The Politician's Game: Exploiting and Abandoning Followers for Personal Gain.

The Politician's Game: Exploiting and Abandoning Followers for Personal Gain.

By: Mature Minds Community Media 

In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, politics has been marred by a pervasive practice: politicians using their followers as a means to an end, only to discard them once their objectives are fulfilled. This article explores the phenomenon of politicians in Nigeria, particularly in the southern region, using and subsequently abandoning their loyal supporters after achieving their goals. This pattern of behavior sheds light on the opportunistic nature of politics and its implications for governance, trust, and social development.

The relationship between politicians and their followers often follows a predictable cycle. During elections or when seeking political favor, politicians invest time, resources, and efforts in winning the loyalty of their followers. Promises of better living conditions, jobs, empowerment programs, and other incentives are doled out to create a sense of allegiance. These offerings, though often superficial, help to build a bond between the politician and their supporters.

Once the politician secures the coveted political position, the dynamics begin to change. Priorities shift from maintaining connections with the electorate to consolidating power and influence. The resources that were once generously allocated to followers and supporters are now redirected towards personal gains, bureaucratic machinery, and consolidating the politician's hold on power.

The most critical aspect of this exploitative relationship is the eventual abandonment of followers. The politician's once vibrant engagement with the community dwindles as they focus on other matters. Promised benefits, such as job opportunities, infrastructure development, and empowerment initiatives, often remain unfulfilled. Graduates among their media teams who were once hopeful for employment are left to struggle without the support they were promised.

While in power, politicians may resort to token gestures to maintain a semblance of support. These gestures, however, often fail to address the genuine needs of the people. During festive periods, for instance, politicians distribute food items and small amounts of money, portraying themselves as caring leaders. However, these acts are insufficient to uplift the community and are often perceived as mere attempts to pacify the masses.

The exploitation and subsequent abandonment of followers by politicians have far-reaching consequences for society. Trust in political leadership erodes, and disillusionment with the political process grows. The cycle perpetuates a culture of dependency, where citizens begin to lose agency and the motivation to engage in meaningful civic activities. This not only hinders social progress but also weakens the democratic fabric of the nation.

To break this harmful cycle, both systemic and attitudinal changes are necessary. Stronger regulatory mechanisms need to be established to hold politicians accountable for their promises and actions. Civil society organizations, media, and citizens' initiatives can play a vital role in monitoring political behavior and advocating for ethical governance.

Additionally, politicians must recognize the importance of genuine empowerment and sustainable development initiatives. Instead of providing temporary relief through token gestures, they should focus on creating opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship that can lead to long-term self-sufficiency.

In Conclusion, the exploitative practice of politicians using and dumping their followers after achieving their goals is a distressing reality in many regions, particularly in Nigeria's southern part. This phenomenon highlights the need for a more ethical, accountable, and people-centered approach to politics. For society to flourish and democracy to thrive, politicians must shift their focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainable development, and citizens must demand transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement from their elected representatives.