The statement “Politics is a game where the monkey works, and the baboon reaps the benefits” speaks to a perception of politics as an arena where the efforts of one group are often exploited by another, leading to a scenario where those who put in the hard work are not necessarily the ones who enjoy the rewards. This analogy reflects the frustrations of individuals who feel marginalized or taken advantage of within political structures.
In this view, the “monkey” represents the hardworking members of society or lower-ranking political actors who engage in laborious efforts for the success of a system, often through grassroots work or heavy lifting to push agendas forward. Conversely, the “baboon” symbolizes those in positions of power who capitalize on these efforts, enjoying the rewards with minimal contribution of their own.
This metaphor is a call for introspection within political systems and governance structures. It highlights the need for accountability, equitable reward systems, and transparency to ensure that all contributors are recognized and fairly compensated for their efforts.
For a healthy democratic system to thrive, there must be a balance that ensures that hard work translates to genuine benefits for those who labor for the public good, rather than perpetuating cycles of exploitation and disenfranchisement.
– Alh. Abubakar Rajab FCNA wrote from Abuja.
