By IkeChukwu Unegbe, Esq.
One major concern all well meaning peoples of Nigeria should be bothered about is with the speed at which otherwise noble concepts are muddled up and corrupted. Politics is meant to be a system of governance adopted for making decisions for society, organizations and groups of people. In the context of this write up, it relates to democratic governance of the peoples and resources of Nigeria.
A calm observation of the caliber of politicking currently occurring in Nigeria shows the progressive effort, by some (from top to bottom) to strangle truth, noble values and human dignity in all their colourations. This is happening at an alarming speed such that must rouse the conscience of all well-meaning Nigerians- old and young. The word ‘politics’ has been infiltrated by negative vibrations and currently adopts or harbours dark, evil aggravated capacities to exhibit sinister, wicked, corrupt and selfishly manipulative deeds. The bigger concern is that a greater percentage of Nigerians willingly applaud these wickedly manipulative acts, as soon as they are adjudged to ‘favour’ their ethnic, religious or any other sectional interests. The capacity to discern between good from evil, noble from ignoble deeds, is shrinking with uncanny speed.
In recent times, Nigeria’s political atmosphere has become increasingly troubling. The noble ideals that once shaped leadership—morality, integrity, and the common good—are steadily being replaced by self-serving political gimmicks. Politics, once seen as a means of service and development, has now degenerated into a game of deceitful manipulation, and ethno-tribal divisiveness. What ought to be a sacred responsibility to the people is now being abused by many who approach governance as nothing more than a crooked business—one where everything is politicized, and nothing is held sacred anymore.
One of the recent disheartening signs of this politicization is the ongoing practice of renaming streets, especially in Lagos State, in ways that suggest partisan agendas rather than the preservation of history or the promotion of unity. Renaming major roads and public landmarks, sometimes without public consultation or historical sensitivity, has now become a symbolic weapon for scoring political points. These actions do not add value to infrastructure or governance. Instead, they send signals of political dominance and marginalization, stirring resentment in the hearts of citizens and deepening divisions. Renaming streets on its own would not have been any big deal, but when it takes root from vile pronouncements of certain persons that some people must be taught bitter lessons for their perceived electoral victories in Lagos State, then it leaves a bad taste in the mouth for healthy nationhood. It erodes all the values inherent in the newly re-adopted National Anthem.
This trend mirrors a broader problem where political loyalty has trumped merit, and tribal and ethnic sentiments are being dangerously fanned. Citizens are no longer encouraged to see themselves as Nigerians first. Rather, the political class subtly—or sometimes openly—promotes a tribal consciousness that erodes national unity. Political appointments, elections, and policy decisions are increasingly viewed through the narrow lens of ethnicity and sectional interest. This is not only a betrayal of the principles of federalism but also a dangerous drift toward disintegration of values and unity.
True federalism, as envisioned at Nigeria’s independence, was built on mutual respect, cooperation, and the freedom of states and regions/geopolitical zones to develop at their own pace while upholding national unity. Today, that vision is in jeopardy. Politicians have found it easier to divide than to unite, to provoke than to build consensus, and to manipulate than to lead with transparency. This is the business of politics as currently practiced—a business devoid of conscience.
This ugly tide must be stemmed. Both the federal and state governments must wake up to the responsibility of reorienting the political space. They must rise above the pettiness of politicizing every public action and instead focus on policies and programs that promote justice, equity, and unity.
The time has come for government at all levels to return to principled leadership that upholds values, not personalities; that prioritizes service, not propaganda.
It is also high time the electorate rejected the idea that politics is only about representation by people of “our tribe” or “our faith.” This thinking fuels mediocrity, fuels exclusion, and blinds us to the virtues of competence and character.
We must challenge leaders who appeal to our base instincts and reward those who seek to unify rather than divide.
Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path. A nation where political maneuvering trumps morality, and where every decision is colored by tribe, religion, or party affiliation, and elections are regarded as worthless waste of the electorates time, cannot achieve peace, stability, or progress. We must return to the basics—of seeing politics as service, not commerce; as stewardship, not supremacy.
In conclusion, this business of politics, as it is being practiced, has done more harm than good. The renaming of streets to suit political ends, the deepening of tribal sentiments, and the erosion of national values all point to a system that has lost its moral compass. It would be healthier to once again convoke a national discuss and put on the table the template for national renaissance, instead of pretending to have a nation, when in reality, none exists. To reclaim our future, the states and the federal government must actively rebuild the political culture. Nigeria must heal. But to heal, we must stop politicizing everything and start leading with conscience, truth, and purpose.
Email: ikeunegbe@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 08033201244
