CROSS RIVER 2015 AND THE POLITICS OF BLACKMAIL (PART 1) The work in this piece is to provide a short analysis of an emerging episode of political blackmail in Cross River State 2015 gubernatorial election. The rationale behind this piece is to remind us of the need to concentrate on delivering the dividends of Democracy, empowering our people and improving governance in 2015. All over the world, there is blackmail going on. But in some societies it is a practice and a way of life? What strikes us most is the usage of the concept as a strategy by opponents to weaken the strength of one another. What is the bone of contention now is whether the politics of blackmail is a mere accusation and allegation? Do not forget that allegation in most cases are found to be baseless, unfounded and untrue. It is not going to profit any one of us when we resort to the politics of acrimony. We may not doubt or disagree with the fact that the politics of blackmail is an instrument of propaganda used by opponents against one another to win cheap votes. The focus of this work is to inform us of the need to educate our citizens appropriately on governance in 2015. What is political blackmail? What are its implications? How healthy is this concept to our politics in 2015? What is political Blackmail? Political blackmail is the threat of exposure, or the initial exposure of true , but more often invented ‘’stories’’ flying in the Air with the aim of causing an opponent serious political damage and destruction of slandering him, depriving him of the possibility of engaging in significant political activities , or of making it even difficult for him to follow suit his political ambition in a given society. This concept is championed by certain groups in every society who make themselves heroes of political blackmail. They are known to set up campaigns of lies against political leaders that they do not want or they intend to rubbish their political career. In the process of intimidating our political opponents we need to come out with accurate facts, records, data and questioning the witness before going to press. The implications of the politics of blackmail Though an official might be blackmail because he is a public figure, but what does the heroes of blackmail want? And what does blackmail implies? Most allegations and accusations may be invented stories and untrue They are insinuations which appears to be a political struggle for revenge between opponents They create confusion within the polity The intention is to make an office holder irrelevant. Blackmail creates enmity, kills trust and confidents of opponents Conclusion The politics of blackmail is an instrument of propaganda in any Democratic system, but it is not a good option for us at this moment because we have a long way to go. It appears that we are all bankrupt of changing times and political strategies. Our latest politics of blackmail and brinkmanship carried out by certain groups is unfounded, undemocratic, irresponsible and totally lacking of foresight of the implication of the allegations raised. If Cross River 2015 must thrive in the spirit of unity, justice and fairness the politics of blackmail should be re-visited. N/b The opinion in this article is strictly that of the author and on no account should they use in any way without his knowledge and against his position. .
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:12:56 +0000
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