Introduction
In the political history of Kogi State, Kogi East once stood tall as the nucleus of political intellect, leadership, and strategic influence. The zone, blessed with great minds, population strength, and a legacy of public service, was at one time the deciding factor in who governed the state. However, the political glory that once defined Kogi East has, over time, faded into mere rhetoric and endless gatherings without purpose.
Today, the region finds itself entrapped in a new and dangerous political order—the politics of deception and dependency, built around what has come to be known as stomach infrastructure. Politics, which should have been a noble platform for public service and development, has been reduced to a marketplace of short-term rewards, deceitful promises, and manipulative transactions.
This essay reflects on how the politics of stomach infrastructure has undermined Kogi East’s political destiny, examines the causes and effects of this self-inflicted decay, and, more importantly, proposes a practical way forward to restore the lost dignity and influence of the region.
The Roots of Political Deception and Dependency
- The Normalisation of Poverty and Hunger
The first and most destructive cause of Kogi East’s political downfall is poverty. Years of neglect, unemployment, and economic hardship have turned politics into a survival mechanism rather than a call to serve. For many citizens, elections are not about governance but about what they can collect—rice, cash, wrappers, or promises of temporary relief. This culture of dependency has become fertile ground for political deception, where the hungry cannot hold the deceitful accountable.
- Elite Betrayal and the Death of Collective Vision
A major tragedy in Kogi East politics is the betrayal by the political elite. Instead of pursuing the collective interest of the zone, many of its leaders have succumbed to selfish deals, political compromises, and opportunism. They negotiate positions for personal gain, not for the advancement of their people. Consequently, the once formidable political unity of Kogi East has been fragmented by greed, envy, and betrayal.
- The Erosion of Ideological Politics
In the past, political leaders in the region were driven by ideas—education, community development, fairness, and justice. Today, those ideals have been replaced with empty grammar and deceptive promises. Politics has turned into a performance of eloquence rather than substance; leaders talk more than they deliver. This “grammar politics” has reduced governance to a game of words instead of works.
- Youth Disempowerment and Manipulation
The younger generation, once the pride and hope of Kogi East, has been reduced to tools in the hands of desperate politicians. Instead of being groomed as future leaders, many youths now serve as online propagandists, political thugs, or hired praise singers. Deprived of meaningful empowerment, they have become both victims and accomplices in the cycle of political deception.
- Social Media and the New Face of Political Propaganda
The advent of social media has sadly been misused to spread propaganda, falsehood, and political theatre. Many political actors now use digital platforms to deceive the public, manufacture popularity, and attack critics. Truth and objectivity are sacrificed on the altar of manipulation, further blinding the electorate to reality.
The Effects of Stomach Infrastructure Politics on Kogi East
- The Loss of Political Influence
The most visible outcome of this trend is that Kogi East has lost its political relevance in the affairs of Kogi State. Once a powerful voice, the region now struggles to speak with unity or authority. Its inability to negotiate collectively has led to marginalisation in political appointments, infrastructural projects, and economic opportunities.
- Institutionalised Dependency
Politics in the region has become synonymous with seasonal handouts. Voters wait for the next election to collect tokens, while politicians use this dependency to maintain control. This has created a vicious cycle of poverty and manipulation that weakens democratic accountability.
- Developmental Stagnation
Because elections are won through deceit rather than performance, there is no incentive for governance. Roads remain impassable, schools dilapidated, hospitals poorly equipped, and the youth unemployed. The deception sustains poverty, and poverty, in turn, sustains the deception.
- Breakdown of Trust and Social Division
The politics of deceit has not only undermined development but has also fractured the social fabric of Kogi East. People no longer trust leaders, and communities are divided along clan and partisan lines. Unity—once the strongest weapon of the region—has been sacrificed for selfish ambition.
Implications for the Future
The continued entrenchment of deceptive politics in Kogi East has far-reaching implications. It threatens democracy, weakens governance, and breeds cynicism among the youth. More dangerously, it diminishes the region’s collective capacity to influence the political direction of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
If the current trajectory continues, the zone risks becoming permanently marginalised, with leadership defined not by merit or vision, but by manipulation and material inducement. The people will remain impoverished, the youth directionless, and the political system morally bankrupt.
The Way Forward: Rekindling Political Consciousness in Kogi East
Despite the current decay, the situation is not beyond redemption. The future of Kogi East can still be rewritten through collective action, courage, and a change of mindset. The following steps are essential if the region truly desires to reverse its political misfortunes:
- Rebuild Political Awareness and Civic Responsibility
The people must first be politically reawakened. Civic education should be prioritised through community forums, youth organisations, religious gatherings, and the media. Voters must understand that their destiny cannot be bought with food or cash. True empowerment lies in electing credible leaders who can deliver sustainable progress.
- Unite Behind a Common Regional Interest
Kogi East needs to rediscover the power of unity. A fragmented region cannot negotiate effectively in a multi-ethnic state. Traditional rulers, elders, intellectuals, and youth leaders must work together to articulate a common agenda—an agenda that transcends party lines and personal interests.
- Empower the Youth Economically and Politically
The youth must be liberated from political manipulation. This requires deliberate investment in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership training. Youths who are economically independent are less likely to sell their conscience for temporary gains. Political mentorship programmes should also be encouraged to raise a generation of leaders driven by service, not greed.
- Promote Accountability and Good Governance
The people of Kogi East must hold their leaders accountable. This can be done through active community monitoring of government projects, demanding transparency in representation, and rejecting leaders who thrive on deceit. Media houses and civil society groups should shift focus from praise-singing to performance evaluation.
- Reject Stomach Infrastructure Politics
Finally, the people must reject the politics of stomach infrastructure in all its forms. It is time to move from dependency to dignity—from being mere political tools to being active participants in governance. Leaders who offer rice and money today will deny roads and schools tomorrow. The earlier this truth is accepted, the quicker the region will rise again.
Conclusion
Kogi East stands at a moral and political crossroads. The region’s loss of relevance did not happen overnight—it is the product of years of deception, complacency, and misplaced priorities. The politics of stomach infrastructure has stolen the people’s voice, dignity, and future. But redemption remains possible.
The journey to reclaim Kogi East’s political destiny must begin with truth, unity, and courage. The people must say “no” to deceit and “yes” to integrity. They must choose vision over vanity, service over slogans, and principles over personal gain. Only then can Kogi East rise again—strong, respected, and politically awakened.
Thank you.
– SULE Kabiru, Ph.D
Email: Kabirudkn@yahoo.com
Tel: 0803 788 1133
