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Resisting the Temptation Of Personality Cults On Politics
Resisting the Temptation Of Personality Cults On Politics....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Whoever proposed the unveiling of President Bola Tinubu’s portrait during the June 12, 2024, Democracy Day celebrations displayed a concerning lapse in judgment. This action risks nurturing a dangerous personality cult around the President, reminiscent of historical figures who assumed quasi-divine status.
Military leaders like Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, despite their authoritarian tendencies, never encouraged such hero worship. The path towards a personality cult undermines democratic principles and risks eroding the hard-won gains of Nigeria’s democracy.
A personality cult forms when individuals blindly worship and elevate a leader above accountability and reason. While figures like Obafemi Awolowo and Kwame Nkrumah commanded respect, they did not foster cult-like adoration that subverted democratic values.
The recent unveiling of Tinubu’s portrait, orchestrated by various cultural institutions, seems paradoxical at a Democracy Day event intended to celebrate majority rule. This misguided gesture could alienate Nigerians grappling with economic challenges and seeking responsive leadership.
Such actions, from labeling leaders as “Baba” to commissioning anthems in their honor, dangerously skirt the edges of personality cultism. They risk transforming democratic leaders into untouchable figures, echoing the authoritarian regimes Nigerians have historically rejected.
President Tinubu, known for championing democratic struggles, likely did not foresee nor endorse this portrait unveiling as a symbol of sycophantic adulation. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in governance to prevent such missteps from undermining public trust.
While commemorative portraits are customary, their politicized unveiling amid economic hardships and dissenting voices underscores a tone-deaf approach. Such gestures can fuel public disenchantment and sow seeds of discord in a society striving for inclusive democratic values.
In conclusion, guarding against the allure of personality cults is paramount to preserving Nigeria’s democratic fabric. Leaders and citizens alike must remain vigilant against actions that elevate individuals above the collective good, ensuring that democracy truly reflects the will and welfare of all Nigerians.
