By Abdulraheem Sheriffdeen (Famous)
Often, I marvel at how political followers lament and condemn their former or incumbent principals over a poor reward system. I do not see the political actors as the ones to be blamed; rather, I fault the followers for wasting much of their lives on what they perceive to be unfruitful and unrewarding. Your destiny is not tied to anyone.
Some console themselves with false hope and the belief that “things will be good one day.” But if you must hold on to such hope, have you inquired from those around the principal about what they have actually achieved, and the likely benefits you can expect? From these observations, you can draw a conclusion on whether to remain or leave.
Others claim they follow their political leaders not because of money, but out of love and belief in their ability to deliver good governance. In that regard, individuals remarks on performance should base on their constitutional duty rather than duty to personal pocket. Yet, in the long run, when their personal demands are not met, they turn into enemies. That is pure dishonesty.
Leave any place where your interests are not being nurtured—but ensure your absence is felt by first making your presence valuable. When the vacuum you leave cannot be filled, your service will be sought after again. At that point, you can negotiate. If your request is considered, ensure it is clearly agreed upon or fulfilled before rendering your service, to avoid another painful story. And if no compromise can be reached, then depart honorably. The one who truly needs your value will come when you consistently demonstrate capacity. In the meantime, keep working on your other commitments. Remember: *once bitten, twice shy*.
*Reality keeps staring, and the truth is not far-fetched*. It has become a routine discussion how political foot soldiers and watchdogs remain irrelevant. These are people who invested so much of their lives, sacrificing whatever was important to them for their candidates’ victory, yet received nothing in return except empty promises. They are only given tokens, just enough to feed from hand to mouth—so as to keep them under control. We were better off, compared to when we meet you (political masters), They said.
Isn’t this lesson enough for the upcoming and new recruited followers not to die in their war? never allow your personal endeavors to suffer for someone else’s aspiration, because the future isn’t certain with no one. May you not end up recording “a better yesterday” after all, just like the people who came before you.
Politics is a business, that is why the highest bidders often win. Those who come with only promises are usually sent back home and told to “go find money,” because elections are not won with promises, even if they carry the best manifesto. Many borrow heavily or take loans to contest, and when they lose, the debts are theirs alone to repay. On the other hand, those who win are often pressured to “make returns,” while followers who may have already milked resources during the election—return with endless personal demands. When these are not granted, they become whistleblowers or adopt the pull-down syndrome to fight back.
If you have served any leader with pure intentions and still feel cheated, please do not resort to name-calling or insults. Believe instead that what God has not given you, no man can give you. Live and let live. Trust in your own ability, pray for divine blessings, and remember: *God is not like humans*.