I woke up to read stories of “letdowns,” “betrayals,” “backstabbings,” “disappointments,” and the like involving certain figures who have spent years in democratic politics, as well as some newcomers.
I read about a certain contestant in one of the gubernatorial primaries who reportedly spent millions over the course of about four years at occasions and events in an effort to clinch the party ticket, only to be “let down” in the end.
I placed some terms in quotation marks because, in political circles, those things are considered normal.
Every democratic politician is a potential betrayer, backstabber, and even destroyer. I have hardly seen anyone completely free from this. Even Sai Kinikan during the last election was reportedly not favourably disposed toward a certain Jalamban becoming president.
So when a certain professor-shaykh became emotional after being “served breakfast” in a state not very far from Bauchi, we the spectators simply drank our tea and watched.
That terrain is rough and dirty. To survive there, you must also be rough and dirty.
“Honourable, hope you no go mind if we kpai people for you.” If you cannot nod to such a statement, then democratic politics is probably not your calling.
Moral people do not thrive in politics; it is a field dominated by the dregs of the dregs.
So if you feel jilted today because you are young and new to the game, please do not let the devil deceive you into trying again. It may ensnare you, and once you are caught in its grip, escaping may become extremely difficult.
The devil will tell you: “After all, Abraham Lincoln contested many times…” But if you listen to that voice, the fate of Abraham Lincoln may also await you. Read about how he died.
“Are we saying we should not join politics?”
Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.
“But the Christians will continue to rule us?”
Yes. Even if you join, they will still rule you. Eight years for them, another eight years for you, especially where populations are relatively balanced. It becomes like a ping-pong game.
“So who would represent the Muslims in politics?”
Plenty of people. There are many already doing that.
But as for you, if you wish to meet Allaah without having someone’s blood shed for your political ambition, among the many atrocities that may either be committed on your behalf or committed by you personally, then join us in the pavilion as we watch the “interesting” drama of democratic politics premiering in Nigeria.
Ire o.
Aboo Aamir
Director, Ibn al-Jazaree Islamic Centre
Ibadan, Nigeria.
