On Bright Political Prospects and Protests

 

On Bright Political Prospects

Something that characterizes impractical politics is often the excessive praise of people who have shown superficial expressions of leadership, oratory, and charisma. At best, this leads to flattery, and at worst, it results in whining. The most practical move for someone with these skills would be to be guided by someone with a realistic understanding of these traits—in our culture, we call these people godfathers. However, the most appropriate solution is to become a genuine politician who digs deep to find the methods and styles that suit the culture of their state and country.

On Protests

Protests have always occurred throughout history. The Children of Israel protested against the harsh conditions Pharaoh imposed on them while building Egypt. Initially, he provided the raw materials for their construction, but later he withdrew this provision, demanding they source the materials themselves. Their legitimate protests reached God, who sent Moses to deliver them from Pharaoh. After their escape from Egypt, they continued their journey but began to protest the monotony of their staple food. These protests resulted in a plague of snakes, reducing their population, as many did not truly desire entry into the Promised Land but only liberation from Pharaoh's hardships.

Case II

When David was transporting the Ark to its rightful place after a long journey, the procession faced rough terrains. Uzzah, a member of the procession, attempted to steady the Ark and lost his life for touching it without undergoing the necessary purification rituals. David protested to an invisible God but eventually held his peace.

Protests in Different Political Systems

In democratic societies, protests are as fundamental as conventions. Under monarchies and dictatorships, protests are non-existent; either the ruler understands and meets the people's needs or oppresses them to the point of submission. In democracies, protests arise because democracy empowers those with majority support. If the minority disagrees with the governing power and their concerns are not addressed through elected representatives, they take to the streets. Disgruntled members of the majority may join them.

The Cycle of Knowledge and Feeling

Often, we possess factual knowledge of something, but this knowledge is incomplete without the emotional aspect. Many understand the Nigerian political landscape logically but lack the emotional connection, rendering their actions ineffective.

The Gap in Representation

Elected representatives act as intermediaries between the people and the government. If representatives fail in their duties, the people may take matters into their own hands. If the government is not delivering on its promises, it is up to the representatives to communicate this to their constituencies effectively. This communication must encompass both logic and emotion. Due to this gap, protests are inevitable. Representatives, due to their standing, know how to engage with the ruling government in ways the average citizen cannot.

The average citizen may resort to primitive methods, including violence and extreme behaviors, which render protests ineffective and undesirable.

Characteristics of a Worthy Protest

A worthy protest should be led by individuals not acting on behalf of the government or seeking government contracts but genuinely interested in bridging the gap left by elected representatives. It should not be led by those with direct or indirect ties to terrorist groups or individuals with ulterior motives. Chaos and carnage should be utterly discouraged and avoided.