Rhetorics, prevarication, grandiloquence, stonewalling, and grandstanding are close synonyms that represent forms of communication or a system of transforming words into action. Some are active, while others are inactive body language, conduct, and styles by which intents and purposes may be conveyed to the perceptible observer and/or listeners. The world over, hardly can anyone vouch for a politician who is destitute of demagoguery – which is a tendency to pander to the popular passion and prejudices of the people. But in Nigeria, I guess our version of politicians is used to do this in excess.
In the denotative definition, some of the above opening keywords paint a good and graceful picture and meaning. They are only corrupted or misrepresented in their practical deployment in our clime.
For example, on the website of San Diego State University (SDSU), rhetorics in its innocuous basic concept is defined as “Rhetoric refers to the study and uses of written, spoken, and visual language. It investigates how language is used to organize and maintain social groups, construct meanings and identities, coordinate behavior, mediate power, produce change, and create knowledge.” It continues, “Rhetoricians often assume that language is constitutive (we shape and are shaped by language), dialogic (it exists in the shared territory between self and other), closely connected to thought (mental activity as “inner speech”) and integrated with social, cultural and economic practices. Rhetorical study and written literacy are understood to be essential to civic, professional, and academic life.” Awesome! I perceive you scream. Precious as exciting and enticing, I think. Unfortunately, just as the name Jezebel, which means chastity, modesty, spartan, sinlessness, and sound morality, however, in contrast, the notorious biblical character (the last who had the name) demonstrated by her dishonest and disgusting lifestyle what the meaning of the name she bears is symbolic of. Regrettable!!!
Return to our immediate domain, the political menu that the Nigerianised political jobbers, racketeering moguls, and scavengers are serving the hapless citizens is dehumanising and harmful. I concede to the fact that this (as in most cases too) cannot be absolute, but the rate of recurring incidents is both appalling and terrifying. Take a typical example of the perennial cases of blunders made by our Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Often, he forgets that his shirt is bugged with a public address system tiny microphone via which the entire world may listen audibly to what he has to say to everyone. Then our Senate President goofs. Not once, but several times. And there is no guarantee that we have had the last botch. The usual lame-duck defense, which their media apologists and lackeys churn out is that whatever interpretation they have is taken out of context. Confusing?
When political leaders make statements and broadcast via electronic, print, and social media platforms from their elevated podium, usually it trickles down to different groups. Therefore, it takes those with the proper education to properly interpret and process the political statements as published. It amounts to dishonesty and delusionary tendencies for the erring politician to return to the media and instead of tendering requisite apologies, begin to explain errors, and defend misdemeanours. It usually thwarts the earlier public perception of the politician in question. It casts doubts and smears the residue of the good reputation once enjoyed by our politicians. But, who cares among them?
The world over, there seems to be a free fall of morality, a collapse of values, culture, and virtues. From the United States former President Bill Clinton–Lewinsky scandal to the Ugandan Ex-President Idia Amin’s disgusting and sexual escapades to the recent Equatorial Guinea Anti Graft Minister Baltasa Ebang Engonga, and many similar unspeakable absurdities committed by the elite and political class.
Although blind or overzealous morality may not financially empower nations or individuals, the destitution of moral values causes the ruin of many licentious men and women. Where the ethos of values and cultures suffer deficit, the foundation lies in a shambles. It’s a question of time, it will crumble like a pack of cards. Great shall be the fall thereof.
We the unrelenting media professionals buoyed with unflagging passion for a sound society, have sworn the oath to defend uprightness, equity, and “Conscience, Nurtured by Truth” (apologies to the Guardian newspaper slogan). And so shall we faithfully and consistently abide. Until righteousness rules over corruption; competence over mediocrity; decorum over rascality; truth over political propaganda; and the expectations, aspirations, and desires of the people supersede the selfish and pursuit of the few aristocrats (elite), we refuse to let our ever-flowing ink dry.
God bless Nigeria and Nigerians.
Steve Obum Orajiaku,
Lagos