The House And The People -By Augustine Musa Ibrahim

INTRODUCTION

A current trend, so remarkable in its striking departure from the ground norm of a politically established state like Nigeria, is the individualistic form of representation in the law-making arm of the government. A misnomer that has severed the connection between the government and the people for whose primary aim it was established. This disconnect is so substantial that the people are partly or completely aloof with the dealings and operations of their so called representatives; thus, rather than collective views of the people being presented and defended, an individual opinion enclosed by whims and caprices is presented, and no one dare to ask whether the view (opinions) they (the individuals) offered emanated from the groaning and aspirations of the people of their constituency. In some cases, the representatives, both in the upper and lower chamber, may appear passive at the table of deliberation or at worse, indecisive when it comes to important matters of national interest or those of which their people are likely to be affected. More so, they may yield to prejudice and promote bills that have absolutely no benefit to the common good of the people, other than to satisfy their egoism, even if it is at the detriment of their people. The situation is unspeakably worrisome. Notwithstanding, while these category of leaders exists, it is pertinent to note here that there are some who have diligently and actively participated in making positive laws and decisions for the betterment of the general masses; and at the same time, ready to defend with their breath, the right and wellbeing of their people. The sheer aim of this article is to unfold the causes of this problem of disconnect or absence of rapport between the law-making arm of the government and their constituency then proffer a possible solution.

EXPOSITION OF MISREPRESENTATION

it is gauche a situation when someone who is entrusted with the duty of promoting and defending your interest and that of the nation just sit on the fence or even sleep off (as we see in some of the  video clips of the chamber circulating on social media) in the course of vital deliberations. These among others, could sprout from no other sources than from the fact many a politician is ignorant of the tenets of politics and its moldering effect on the expected cordiality between the government and the people; or rather, his/her conception of politics have been distorted by forces of egoism, religion, ethnicity and tribalism, to mention a few. Having a misconstrued or misshapen sense of representation, which has lead to the loss of synergy between the people and the representatives; the result is not from oligarchy or authoritarian tendencies, which are undeniably the practical element for the deprecation of any meaningful democracy.

CAUSES OF MISREPRESENTATION

Learned, Not Educated Politicians

The cliché that seemingly has become a central creed to the understanding of politics in Nigeria is that, “politics is a game of interest;” an adventure unto which one embarks on the garb of defending and promoting the interest and the common good of the people, with all sense of altruism, but for one’s egoistic and individualistic aspiration and/or interest. It is simply an unbridle quest for power with selfish ambition for amassing wealth and influence. As a result, it appears as though we are no more a democratic society than not playing chess a hobby. This misconstrued ideology is the genesis of Nigeria’s political quagmire, because, the further one is form the true political normative the closer one becomes the stymie for its progress. One may be prompted to ask, if the political philosophy taught in Nigerian higher institutions is quite different front those of other countries like US, South Africa or other European countries? The answer is not farfetched than a clear sky betokening a better day, and it is emphatically No. It is all a matter of application of what is given or taught, just as there is a stark difference between an educated man and a learned man. In point of fact, some are learned, while some are educated in the real sense of the word. The educated man is not just the man of the book, but one who having been integrally formed in character and in learning, strives daily in action and words to promote the functionality and tranquility of the society. The American humorist, writer and lecturer, Mark Twain, summarized this dichotomy in this dictum, “I have never let my schooling to interfere with my education.” Accordingly, an unknown author once asserted thus, “He who is proficient in learning, but deficient in morals, is more deficient than proficient.” Hence, ensuing from the precarious situation in Nigeria, which has hitherto been attributed to leadership failure, one can safely say that we have more learned than educated representatives.

Machiavellian Politics

In Nigeria, politics is a relentless struggle, a struggle at all cost, to do whatever it takes to have power, irrespective of the quality and virtue of the aspirant or even the consequences of the action, but simply to have other at one’s beck and call, and to do whatever appeals to the one’s interest with little or no consideration of the masses. It is a simple prototype of Machiavellianism. Accordingly, it is a struggle to amass wealth (social resources), so as to be the sole trouper who decides whatever transpires within the system. This is nothing but a quest for totalitarianism. That is why its process is often gory. Hardly is there any political convocation devoid of loss of life. It is pitiable that many at times, the gullible youths and families are often the victims of these horrible circumstances. With this kind of view in the mind of the representatives, the interest of the people is never their prerogative, or rather; it is at least but only for the sake of being reelected.

Party’s Candidate, Not People’s Candidate

The choice of a candidate by a party rather than the people whom the candidate is to serve/represents is among the major causes of political failure in Nigeria. We see a situation where one who, though his parent are from a particular community, was born and brought up abroad, had his education there, but for some political affiliation is appointed to represent a community/constituency whose plight, needs, customs, and traditions, he is totally alien to. What of course do you expect from such a one other than to fulfill his/her family or party’s interest (which is often at odds with the demand of the community) or do whatever appeals to his interest.

Family Politics

Another form taken by politics in Nigeria is that of ‘family Politics,’ where a particular individual meticulously appoints a family member into various juicy positions even without the appropriate qualifications, but for the sole purpose of safeguarding and promoting the interest of the family. This tactics is quite alarming. In this kind of situation, there is no way the interest of the people will outweigh that of their families.

Ethnic/Religious Politics

Another comparable yet different and most disturbing and/or precarious political system in Nigeria is that of the ethnically/religiously influenced system of politics. In this system people have a notion that a particular ethnic group or religion is bound to rule and rule alone, while any other ethnic or religious group are bound to be subjects. Thus, the government becomes an exclusive affair of one ethnic or religious group rather than an all-inclusive system. This is very dangerous, precarious and unhealthy, as it is one of the major causes of the various conflicts we experience in Nigeria. The other minority ethnic or religious groups will definitely not keep silence but find any means demonstrate their nursed hatred and animosity for being marginalized and denied the their own right or equal share as the citizens of Nigeria. This is the major problem confronting Nigerian political system and in dire need of rehabilitation.  What this people failed to understand is that politics for the entire people (citizens) and not for one ethnic or religious group.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION AND CONCLUSION

To be able to address the aforementioned causes of Misrepresentation, there is a need for total reorientation of the politicians as regarding the concept of representation and essence of politics.  Politics must be understood first and foremost as for the organization and good of the society. Anything short of this must be avoided. Accordingly we must know that the power belong to the people. The people have the right to choose who they think is capable of representing and defending their interest and at the same time reject any imposition of candidate from without. A Representative must consider his position as a privilege and thus use it well for the general good of the society and/or his community. Competency and virtue should be the criteria for election and not party or family affiliation or influence. Whenever a representative fails to fulfill his responsibility, he should be recall immediately and replaced with another. No one should be indispensable, but all should be servants to the constituencies they represent, for we are called to serve and not to be served.