By Oke Aruleba@ Deprof
Power, when used with integrity, has the potential to inspire, uplift, and transform societies. However, when it is unchecked and driven by personal ambition, greed, and a lack of compassion, it transforms into a demon—an insatiable force that destroys everything in its path. This demon, known as power, has haunted Africa’s political landscape, especially Nigeria, turning local Councilors, Chairmen, Governors, Senators and political appointees into individuals disconnected from the very people they are supposed to serve.
In Nigeria, voters often watch in despair as elected officials—once regular individuals—become consumed by greed. Many local councilors and chairmen, tasked with developing their constituencies, prioritize their own wealth over the welfare of the electorate. Pothole-ridden roads, schools lacking basic infrastructure, and healthcare services in disrepair are common sights under their watch.
Ironically, while communities deteriorate, these leaders build lavish homes, drive luxury cars, and seek medical care abroad, leaving their people to suffer.
Why do these leaders break their electoral promises with impunity? The demon of power thrives on greed, corrupting the minds of those who once entered politics with dreams of service. The allure of wealth blinds them to the struggles of the masses, as the quest for power becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to uplift society. Unfortunately, self-interest takes precedence over societal welfare.
It is no exaggeration that power breeds pride. Some political appointees, once humble and approachable, quickly become arrogant and distant after assuming office. They isolate themselves from the electorate they once courted, believing they are immune to accountability.
The streets they once frequented are now beneath them, and the concerns of ordinary citizens no longer reach their ears. Instead, they surround themselves with praise-singers and insulate themselves in luxury.
In many local governments, pride manifests itself through nepotism and favoritism, where appointments are not based on merit and resources are unevenly distributed. Elected officials ignore the electorate’s needs, forgetting they were once part of the same struggles, yearning for change. In their newfound power, they become oblivious to the fact that it will all end in a box (coffin) someday.
Perhaps the greatest victim of power corruption is compassion. Nigeria’s political class, from local councilors to state governors, has become increasingly desensitized to the people’s struggles. Immersed in wealth and influence, they lose sight of the core values of leadership: empathy, understanding, and the genuine desire to uplift those in need.
Nigerian streets are filled with the hoi polloi: the poor and vulnerable—children begging for food, elderly citizens struggling to survive, and families living without access to basic amenities. Yet, the political class remains indifferent.
Where outreach and intervention are urgently required, there is apathy and neglect. This lack of compassion has fostered disillusionment among the people, who no longer expect their leaders to act in their best interests.
In a true democracy, power belongs to the people, who elect leaders to represent their interests. In Nigeria, however, this relationship has been inverted. Once elected, the local officials often neglect those who put them in office, only returning to make empty new promises when the next election cycle approaches because they firmly believe votes don’t necessarily count in this clime.
But once bittten, twice shy!
Needless to say that some basic services like waste management, road maintenance, healthcare, and education are often ignored at the local government level.
Development funds are misappropriated, and accountability is buried beneath bureaucracy. This neglect extends beyond infrastructure—it is a disregard for the dignity and rights of the Nigerian people, who deserve leaders that care and take action.
The demon of power thrives on exploitation, trapping the poor in poverty while the political class grows richer. Local councilors and political appointees exploit the masses’ desperation, offering token gestures near and during elections to secure votes, only to disappear once in office. Promises of development and change are quickly forgotten, replaced by self-serving agendas.
The electorate, having witnessed this cycle time and again, has grown cynical. Yet, many feel powerless to change the system, forced to accept handouts from politicians who view them as mere stepping stones to higher office.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria is still home to a few leaders who promote governance as a service to humanity. Governors Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Alex Otti of Abia, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Babagana Zulum of Borno to mention but a few, exemplify compassionate, innovative, and transformative leadership.
To dismantle the demon of power, Nigeria needs leaders who prioritize service over personal gain. Local councilors, chairmen, and political appointees must learn, then unlearn, in order to relearn good governance and be held accountable through stronger mechanisms of transparency and oversight.
The media, civil society, and the judiciary all must play crucial roles in ensuring that power does not become a tool of oppression.
Moreover, the political class must reconnect with the values of empathy and compassion. True leadership lies in listening, acting with humility, and serving without the expectation of personal reward. The Nigerian people deserve leaders who are willing to walk alongside them and work for the common good.
It is a truism that unchecked power will always breed corruption, greed, pride, and neglect. But with deliberate action and collective responsibility, the Nigerian electorate can demand more from its leaders and tame the demons of power.
In the end, the battle is not only about changing political leaders—it’s about transforming the culture of leadership itself.