The night in Igalaland feels unnervingly heavy, as if the air itself is thick with unspoken grief. There’s a silence here—deep and unsettling—that speaks of years of neglect and broken promises. It’s a silence that mirrors the abandonment felt in marginalized communities across the world: from the rust-belt towns of America to the forgotten boroughs in the UK. A silence that begs the question: what happens when a people are left to languish in the shadows of political failure? In Igalaland, this eerie quiet is not merely a symptom of poverty, but a chilling reminder of a broken political system that has failed to provide hope for its people.
For decades, Igalaland, much like other marginalized regions globally, has been trapped in a cycle of neglect and disunity. Its people, rich in culture and history, have watched as their hopes for a prosperous future slipped away under the weight of unfulfilled promises and political gamesmanship. Just like the forgotten towns of the American Midwest or the neglected districts in Northern England, Igalaland has become a forgotten casualty in the larger political landscape—abandoned by the powers that be. And much like those struggling communities, the result has been widespread poverty, division, and a general sense of despair.
In ideal democratic systems—whether in the US or the UK—local governments are expected to serve as the lifeblood of the community, addressing the needs of the people with transparency and accountability. But in Igalaland, these principles have been reduced to mere words. The political elites, who are supposed to serve their people, have instead chosen to serve themselves, leaving Igalaland’s future to rot in the margins. It’s a tragic parallel to the situation in America, where cities like Detroit have crumbled under systemic neglect, or in the UK, where the once-thriving industrial regions have fallen into economic ruin.
In these places, local governments failed to invest in the communities they were meant to nurture. The result: broken homes, lost dreams, and social disintegration. The story of Igalaland is eerily similar—decades of political disempowerment and underinvestment have created a perfect storm of social decay. In a region rich with potential, the promise of progress has been replaced with the reality of stagnation. Just like their counterparts abroad, Igalaland’s leaders have squandered resources and perpetuated a culture of divisiveness, manipulating ethnic and political divisions to maintain power while the people suffer.
This stark reality has given birth to the term “political porridge”—a dish that sounds far more appetizing than the lukewarm, tasteless political landscape in Igalaland. Just as porridge, if served improperly, can lack flavor and nourishment, the politics of Igalaland have failed to provide the substance and growth that its people desperately need. The endless cycle of political promises has left the people hungry for something more—something that will fill their stomachs with progress, not empty words.
Yet, amid the bleakness, there is hope. Drawing inspiration from the functioning democracies in the West, where local governments are held accountable to their citizens, Igalaland can rise from the ashes of neglect. America’s long history of civic engagement and the UK’s recent push for political transparency could serve as a blueprint for change. Leaders who are truly committed to serving the people—who view their office not as a stepping stone to personal gain, but as a responsibility to the community—can create an environment where progress is tangible, not just promised.
The path to renewal in Igalaland lies in the rejection of the status quo. It requires leadership that prioritizes service over power and accountability over patronage. Much like the political movements that have revitalized struggling communities across the globe, Igalaland must rebuild its political system from the ground up. It must invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure—fundamental pillars that serve as the foundation of any thriving society. By doing so, the region can shift from a politics of division to one of unity, ensuring that every voice is heard and every citizen is valued.
Igalaland’s journey toward reform is not just about politics—it’s about empowering the people to reclaim their future. The time has come for the people of Igalaland to demand the change they deserve. Just as communities across the world have fought back against political apathy, so too can Igalaland. But this can only happen if the leaders, once and for all, put the people’s needs before their own.
The political porridge must no longer be served cold and flavorless. Igalaland deserves something more—a leadership that serves with integrity and vision. The future of the region lies not in the hands of politicians, but in the collective will of the people. The time for change is now. It’s time for Igalaland to stand up and demand a feast of progress—a political meal rich in substance, unity, and growth.
In the haunting silence that pervades Igalaland, there is an undeniable call for action. Will the people rise, or will they remain trapped in the stagnation of yesterday’s politics? The choice is theirs to make. The question now is: will they seize the future they deserve, or will they continue to consume the bitter porridge of political failure? Only time will tell. But the path forward is clear—if only they dare to walk it.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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