Here are 3 definitions of who a politician is by Merriam Webster dictionary
- A person experienced in the art or science of government
- A person engaged in party politics as a profession
- A person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons
The summary is that all that is needed to become a politician is to present yourself to lead or represent people through the machinery of government. A farmer who campaigns for ward elections is automatically a politician.
We have often accused our politicians of being corrupt and highly inefficient. They are seen as money-drunk dignified conmen who do nothing but find every means possible to gather unquantifiable wealth. It appears to be something more than meets the eye, as you see most critics who later become politicians are found in the same issues they criticize. So we can call it a dark trap in which even the best of saviors are held captive.
But on a closer look, our politicians are very industrious and progressive set of humans, at least for themselves and loved ones. Even though politics looks very easy and enticing in the current Nigerian setting, the road to victory or even the not-so-overt corridors of power, is not an easy task. It is easier to open a business, become a cleric, contractor, banker, etc. than being a politician. You know what? The politicians are now all of the above and even more.
Imagine the intelligence required to scheme against opposition, imagine the art and demands of campaigning for elective posts. The truth is it is hard work and also a big enterprise in this part of the world.
In theory, politicians should be people who have ideas, whether modest or fanciful, people who are willing to serve others selflessly and also make sacrifices. Can this be said of politicians today? Look at the most of the bills that pass through the national assembly, they are just absurd retrogressive controversies. Consider how far removed they are from the society which they are meant to represent. Do you know that the prime minister of the Netherlands teaches high school students even while in office? He rides to office on a bicycle.
The only time you see them passionate is on issues that affect them personally; when insecurity has reached their doorstep, when their finance is threatened or when party interest is involved, for those who practice loyalty.
Why are the politicians functioning the way they are? The answer is, to a great extent it is because of the MONEY in POLITICS. Also, the POWER in POLITICS through which the money is gotten is another factor, and then the structure of society to which the politicians find themselves in and create by themselves too.
We should be looking at this in our next piece.
