Desperadoes on the rampage

By Adakole Elijah

Heretofore, and in my juvenile reasoning, I had always guessed that politicians trotting for political responsibilities were doing it in proxy for their people. This was so because we have heard politicians saying, “my people have asked me to come out to represent their interests”.

But recent events sprouting from the forthcoming council polls in Benue State had changed that impression. My alteration of stance might not be far from the mundane, anachronistic and inordinate ambition being crudely sported by our provincial politicians, especially in Benue – South.

I have come across several posts denigrating perceived political adversaries. I have also glimpsed how some leaders have been denigrated by some sponsored urchins when things failed to go the way of their preferred candidates.

More distressing were those political brats who in their brathly disposition would want the anointed rotational principles orchestrated by the party hierarchy jettisoned to acclimate them. A particular reference point was the People’s Democratic Party’s gender sensibility. The party in its quest to encourage women’s participation in politics, especially in elections had pencilled down some local government councils and council wards where women must sprout from. But some male political hawks appear to be kicking against this noble policy.

To this group of people, it must either be them or nothing. To boost their chances, they most often resort to black propaganda. To them, politics is a war that must be fought for with all weapons at their disposal. And, when there is none, some harpoons must be fabricated and promptly put to use not minding the fact that long-standing relationships might be annihilated.

No doubt, the desperation being exhibited by our would-be future leaders is a demonstration of the fact that they are gunning for this chairmanship and councillorship for their aggrandisement and not to help the people or their communities as disingenuously exhibited.

To stamp sanity and stability in its fold, the People’s Democratic Party hierarchy must as a matter of seriousness sanction all members who move against the directive of the party.