“To many of our so-called leaders, the Nigerian politicians, politics is not about service — it’s drama, nollywood style. It’s like a village masquerade festival where everybody is dancing, but nobody knows the real meaning of the dance. And sadly, we the masses, awon ara ilu, are the cheering spectators clapping for confusion.”
I have never — not even for one second — been carried away by the sweet-talking, sugar-coated words of Nigerian politicians. Ko le work! Their speeches may sound nice, but behind all the grammar lies a circus show with comedians dressed in agbada, entertaining an audience that often thinks just like them.
To many of our so-called leaders, the Nigerian politicians, politics is not about service — it’s drama, nollywood style. It’s like a village masquerade festival where everybody is dancing, but nobody knows the real meaning of the dance. And sadly, we the masses, awon ara ilu, are the cheering spectators clapping for confusion.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as usual, was the first to fire shots. He insulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the same reckless energy he once used on President Goodluck Jonathan years ago. Nothing new, just recycled political bad blood — same bitterness, different targets.
Honestly, I don’t even flinch anymore when grown men choose to dance naked in the market square. Because one thing is sure: the public will judge their home training (eko ile) and their exposure (iriri aye). When you throw decency to the wind, what’s left is disgrace.
This week, two war generals from the oil-rich South-South decided to enter the ring again — Rotimi Amaechi and his political twin-turned-rival, Nyesom Wike. These two have thrown caution, respect, and dignity into the dustbin. In fact, they’ve dragged their family names through the gutter of disgrace just to win battles that don’t even feed the people.
Na who all this wahala help? Is this what Nigerians want? Mbanu! Tufiakwa! Rara o!
Can this useless name-calling and personal attack reduce the price of garri? Can it bring down fuel price? Can it employ our youth or fix our hospitals? The answer is a loud and thunderous NO!
We Nigerians are becoming our own enemies. Instead of holding leaders accountable, we defend them like football fans support clubs. Our politicians don’t engage in productive debates or present clear ideas. All we get are insults, threats, and political comedy skits.
Compare this to the UK, where someone like Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of Opposition, can challenge the British Prime Minister with facts and logic. You’ll feel inspired to enter politics when you watch such intelligent conversations. But in Nigeria? It’s bolekaja politics — roadside fights with no vision. They drag their wives, children, and even house helps into the muddy waters of power struggle.
Truth is, our politics has become like a badly cooked egusi soup — no taste, no direction, just hot pepper and loud noise.
Until we, the people, say ENOUGH and demand better, these political comedians will keep turning our national stage into a beer parlour. And sadly, the joke is always on us.
•Mogaji Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
