Becoming a politician would be really great for me, aii? I know for a fact that I could really use the power that comes with being a successful politician. It could get me to know all the right people in all the right places. People that I can use to help me further my own agenda, whatever they may be.
Being a politician is never easy. Everyone talks about how it’s all a dirty game, and that’s not a lie. It is a game that as long as you’re willing to play it, you must be willing to roll in the mud, even though it’s to an extent. However, the main core of it is basically giving and receiving. In the game of politics, you must be ready to give more than double what you’re receiving. This is why when politics enters anything, it’s only favorable for those who have mastered the game.
Personally, I think the politicians in my country have done us dirty big time. The reason Nigeria is where it is today is because of our politicians and how they’d rather choose to side with power than with the people. It’s really painful when you think about it.
It’s especially sad because, in the end, we’re the ones who always end up suffering for it. We’re the ones who have to endure the messed up healthcare system, we’re the ones who have to suffer the insecurity issue, and we’re the ones who can barely afford three square meals. And meanwhile, the people who caused it all are living lavishly and having a good time. But then, that’s just politics for you. It’s more lucrative than drug money and oil money combined.
So, if I have the opportunity to be a politician and contest for power, will I try to do anything differently? Honestly, this is not an easy thing to answer. One thing I’ve noticed is that the game of politics protects itself. If it is filled with corrupt players, they will all protect themselves and make sure that a player who will try to change the status quo will not get into a position of power. If I want to get rid of corruption in the country, the people who are benefiting largely from corruption will be at the frontline of those trying to oppose me.
So, I might have to play a bit dirty. Do whatever I have to win, as long as it doesn’t involve killing or kidnapping anyone, I’ll be game. I can do some mudslinging and I can definitely patronize hawkers on the road to show the people that I’m one of them. If I finally manage to get it, once I get into the seat, then I’ll start making the changes I want. This is because once you get into the seat, the majority of the people will no longer care how you got there, if you did right while there, they’ll judge you based on your achievements.
But then, all this is only if I’m interested in politics, which I’m not yet. So far, I don’t have any interest in the game. I can’t even see myself campaigning and canvassing for votes, so if I get the opportunity, I might turn it down if it doesn’t sit right with me. I know just how corrupt power can make a person, and if left unchecked, they could go on to become full-blown tyrants. No matter your good intentions, if you’re given too much power, it’ll definitely corrupt you.
Well, many people don’t care about that. All they care about is getting that power, even if they have to sell their soul to get it. However, when the devil gives you something with one hand, he takes three times of it back with the other hand. That’s the long and short of politics, nothing is free. Eventually, you’ll pay. It’s just sad that the people are usually the ones who pay the dire price.