Mr. Politician, Endeavour To Leave Your Name On Good Page Of History, Because Power Is Ephemeral

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

In the dynamic world of politics, the pursuit of power is frequently the driving force behind every politician’s ambition. The allure of power, prestige, and authority can be irresistible. However, as history has demonstrated time and again, power is fleeting. What remains long after the dust has settled from political battles is a leader’s legacy. Mr. Politician, keep in mind that the corridors of power may appear to be permanent and untouchable, but they are not. What is eternal is how your name will be remembered throughout history.

Power is inherently transient. It has a beginning and an end, regardless of how long or absolute it appears. History is replete with examples of rulers, kings, and politicians who believed they could wield authority indefinitely. But time, the great equaliser has shown that no throne is unshakeable, and no office is permanent.

Consider the reigns of Africa’s most notorious dictators, including Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko. Their rule appeared unbreakable at its peak, but today their names are synonymous with tyranny and corruption. They used their immense power to oppress their people, accumulate personal wealth, and strengthen their hold on power, but they eventually fell. Power, which once seemed limitless, slipped through their fingers, leaving only the harsh judgement of history.

In contrast, consider the legacies of people like Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere. They, too, wielded absolute power, as Mandela did, but they are remembered for their integrity, compassion, and commitment to justice. They knew their time in power was limited, so they worked tirelessly to ensure that the impact they had would last long after their political influence had faded.

Mr. Politician, no matter how secure you feel in your current position, remember that power is fleeting. It is vulnerable to public opinion swings, economic downturns, or a single electoral defeat. What will endure is the reputation you establish today.

Every politician who enters the political arena must remember that their primary responsibility is to the public. The people’s trust puts them in office, and that trust carries a sacred responsibility. Leadership is a call to serve, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. When you enter office, you are responsible for the hopes, dreams, and well-being of the people. The way you use that power determines whether you are celebrated or condemned.

Too many politicians fall into the trap of believing that their position entitles them to benefits that exceed their mandate. They amass wealth, live extravagant lifestyles, and remain disconnected from the realities of the masses. Leadership, however, is about self-sacrifice rather than self-aggrandizement. Power is not a license to exploit, but rather an opportunity to serve and improve the lives of those who put you in charge.

As you sit in a high office, surrounded by sycophants and enablers who will tell you what you want to hear, pause and consider: Are you serving the people? Are your decisions improving people’s lives or causing more pain? Will your policies help people get out of poverty, create jobs, and reduce inequality? Will they widen the gap between the rich and the poor?

The true measure of leadership is not the titles you hold or the wealth you amass. The legacy of change, the empowerment of ordinary people, and the institutions you leave behind will last long after you are gone.

Power is not necessarily bad. It is a tool capable of bringing about transformative change. However, power without a higher purpose is meaningless, like an empty shell. Too often, politicians become obsessed with the trappings of power, such as sirens blaring as they drive through the city, titles before their names, and control over resources. They forget that power should be exercised with humility, empathy, and a desire to make a difference.

When you enter the office, you must constantly ask yourself, “Why am I here?” Is it to enrich myself and secure my political future, or to serve the people who elected me to lead? Leaders who lose sight of this higher purpose frequently find themselves isolated, surrounded by the illusion of success but cut off from the very people they claim to represent.

Leaders throughout history have used their positions of power for personal gain. Their names may have adorned buildings and statues during their reigns, but as they fell, so did their monuments. The people they oppressed, the wealth they stole, and the lives they ruined will live on in their legacy. Mr. Politician, do not let this be your fate. Remember that the power you have now can be taken away tomorrow. However, the actions you take while in office will be forever etched in the minds of those you serve.

Every action you take in this digital age is documented, every policy is scrutinised, and every mistake is magnified. History holds us to a higher standard of accountability than ever before. The internet does not forget. Mr. Politician, there is no avoiding the judgement of posterity. Misdeeds are becoming increasingly difficult to cover up thanks to social media, investigative journalism, and civil society’s vigilant eyes. Even if you avoid public censure in your lifetime, future generations will discover the truth.

Consider this: What will your grandchildren discover when they read about your time in office in the history books? Will they discover a leader who advocates for justice and equality? Will they see someone who fought for the underprivileged, promoted education, and upheld democratic values? Or will they come across stories of corruption, scandal, and oppression? History is a harsh but fair judge, and it will remember you for what you truly accomplished, not the image you attempted to project.

As you navigate the complex world of politics, consider: What will people say about you once you are no longer in power? Will they remember you as a leader who gave up personal gain for the sake of the country, or will they talk about the scandals and corruption that characterised your tenure? Will your name appear on the good side of history, or will it be relegated to the footnotes of failure?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You can shape your legacy by acting with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference. As the late Nelson Mandela once said, “What matters in life is not the fact that we have lived. The significance of our lives will be determined by the impact we have had on the lives of others.

Power is not permanent, but your legacy can be. As you advance in your political career, remember that every decision, policy, and action will influence how you are remembered. The clock is ticking, and pages of history await to be written. Will your name appear on the good page?

The wise understand that true power is found in inspiring others rather than dominating them. Mr. Politician, power may be fleeting, but your legacy can last forever. Use your power wisely, serve the people faithfully, and make sure your life story is one of honour, respect, and service to humanity.