The major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our Political dispensation in Kogi State is politics of bitterness. Often times I see politicians killing each other, betraying one another because of political positions or appointments.
Does politics teach us to destroy one another? Is polities meant to eradicate integrity and love for one another?
Politicians who destroy and betray each other do so because they lack ethics of politics and true meaning of politics. The fact that you lost your presidential, Governorship or Senatorial position should not make you to develop hatred and bitterness towards your opponents. A true politician should constantly allow ethics in politics to guide his words and actions.
A case study of politics played in the western world, like America, Britain, Japan, Italy and Spain and so on, should be emulated by our politicians in Kogi State. Recently, I watched the politics of Ghana to see if it would be characterized by violence that is often being associated with Kogi State, Nigeria and other Africa nations. To my amazement, I discovered that Ghana politics was devoid of violence and rigging of election. This is not to say that there were no negative flaws in Ghana politics. But it produces platform for other politicians to learn from.
The fact that you are in a different political party with your opponent should not make you nurse the ambition on how to destroy your opponent’s ambition or career.
The essence of Politics is to promote one another, enhance development in our society, promote peace and unity and motivate one another to higher heights generally.
We fail in our political ambitions and positions because of wrong motives in politics. We should constantly emulate God who makes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust. We should always learn from his faithfulness, love, mercy, and kindness towards his creatures.
Politicians who succeed in any Position should wish others well, overlook the mistakes and short-comings of others, see beyond the now and allow ethics in politics to guide their words and actions.
I will urge politicians both in Kogi State and those in the Western world to constantly allow their words and actions be devoid of hatred for their opponents, live in unity and have a common goal that will always enhance positive development in their states and countries. These will help to enhance your longevity on earth and favor with God and man.
– Hon. Alfa Tijani writes from Ajaka, Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
