money on luxury cars, flamboyant clothing, and extravagant parties than to invest in nurturing good leaders. The greatest irony is that we expect leaders to bribe us for our votes, only to turn around and protest the very corruption we have enabled. What, then, are we truly protesting?

It is exceedingly rare in Nigeria to find platforms where people collectively raise funds for a national cause, an election, a political party, or an individual who shows promise as a leader. Even within religious institutions, this kind of support is uncommon. And yet, we wonder why the corrupt continue to rise to positions of power.

A good man, uninterested in embezzlement and lacking the drive to engage in the corrupt practices that are expected of him, is unlikely to spend his hard-earned money on a campaign that requires him to appease greedy citizens. I have seen many good men repeatedly lose elections because they refuse to play by the corrupt rules of the game. Meanwhile, the candidate who spends lavishly suddenly becomes the beloved favourite.

If we truly desire change, we must first acknowledge our role in perpetuating the system we seek to dismantle. Only then can we begin to make the choices necessary to bring about the change we so desperately need.

Breathing Fresh Air

In the realm of politics, it is often said that there are no distinct parties, merely different faces of the same coin. The reality is that many who campaign for election are, in essence, birds of a feather. Rather than placing their bets in a casino, they gamble on a grander scale, wagering on the national treasury. This behaviour is encapsulated by the popular saying among politicians: “the winner takes it all.” Indeed, they buy your vote, not with the intention of serving you, but to secure their hold on power and plunder the national wealth. It’s crucial to remember that not all robbers wield guns; some merely need your suffrage. Once they have it, they steal everything, and with their newfound riches, they buy everyone’s silence. The law, in turn, becomes blind to their misdeeds.

True and lasting change can only occur when the masses are ready to support leaders who genuinely represent their interests. Until that happens, protests, as we currently know them, will be futile exercises. The alternative, a bloody revolution, may seem like an appealing option to some, but history teaches us otherwise. The transformation brought about by the sword can only be sustained by the sword. Such a path leads to a perpetual state of unrest and turmoil, as seen in numerous nations across the globe today. Lasting changes, however, begin from within—transformations that arise from a change in mindset and a commitment to constructive, rather than destructive, actions.

The constructive alternative to protest lies in raising and supporting candidates who are truly capable of delivering on their promises. Some might argue that politicians are adept at rigging elections, and while this may hold some truth, one can only rig an election where there is no overwhelming support for the right choice. When the people are united, clear about what they want, and steadfast in their resolve, nothing can stand in their way.

One of the primary reasons politicians are able to rig elections is due to the divisions among the masses—divisions based on class, clan, community, or religion. These divisions make it easier for unscrupulous leaders to manipulate the system. Consider the situation where citizens follow the election process from the polling station to the collation centre. When the electorate is vigilant and engaged, it becomes increasingly difficult for anyone to subvert the democratic process.

However, the ease with which elections are rigged also stems from another issue: those who are supposed to safeguard the integrity of the system are often bought off along the way. It is, in fact, a collective failure that imposes bad leaders upon us. Good leaders, who are driven by principles and a genuine desire to serve, do not have the means or inclination to deploy bullion vans stashed with cash to buy votes. Instead, they share their vision and ideology, hoping to be elected on the merit of their ideas. They hoped so.

Until citizens themselves come to understand what good leadership truly entails, we will continue to recycle the same corrupt individuals. You cannot elect a bad candidate and then expect a miraculous transformation into a good leader. The age-old adage, “you shall know them by their fruits,” holds as true in politics as it does in life. A person who has spent his entire career as a shrewd and corrupt politician will not suddenly become an angel simply because of the pressing needs of the people. Such a person will always find ways to subvert the public interest for personal gain.

If we desire real change, we must start by changing ourselves. We must cultivate an awareness of what good leadership looks like, and we must support those who embody these values. It is not enough to complain or protest; we must be active participants in the democratic process, ensuring that our voices are heard and our votes count. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of corruption and build a future where leaders are chosen for their integrity, wisdom, and commitment to the common good.

When the people rise up with a unified voice and a clear demand, nothing can stand in their way. The true power lies not with the politicians, but with the populace and the relevant stakeholders who, unfortunately, are often easily swayed or bought off when justice, fairness, and equity demand the rectification of a stolen mandate. It’s not the politicians who manipulate the elections; rather, we, as citizens, often sabotage ourselves by our actions, or lack thereof, both before and after elections.