By Sagacious Louis
In the realm of leadership, power is a double-edged sword. It grants the ability to influence and shape the world, yet it can also lead to corruption, abuse, and devastating consequences. The emerging politics of consequences in Isoko serves as a stark reminder that those in power must tread carefully, for every action has a reaction, and every decision carries far-reaching repercussions.
For too long, a dangerous illusion has festered in our society: the notion that power is a shield against repercussion. It is the belief that a title, wealth, or political connection grants a license to act with impunity—to make impulsive decisions and treat the people and their resources as a personal fiefdom. But the ancient, unspoken law of societal balance is now reasserting itself in Isoko land. We are witnessing a fundamental shift where power and responsibility are finally, and irrevocably, encountering consequence.
This is not merely a political phenomenon; it is a cultural and moral recalibration. The politics of consequence is the understanding that every action, especially from a position of authority, sends a ripple through the fabric of the Isoko nation. These ripples do not vanish; they travel, gather energy, and eventually return to the shore from which they were launched.
Those who abuse power often operate under a critical miscalculation. They believe the consequences can be contained within the four walls of their office, buried under bureaucratic red tape, or silenced by intimidation. They forget that the office they hold is not a personal throne, but a sacred trust bestowed by the people. When a leader impulsively awards a contract to a crony who fails to deliver, they are not merely enriching a friend; they are depriving the populace of a quality road, a functional health centre, or a proper school building. The consequence is not abstract; it is the child who cannot go to school during the rainy season, the pregnant woman who faces a perilous journey to a distant hospital, and the collective erosion of public trust.
When a person in authority acts with arrogance, silencing dissent and ignoring counsel, they are not demonstrating strength but profound weakness and shortsightedness. They sever the vital nerves of feedback and reality, surrounding themselves with the hollow echo of their own voice. The consequence is not just bad policy; it is a disengaged, resentful, and disillusioned populace. The energy that should be channelled into Isoko’s development curdles into apathy or, worse, active opposition.
In Isoko, the consequences of this abuse are evident. Our political landscape has been plagued by poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities for Ozoro, Oleh, Irri, Owhelogbo, Iyede, Emevor, Olomoro, Emede, Ellu, Ofagbe, Igbide, Owhe, Okpe, Otor-Owhe, Aviara, Enwhe, Umeh, Uzere, and others. Our people have been marginalised, and their voices silenced.
The solution lies in promoting an unwavering culture of accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership. Leaders must recognize that their power is not a personal privilege, but a trust bestowed by the people. They must be willing to listen, to engage, and to serve the greater good. There is a growing demand in Isoko for leaders committed to serving the people, who will prioritize development, promote inclusivity, and uphold justice and fairness.
Therefore, this inevitable encounter between power and consequence serves as a stern advisement to all who hold, or aspire to hold, a position of influence in Isoko land:
Govern with legacy in mind: Before you act, ask not, “What can I gain from this?” but “What will be the legacy of this action? How will it affect the poorest and most vulnerable among us in five, ten, or twenty years?”
Choose thoughtful deliberation over impulsive action: The weight of power demands the discipline of thought. Surround yourself with voices of reason, not sycophants. Subject every major decision to rigorous scrutiny. Impulsivity is the language of the tyrant; deliberation is the hallmark of a statesman.
Understand that the Office is temporary, but the Record is Permanent: You are a temporary occupant of an office that existed before you and will endure after you. Your name, however, and the record of your stewardship, will be etched permanently into the history of our people. Will it be a name spoken with respect and gratitude, or one whispered with disdain as a cautionary tale?
As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” It is time for leaders in Isoko and beyond to take this responsibility seriously. The politics of consequences is real, and it is imperative that those in power recognize the enduring impact of their actions.
