THE OVERZEALOUS AND POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS

By Ben AHANONU

Overzealousness, extremism, fanaticism etc I conjecture are different words that convey similar meaning. Linguistically, they signpost negativity and strike a discordant note. In real life context also, their manifestation if not contained, can destroy any society, damage relationships, create unnecessary divides, humiliate, embarrass and mislead.

The overzealous agents thrive in crisis. Every day, they pray for one and if it does not happen naturally, they stir things up because they must be busy.

In fact, the acts and deeds of overzealousness are in daily occurrence and for which reason; you meet the overzealous in the various faiths, families, in politics, the military, sports etc.

Often, their zeal is a spur-of-the-moment and always guaranteed so long as they can satisfy their needs thereof.

The overzealous is so crude, never pragmatic and roams like a masquerade without encumbrance.

In their thinking, the end justifies the means at all times. They come like zonal champions, petty and bigoted; they run foolish errands, they are the political thugs, who will prefer to die because of empty promises or gift of a motorcycle. They are the sycophants and vociferous aides who are often louder than a thunderstorm.

The overzealous could also be found in the ranks of the opposition and when they have something against you, they fight like wounded lions but at some point, they will run out of steam. They are those that cry more than the afflicted but watch them when it is time to eat and drink; they will let you know that nevertheless, they are very conscious of what they are doing. It is therefore clear that the overzealous whether for or against you easily collapses like a pack of cards under intense pressure. You may never count on them and because they are chameleonic and hypocritical, they will fail you when you need them most. Remember Peter, the overzealous apostle and how he cursed and swore in denial of Jesus until the cock crew. Remember the overzealous Judas Iscariot who betrayed his master. What of the overzealous suicide bombers who are ready to blow up themselves for another person’s gain?

As the 2023 general election is drawing near and political activities are already getting feverish, care must be taken by the politicians. Use of abusive language must be avoided.

Moreover, the contestants should not allow their overzealous cronies and hangers-on to heat up the polity unnecessarily. Let us emulate the Americans and the Britons in this one. One would remember that in the course of his campaign for the US presidency, President Obama, then a Senator was brutally maligned by some racial zealots even among the US press, but he never fired back as Nigerians are wont to do.

While political affiliations and interests may differ, in brotherhood we should stand. Now is the era of politics without bitterness as was championed by late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, who was the founder of the Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP) in the second republic. All political zealots should therefore leave the country alone.

God bless Nigeria.