In Nigerian politics, the phrase “The North will remember? No, they won’t” coined by former President Olusegun Obasanjo encapsulates a deeply troubling reality. It reflects a cynical understanding of political engagement, where the promise of basic sustenance—a cap of rice, a sachet of oil, and some spaghetti—becomes a tool for electoral manipulation. This assertion is not merely hyperbolic; it is a stark depiction of the exploitation of poverty and the reduction of political agency to the fleeting satisfaction of immediate needs. This essay critically examines this claim, delving into the dynamics of political patronage, the ramifications of such governance, and the potential for a more engaged and empowered political landscape in Northern Nigeria.
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
The Cycle of Dependency
The assertion that the North will forget its political grievances in exchange for temporary relief is rooted in a grim reality. The region grapples with pervasive poverty, insecurity, and a lack of basic services, rendering its populace susceptible to short-term inducements. The phenomenon of the “sachet economy,” where essential items are sold in small, affordable packages, serves as both a reflection of the economic constraints faced by the North and a manifestation of the manipulative strategies employed by political actors. Here, the promise of a few cups of rice acts as a bargaining chip, overshadowing the pressing issues of education, healthcare, and security.
This transactional approach to politics, while effective in securing votes, perpetuates a cycle of dependence. It reinforces a political system that prioritizes immediate gains over long-term solutions. The electorate, in this context, becomes entrapped in a cycle where their political agency is diminished, and their voices are silenced in the face of hunger. The immediate gratification of receiving necessities overshadows the need to advocate for systemic change, thus enabling a governance model that thrives on the exploitation of vulnerability.
Historical Context and Political Amnesia
To place the North’s political amnesia in context, one must consider the historical backdrop of neglect, marginalization, and exploitation that has characterized the region for decades. The legacy of colonialism, coupled with post-independence neglect, has left the North vulnerable to predatory political tactics. The lack of investment in human capital, alongside pervasive corruption and mismanagement, has bred a sense of resignation and despair among the populace.
Political actors, aware of this vulnerability, have learned to exploit the desperation of the people, crafting a perverse system where immediate relief takes precedence over long-term development. The North thus becomes a fertile ground for electoral manipulation, where the hunger for basic necessities eclipses the fight for fundamental rights. This historical context is crucial for understanding the dynamics at play and the reasons behind the seeming political amnesia of the North.
The Erosion of Democratic Fabric
The approach to governance that prioritizes short-term relief over sustainable solutions comes at a steep price. It undermines the very fabric of a democratic society. The erosion of political will, the silencing of dissenting voices, and the perpetuation of dependence contribute to a climate of apathy and disengagement. The North, rather than becoming a bastion of political activism, risks becoming a silent, hungry mass, easily manipulated by the promise of temporary satiation.
This political disengagement has dire consequences. The lack of genuine engagement with pressing issues—ranging from unemployment to education—creates a dangerous cycle of discontent and instability. The region’s potential for political activism is stifled, leading to a scenario where the populace remains passive, their agency undermined by the immediate need for survival. This, in turn, threatens the foundational principles of democracy, as the populace becomes increasingly disillusioned with a political system that fails to address their needs.
Breaking the Cycle: A Multi-Pronged Approach
To disrupt this cycle of dependence, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Breaking free from the shackles of immediate gratification requires a holistic understanding of the underlying issues and a commitment to long-term solutions. Addressing the immediate needs of the people through targeted social welfare programs is vital, but it must be complemented by substantial investments in human capital, infrastructure, and education.
Empowering the populace through access to quality education and healthcare is crucial. Education, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for fostering critical engagement and political awareness. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation can help reduce economic dependency while promoting transparency and accountability in governance can restore faith in political institutions. These steps are essential for fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient North.
The Role of Political Actors
Political actors play a pivotal role in reshaping the political landscape of the North. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, they must prioritize the long-term well-being of the people. This necessitates a shift from a system of clientelism and patronage to one based on merit, competence, and genuine service to the populace.
A commitment to tackling corruption is paramount. Ensuring fair and transparent elections, holding those in power accountable for their actions, and fostering an environment where political engagement is encouraged can help rebuild trust in the political process. Political actors must recognize that their legitimacy hinges on their ability to address the root causes of poverty and discontent, rather than merely offering temporary relief.
A Vision for the Future
Ultimately, the future of the North hinges on a radical shift in the political landscape. The current approach, characterized by the politics of rice and the manipulation of necessities, is unsustainable. It leads to further marginalization, discontent, and instability. The North must evolve from being a passive recipient of temporary relief to a vibrant force for change.
This transformation requires not only a change in political strategy but also a cultural shift within the region. Empowering the people to demand accountability, advocate for their rights, and strive for a future where the promise of a better life is not contingent upon a bag of spaghetti or a sachet of oil is essential. This cultural shift involves fostering a spirit of self-reliance and critical engagement with political leaders, ensuring that the electorate is not merely a passive audience but an active participant in shaping their destiny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assertion that “The North will remember? No, they won’t” is a reflection of a deeply entrenched cycle of political exploitation and dependency. The dynamics of political patronage, rooted in a historical context of neglect and marginalization, have rendered the North vulnerable to manipulative tactics. However, the path forward lies in breaking this cycle through a multi-pronged approach that prioritizes long-term solutions, empowers the populace, and fosters genuine political engagement.
The North’s future must be one of resilience, agency, and active participation in the democratic process. By demanding accountability, advocating for fundamental rights, and striving for systemic change, the North can transcend the limitations of the present and build a brighter future. It is time for the North to reclaim its political agency and transform from a silent recipient of temporary relief into a powerful force for change, ensuring that the promise of a better life is not just a fleeting dream, but a tangible reality for all its people.
