Clarion call to criminalise cosmetic political leadership

Sir: The political menu that the Nigerianised political jobbers, racketeering moguls, and scavengers are serving the hapless citizens is dehumanising and harmful. I concede to the fact that this (as in most cases too) cannot be absolute, but the rate of recurring incidents is both appalling and terrifying. Take a typical example of the perennial cases of blunders made by our distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Often, he forgets that his shirt is bugged with a public address system tiny microphone via which the entire world may listen audibly to what he has to say to everyone. Then our Senate President goofs. Not once, but several times. And there is no guarantee that we have had the last botch. The usual lame-duck defense, which their media apologists and lackeys churn out to the docile members of the public who care less to scrutinize and probe further, is that whatever interpretation they have is taken out of context. Confusing?

When political leaders make statements and broadcast via electronic, print, and social media platforms from their elevated podium, usually it trickles down by way of metamorphosis to different groups, parties, individuals, and wait for it – beer parlors, free reader associations (FRA, some of us used to be bonafide members), etc.

Therefore, it takes those with the proper educational background to properly interpret and process the political statements as published. It amounts to dishonesty and delusionary tendencies for the erring politician to return to the media and instead of tendering requisite apologies, begin to explain errors, and defend misdemeanors. It usually thwarts the earlier public perception of the politician in question. It casts doubts and smears the residue of the good reputation once enjoyed by our politicians. Butwho cares among them?

The world over, there seems to be a free fall of morality. A collapse of values, culture, and virtues. In replacement, now we have abject decadence and glorification of lasciviousness in our society.

Political perverts are plausibly on parole. From the United States of America former President Bill Clinton–Lewinsky scandal to the Ugandan Ex-President Idia Amin’s disgusting and dirty sexual escapades to the recent Equatorial Guinea Anti-Graft Minister, Baltasa Ebang Engonga, and many similar unspeakable absurdities committed by the elite and political class; it’s unfortunate.

Although blind or overzealous morality may not financially empower nations or individuals, the destitution of moral values causes the ruin of many licentious men and women. Where the ethos of values and cultures suffer deficit and in dearth, the foundation lies in shambles and ordinary soil. It’s a question of time, it will crumble like a pack of cards. Great shall be the fall thereof.

We the unrelenting media professionals buoyed with unflagging passion for a sound society, have sworn the oath to defend uprightness, equity, and “Conscience, Nurtured by Truth” (apologies to the Guardian newspaper slogan). And so shall we faithfully and consistently abide.

Until righteousness rules over corruption; competence over mediocrity; decorum over rascality; truth over political propaganda; and the expectations, aspirations, and desires of the people supersede the selfish and parochial pursuit of the few aristocrats (the elites), we refuse to let our ever-flowing ink dry.God bless Nigeria and Nigerians.

• Steve Obum Orajiaku writes from Lagos.