POLITICIANS AND THE BUSINESS OF BROKEN PROMISES

A veteran Nigerian artist Oritse Femi once sang: “we go flog politicians koboko, dem too dey do us ojoro.” Anytime I hear that line, something in me still burns. Because if there’s one thing most Nigerian politicians have mastered, it is the art of breaking promises. And here in Nasarawa, it’s almost like a tradition.

One young man I know, recently swallowed some politicians sweet words. By the time reality hit, he was knee deep in over ₦400,000 debt. To stay afloat, he had to sell his laptop, the very tool he used to hustle. He even gave them awards in recognition of their support; in return they gave him silence.

Another creative was told: “Don’t worry, go ahead and book the big artist. Push your publicity. We’ll back you.” He believed them. This  guy poured in everything... Everything! When the time came, all his calls were ignored and his texts left on blue ticks. The show happened, yes, but at the cost of his mental health.

I wish these were rare cases but they are not. They are everywhere and some of us have lived them personally.

Here’s the bitter truth about most politicians:

• 1. They shine in the spotlight but vanish when it’s time to deliver. Beware!
• 2. They love to make promises, then disappear. Beware!
• 3. When funds finally show up, the real project never sees the full amount. It melts away in the hands of aides, middlemen, and “data boys.”

How does ₦10 million approved for a project arrive as ₦6 million? How does ₦150,000 meant for students quietly reduce to ₦130,000? The rot isn’t just at the top as even the gatekeepers or data boys as they are called, eat. Beware!

I have been mentioning Nasarawa State but I know it’s not only here. Lagos, Abuja, Jos, and other states have the same story. I’ve sat with creatives and entrepreneurs across a few states in Nigeria and omoh everybody carries one tale of betrayal, disappointment, or a promise that evaporated when it mattered most.

If you are a young creative or entrepreneur in Nasarawa and beyond, hear me: don’t stake your dreams on politicians. They will waste your time, drain your energy, and leave you stranded.

And if this sounds strange to you, maybe you are one of two things: either you’re living with privilege and full backing, or you are part of the very machine frustrating the rest of us. If you don’t get it, leave this message for those who know what shege banza feels like.

Let’s be clear, nobody is entitled to anybody's money. That’s not the point. But if they make promises, let them keep all of them and keep them on time, because timing is everything.

My dear creators and entrepreneurs, abeg guard your vision, guard your work, guard your peace of mind. No trust every politician.

See, until we stop chasing them and until we start holding them accountable and building our own systems of support, nothing will shift.

Right now, let’s be honest: my Nasarawa state creators and entrepreneurs, most Nasarawa politicians are not here for us. And if we don’t wise up, dem go use us shine in vain.