POLITICS : A BUSINESS OR A SERVING FIELD ?

By Olusegun Amoo 

The term "politics" originates from the Greek word "politika," which refers to the affairs of cities. Traditionally, it encompasses a range of activities linked to human decision-making within groups, as well as power dynamics among individuals, including resource allocation and status distribution. Politicians are individuals who seek to shape and manage national affairs, and they constitute what we refer to as a government. However, government is one avenue through which social animals like humans collaborate for shared benefit.

As per Gabriel Almond and Sydney Verba, participation in politics can be based on political orientation, which can be examined through three major viewpoints: parochial, subjective, and affective. The parochial category comprises individuals with limited awareness and minimal impact from governance. The subjective group encompasses those who possess awareness and are impacted by governance, yet display indifference. Finally, the affective segment comprises individuals who possess awareness, experience the effects of governance, and actively engage in the political process. 

Subsequently, politics can be categorized as serving either the "individual" or the "collective." When it prioritizes the individual, it becomes centered around "self-preservation" and the manipulation of others for personal benefit, as highlighted by scholars like Harold Lasswell, who examined the dynamics of "who gets what, when, and how." In this scenario, society regresses towards the Hobbesian state of nature,  where chaos prevails – a notion often likened to a "banana republic," a term frequently employed to depict the state of affairs in Nigeria.

Upon careful examination of the aforementioned, it prompts contemplation on whether the proponents of such disparaging name can truly be deemed wrong, particularly within a nation where political figures employ an array of methods, including coercive tactics, to compromise the safety and welfare of the populace for their own enrichment. In this environment the fourth estate ( comprising both public and private media ) is wielded as a tool to disseminate information and discourse either in favor of or against the government. 

Is it fair to place blame on them within a society permeated by blatant bribery and corruption, where every facet, including votes, is commodified, and even fundamental aspects like human life and freedom have become subject to ransom? The dismal condition of the global economy further exacerbates matters, fostering a battle for survival that has transformed numerous Nigerians into perceived adversaries of the state within the unfortunate context of being situated in the world's poverty capital.

Nevertheless, when the emphasis shifts from "individual" to "collective," politics takes on a deeper significance. It becomes a genuine act of public service, embodying the true essence of existence, which is, living for the betterment of others.

Politics must not resemble a business model, as seen in Nigeria, because the former centers around the well-being of people, while the latter revolves around profit generation. The primary objective of government is to cater to all citizens by advancing the "common good," encompassing essentials like infrastructure, education, and safeguarding lives and property. When focusing on a politics of "collective," it can be likened to citizens versus shareholders, indicating that the government owes accountability to its citizens who granted them the mandate. This stands in contrast to a minor stakeholder in a company, devoid of voting rights in significant business decisions.

Moreover, it can be viewed from the perspective of individuals versus customers.  Unlike companies that can discard unprofitable endeavors or narrow their focus to serve specific demographics, government agencies lack this flexibility. They must prioritize the needs of all constituents within the nation, underscoring their distinct responsibility.

In this regard, politicians dutifully dedicate themselves to the progress and advancement of society. The populace takes precedence, and their voices hold significance. Thus, to establish a politics characterized by a collective focus – an experience that appears elusive in the nation's history – it becomes imperative for individuals across both public and private sectors to strive for distinction. 

Olusegun Amoo holds a Bachelor's degree in English from The University of Abuja, Abuja. He is a passionate writer and avid political enthusiast, combining his linguistic prowess with a deep interest in political affairs.

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