THE POLITICAL CARNIVAL: EXPOSED MANIPULATION AND GREED IN NIGERIA'S SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE
BY P. MICHAEL.
(Director of Media and Photography For Progressive Team For Good Governance)
In Edo State and across Nigeria, there is an ongoing political spectacle that reveals a deeper, unsettling truth about the mindset of certain power players. The metaphor of “the kettle calling the pot black” aptly reflects the behavior of many who stand on the sidelines of the system they so vehemently criticize. These are the same individuals who, rather than contributing constructively to the well-being of society, seize opportunities to manipulate, distort facts, and push personal agendas at the expense of the common good.
At the heart of this issue is the corrupt paradox that plagues Nigeria’s political landscape. The "arm robber" accusing the "thief" is an apt representation of a system where those in power are not innocent; instead, they engage in the same misconduct they accuse others of. Corruption is not a foreign problem—it is systemic. From the most local levels of governance to the highest echelons of political influence, too many seek to tear down others to elevate themselves.
The actions of these individuals expose a fundamental flaw in the fabric of political and societal leadership. They work tirelessly to dismantle systems they claim to oppose, but rarely have any understanding of how those systems work, let alone contribute to them. Their attacks are not about reform or improving governance, but about consolidating power and creating opportunities to serve their personal interests. This form of political cannibalism, where personal ambition outweighs the common good, is driven by greed, a hunger for control, and a willful disregard for the consequences of their actions on the people they supposedly serve.
In Edo State, we see a microcosm of this larger national issue. There are those who, despite having no genuine stake in the system, aim to undermine any effort at progress. They mislead the public with half-truths, misconceptions, and a well-crafted narrative designed to confuse and divide. Their ultimate goal is not a better future for the people of Edo or Nigeria, but their own selfish desires for power. This type of political manipulation thrives on propaganda, creating falsehoods that cloud the judgment of the electorate, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
As the battle lines are drawn in the political arena, it becomes clear that the real issue is not simply who holds power, but the ethics of those vying for it. To truly address corruption, we must confront the moral decay at the heart of it. It is not enough to point fingers at those currently in power; it’s about recognizing that the system itself is infected with greed, and that every player—past, present, and future—must be held accountable for their actions.
The saying, "Until you see the burning bush, don’t bother confronting Pharaoh," speaks volumes in this context. In the face of political manipulation and exploitation, many rush to act without truly understanding the root causes of the problems they are attempting to solve. Like the Israelites, we may be quick to demand change without realizing the complexity of what’s needed to transform a deeply entrenched system. To confront the Pharaoh of corruption, we must first acknowledge the burning bush—the undeniable truth of systemic failure, and the need for a comprehensive, united, and ethical approach to governance.
The political landscape in Edo and across Nigeria cannot be fixed by those who have been complicit in the same systems they claim to fight against. It is only when the people, armed with knowledge and a commitment to integrity, rise above the propaganda and demand true leadership that the cycle of manipulation and corruption can be broken. Political change must come from within—leaders must not only be different in what they do but in their moral and ethical standpoints. Until we recognize the flaws within ourselves and our own motivations, we will remain trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.
In the end, the true fight for change must be a fight for the common good, not a battle to elevate personal interests. If we are to overcome the political corruption that has plagued Edo State and Nigeria, we must stop playing the game of deceit and division. We must reject the narrative that seeks to destroy, and instead build systems rooted in integrity, transparency, and accountability. Only then can we begin to move forward—toward a future where the voices of the people are truly heard, and their interests are genuinely represented.
P Michael
On behalf of the Progressive Team for Good Governance
