#2022ELECTION; IS POLITICS A DIRTY GAME?

I interrogatively came up with this topic to unveil the hidden truth that was kept in the dungeon of illusion and imagination for decades. Our orientation and upbringing has caged us in believing that politics is a dirty game. This may not be far fetch from the things we hear and see happening in the political arena. These behaviors are seen amongst greedy, desperate, selfish and ungodly politicians who see politics as a do or die affair. They've succeeded in giving the Nigeria politics a bad name. They made it look dirty and crazy.

In the light of the above identified problems bedeviling our nation and has given our polity an unpleasant and offensive coloration, then how do we change the narrative; why do we need to actively participate in the politics; and why must we as Nigerians weed out the bad politicians in the political arena?

Politics is not only activism, it's awareness, it's keeping ourselves informed, it's caring for the facts. Sometimes it's casting vote. Politics is a tool through which we structure ourselves as group and society. It governs every aspect of life, and by not participating in it, you're literally allowing other people to decide on what you can eat, where, if you can have access to health care, free Education, how much tax you pay, when you retire, what is your pension. Other people are also deciding on whether your race and ethnicity is enough to consider you a criminal or illegible to offer a job or appointment. So, our participation in politics can't be over emphasize considering it importance in our lives.

*Mark Twain* suggested that, politicians and diapers must be changed often and for the same reason. When a diaper is socked, it becomes dirty and irritated, and must be changed or replaced immediately by a new one. As a result of this, we must make sure that we weed out bad politicians among us. We should work tirelessly to create awareness on the importance of replacing the number one seat of power in 2023 with a credible candidate, who must be young and visionary leader and has the capacity to change the ugly narrative about the Nigeria politics.

*Israelmore Ayivor* observed that, 21st century leaders use brain cells more than muscle tissues. We must vote for a visionary leader who is not operating in the past, who has not reached his plateau of learning. The funnest thing is that, most of our politicians today have reached their plateau of learning (laugh). Their ideas about governance and leadership are obsolete and unrealistic. We must move towards greatness if we must survive as a nation. Great and pure thoughts can't be deposited in minds accumulated with rubbish and corruption. Also, great leaders are most wanted. They're most wanted for what they do with their gifts and talents. Their dreams are so unique in such a way that their presence become a source of hope and courage for others to thread on along. Why won't they look for them? Together we'll achieve the Nigeria of our dream.

Thank you for reading.

( *SAMUEL ILIYA (Kaduna Zone 2 Chairman NNM* )