Introduction: Here I come again; back in style to assist humanity know enough to assist self. The spirit wants me to keep this episode short and simple. I do so solemnly swear. ASK THE BOSS starts now.
2.0 Today has only one chapter. Mr. Joshua Ukoh’s entry, which is the pick of the day, qualifies fittingly for the pride of place. Its brevity and simplicity credentials are worthy of emulation and reward. Check it out, even if you can’t.
3.0 ‘THE BOSS, I intend to play politics and as bravely, as gentlemanly, as honestly, as plainly, as selflessly and as sportsmanly as I have grown up to see and watch you do. However, there is a big problem. I don’t know where and how to start. Sir, please guide me!’
4.0 MY TAKE: Come, Da Joshua Ukoh, come. Hold my hand. This way, please. Approaching politics as unNigerianly as you dream is one of the easiest tasks on the citizen’s shelf.
5.0 Problem though is: there is a small, big problem. Playing politics Nigeriana unnigerianly is also one of those seemingly insurmountable herculean national tasks around here. To succeed, one must be dead or immune to self. In addition, one must be blind or deaf to society.
6.0 To be sure, every living human being struggles with (insatiable) lust or greed. You and I always want to be the winner, or in the winning camp. It is almost as if losing is an anathema. Almost as if not winning is for lesser mortals.
7.0 We always want to enjoy all luxuries while our supporters cheer on and opponents mourn. Society too doesn’t help. It busies itself celebrating thieves of victory. Society honours people who did despicably-dishonourable things just to grab power or wealth, or both.
8.0 Hemmed in on both (individual and corporate) sides, anyone begins to consider the tempting offer of jumping on board the bandwagon. Society loses when the man or woman who walked away (rather than soil themselves) is being pooh-poohed as a weakling, a loser, or a fool. This is the crux of the matter. This is the part of the puzzle that must be resolved if we mean business.
9.0 The challenge therefore is how to navigate or conquer these individual or societal territories of deprivation. My personal secret is: contentment. This inner joy or reassurance keeps me from trouble. It restrains me from being in haste to acquire or achieve things that I cannot afford at the moment.
10.0 It insulates my mind from what everyone is saying about money or public office. On this high, I am far removed from life and death politics. Now, my dear Mr. Ukoh, I have guided you enough. Look up; behold the long, lonely road to el doradoic politics.
11.0 Can you walk it alone from this point? But, why not? It is a good day to trust and believe and dare. Oya!
Conclusion: If you have social dilemmas or worries, please inbox me. I shall field them publicly, here and on air. Let’s talk. It can help someone.
God bless Nigeria!
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