In recent years, Rivers State, like many other states in Nigeria, has witnessed a significant amount of political party cross-carpeting, where politicians switch their allegiance from one party to another. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the lack of political will and philosophy among contemporary Nigerian politicians, reflecting a departure from the democratic ideals upheld by Nigeria's forebearers.
Political cross-carpeting in Rivers State often highlights the absence of a strong ideological foundation among politicians. Unlike the political pioneers of Nigeria who had clear and distinct ideologies, today's politicians frequently switch parties not based on policy differences but for personal gain or political expediency. This behavior undermines the essence of a democratic system where political parties are supposed to represent specific ideologies and policy preferences.
The frequent switching of party allegiance can destabilize the political environment and erode public trust in the democratic process. When politicians change parties, often after elections, it suggests that their commitment to the electorate and the manifesto on which they were elected is secondary to their personal ambitions. This undermines the democratic process and leads to voter apathy, as the electorate becomes disillusioned with the lack of genuine representation and accountability.
Nigeria's early democratic leaders, such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello, were known for their strong ideological stances and commitment to the nation's development. They were dedicated to specific political philosophies, whether it was federalism, socialism, or regionalism, and their policies and actions reflected these beliefs. In contrast, the current trend of cross-carpeting signifies a shift towards a more opportunistic and less principled approach to politics.
This lack of political will and philosophy impacts governance negatively. When politicians are more focused on personal gains than on policy implementation and public service, it leads to ineffective governance. Critical issues such as economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and education suffer as a result. Moreover, it creates an unstable political climate where long-term planning and implementation of policies become challenging
The issue of political party cross-carpeting in Rivers State and Nigeria at large reflects a deeper problem within the political system—a lack of ideological commitment and political will. This departure from the principles of Nigeria's democratic forebearers not only undermines the democratic process but also hampers effective governance. To build a more stable and effective democracy, there needs to be a renewed focus on ideological commitment and genuine political philosophy among Nigeria's politicians.