Hedonistic rulers and ‘Nigeria First’ distraction

By: Ugo Onuoha WE will start with the unusual by copiously quoting an online entry (Artificial Intelligence, AI) characterization of a hedonist. We do so to see whether many of Nigeria’s rulers in the past, and more so currently fit the descriptions. We are doing so in light of the recent Nigeria First ‘policy’ of Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, and his All Progressives Congress (APC), and whether the pronouncement is worth the paper on which it was written. Or even whether as usual the ruling political party which has become a scourge on Nigerians is at it again with its propaganda, and pulling wool over our eyes. It has been the trademark of the APC since the days and years of the retired Maj.- Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the affliction of Nigeria, from 2015-2023. They were the years of the locusts. Unfortunately, two years after he departed the presidency in a whimper and shame, the siege of the locusts has not abated. To the majority of our people their situations have become much more dire, and life-threatening. Meta AI says ‘a hedonist is someone who prioritizes pleasure, comfort, and self-indulgence in their life’. Does this characterisation ring a bell as it pertains to our succession of rulers? To elaborate, the online entry goes ahead to outline the characteristics of a typical hedonist as a pleasure – seeking person who prioritizes activities and experiences that brings him pleasure including fine dining, travel, or entertainment. A hedonist is also likely to be prone to self-indulgence, overindulging in luxuries, comforts, or vices, such as excessive spending, substance abuse (psychotropic substances and vintage expensive wines in the case of our rulers), or other forms of self- gratification. Again, as special species, hedonists are more likely to prioritize short – term pleasure over long-term consequences. In Nigeria, our hedonistic rulers pay scant regards to any consequences or responsibilities or indeed pushback or adverse reactions from the citizens. We are in a place where citizens fear the rulers instead of the other way round. Hedonists are more disposed to disregarding societal norms and mores in the single – minded pursuit of their own pleasures and desires. They lay emphasis on their personal satisfaction and put their happiness above other considerations. The entry talks about the different types of hedonism which includes epicurean hedonism, the type which emphasizes the pursuit of moderate pleasures and the avoidance of physical pain and mental distress. Nigeria’s hedonistic ruling elite do not pursue their pleasures in moderation but they avoid pain and any type of distress. There’s also Cyrenaic hedonism. Our rulers congregate in this region where they emphasize pursuit of immediate physical pleasure and sensual experiences. Many of them are sexual harassers and predators. Excessive hedonism where a preponderance of Nigeria’s ruling elite can be found comes with consequences including addiction, neglect of responsibilities, and imbalanced life. Overindulgence often leads to addiction, while prioritizing pleasure over responsibilities leads to neglect of important duties and obligations. Finally, excessive focus on pleasure can lead to an imbalanced life, neglecting other important aspects such as relationships, personal growth, and positive contributions to society, country and humanity. Hedonism and many of our rulers are one and the same. And the receipts are in plain sight. Any ruling class which luxuriates in hedonistic indulgences is incapable of driving change, inspiring hope not to talk of renewing hope, and pulling the people up by their bootstraps. And the online depiction in preceding paragraphs fully captured the essence of Nigeria’s ruling elite. So its preachments of prioritizing things Nigeria, going forward, are just that – preachments. They are hollow and designed to hoodwink. Like some other previous rulers and political parties, Alhaji Tinubu and the APC are contemptuous of the country and Nigerians. Therefore, they are not equipped, and are incapable of doing much to benefit this country and its citizens. They don’t even care. What good do you expect from a dispensation that was founded on a corrupt and corrosive premise of “emi lo Kan”. Their recent proclamation of Nigeria First ‘policy’ on government procurements and sundry activities is a ruse. The greatest enemies of patronizing anything Nigeria are the governments at all levels, and their top functionaries – from the president down to the councillors in the local governments. Majority of Nigerians are already practicing Nigeria First, though it may not be out of choice, but because they are condemned to doing so due to government policies that have limited their options. If some ordinary folks have developed a voracious appetite for consuming foreign goods, it would only be because our rulers failed to create the objective conditions for them to appreciate and patronise Made in Nigeria products. A casual scrutiny, (can you actually casually scrutinize), of the highlights of the Nigeria First ‘policy’ will tell you immediately that there was no sincerity behind it. Coming at this time it is obvious that the Nigeria First ‘policy’ is yet another political gimmick ahead of the 2027 election when Tinubu will be seeking a second term. It’s meant to be a talking point to fill a void created by the non-performance of the extant regime. Whenever an incumbent is due for a possible reelection the common question to be asked the governed is whether their lot was better than when the ruler assumed office. In the case of Nigerians as of today, the answer should be self – evidently a resounding no. The lives and living standards and conditions of Nigerians have deteriorated from a bad dream during the era of Buhari to a nightmare in this season of Tinubu. In this dispensation human misery has increased; many more citizens are dropping below the poverty line; corruption is widespread; accountability by public office holders no longer exists (which explains why, for example, a humanitarian affairs minister who was sacked over one year ago on allegations of stealing has yet to be tried); insecurity has gotten worse with new terrorist groups springing up almost on