Do you think politics is dirty?

By Aunt Yemi

Nigeria is in the political season where various activities are aimed at electing new leaders for different political positions. Not a day goes by without news of the upcoming general election scheduled for February and March. There are so many questions running in the minds of young and old Nigerians alike. Speaking here are some students from MEDMINA COLLEGE, IBADAN, Iyana Ajia, Egbeda, Oyo State.

Yazeed Ibrahim

In my perspective, politics is dirty as portrayed by my country. In my country Nigeria, politics is the worst thing to concern yourself with, because basically all politicians are corrupt. Most of them are not good at politics at all. However, if given the opportunity to apply for any position, I would like to go for the position of Finance Minister, unlike other positions, as I have special financial skills that qualify me as a perfect candidate. In addition, I have high expectations of this country.

Arafat Tijani

Actually, politics is not dirty, but the people involved. As we know, it is about gaining and using power in public life and being able to influence decisions that affect society. So its make up and purpose is not dirty but the players involved are the ones who make it that way due to misappropriation of public funds, bribery and the like. If I had the chance to become a politician, I would go for the position of Minister of Education, because the previous ministers did not do their job as they should.

Ahmad Abdullah

Coming from a place with low infrastructure development, I noticed a lot of lack of environmental qualities. If finding a solution to said problem drove me to run for political office, I would run for a Senate position. I would go to the senate to have a say in parliament, which can have a positive effect on the nation. It is one of the positions that is close to the people that is governed. A senator’s main job is to represent the people. A senator speaks to citizens about problems, concerns, or suggestions they have for their neighborhood. I want to fight for legislation that is in the interest of the average citizen.

Fatimah Abubakar Umar

Politics to me is a dirty game that really needs to be cleaned up in Nigeria and to do that we need the right people in our political seats. Most people in Nigeria believe that everything should start with the president, but for me it’s very different. I feel that the president is just a representative of the country who is not in full control of the law.

To me, the law is power, and so if I want to run for a political seat, I would run for the House of Representatives where government is formed, matters of national importance are decided, and people’s interests are promoted.

Sofiyyah Lasisi-Akeem, SSS3

Using my country, Nigeria, as a case study, it is very clear that politics is very dirty. The rate at which people are being abducted and used for rituals in this election approaching season is alarming and is the result of power struggles. Politicians go through many immoral and godless processes to achieve their desired positions; they waste lives and property without thinking that the function is something earthly. I would never want anything to do with politics, but if an opportunity comes my way, I would like to be the president, who is the overall head in a federal system of government.

Buba Aliyu Muhammad, SSS 3

The vicious nature of politicians’ activities in Nigeria smacks of wickedness and corruption. The selfish intent of acquiring wealth using government as a platform on which to shine their corrupt two-sided ideologies is evil. This dirty game of who gets what and at all costs remains constant while the masses are on the receiving end. When will the change come? When will this so-called change become a reality? When will Nigeria really experience change? It comes from our poisoned land. This barren wasteland of pain and suffering will remain, if not worse, for real change can ensure that the politics of this country will no longer be a dirty game.

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