Seeing A Typical Nigerian Politician As The Proverbial Tortoise Called “All of You”, by Isaac Asabor

In Nigerian folklore, the tortoise often plays the role of the sly, cunning, and greedy character whose actions serve as moral lessons about deceit and selfishness. One of these tales, a classic “moonlight story,” narrates how the tortoise cunningly changed his name to “All of You” in a devious attempt to siphon resources and benefits meant for everyone. It is a tale that not only entertains but teaches a lesson on the corrupting influence of unchecked power, as the tortoise uses deception to hoard what rightfully belongs to others.

Reflecting on this story, one cannot help but draw parallels between the tortoise’s exploits and the behaviors exhibited by many Nigerian politicians when they ascend to power. Just as the tortoise pretended to act in the interest of all, Nigerian politicians often rally the masses with promises of development and inclusion, only to secure positions and divert resources meant for collective benefit. Once seated in power, they transform, becoming embodiments of “All of You”, all for themselves, and none for the people they once promised to serve.

In the fable, Tortoise, known as a greedy and shrewd creature, convinces the birds to take him along on a journey to a feast hosted in the skies. To gain their trust and secure his invitation, he adopts the name “All of You,” a strategic decision that would allow him to capitalize on their generosity. The birds, unsuspecting of his true intentions, welcome him as part of their group and agree to share their feast. However, once they reach the destination, every time the host offers food “to all of you,” Tortoise eagerly steps forward, eating his fill while leaving the birds with little to nothing. His deception and greed eventually lead to his downfall, as the betrayed birds strip him of his borrowed feathers and leave him stranded, forcing him to plummet back to earth and shatter his shell.

This story captures the essence of greed and the disastrous consequences that often follow. For Nigerian politicians, the tale should serve as a cautionary parable. Unfortunately, many have adopted Tortoise’s playbook, deceiving their constituents with promises of equality, fair distribution, and improved lives. Once in power, however, their true nature emerges, and they reveal their allegiance to the self-serving motto of “All for me, none for you.”

For decades, political power in Nigeria has been a tool for personal enrichment rather than public service. Nigerian leaders across various administrations have promised change, hope, and progress, only to disappoint the very people they vowed to uplift. The narrative remains largely the same: candidates rise to power through populist rhetoric, pledging to tackle poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructural decay. But once in office, they become isolated, viewing governance as an opportunity for self-aggrandizement.

The parallels with the tortoise story become more glaring when examining the promises versus the actions of these politicians. The name “All of You” is symbolic, they brandish slogans of inclusion, often emphasizing unity and collective prosperity during campaigns. Yet, the reality of their rule reveals that their understanding of “All of You” extends only as far as their family members, friends, and close allies. Government contracts, financial resources, and development projects are redirected to serve personal and familial interests, while the public endures worsening socioeconomic conditions.

The Nigerian political landscape is riddled with tales of officials who assumed office with humble beginnings, only to leave as wealthy moguls. Many politicians enter the scene with little more than public goodwill and a persuasive manifesto. But once elected, they become inaccessible to their constituents, using public resources to amass wealth and insulate themselves from the very people they pledged to serve.

One notorious example is the frequent misuse of development funds. Billions allocated for public health, education, infrastructure, and security often disappear, diverted to private accounts with little accountability. Politicians leverage complex networks of loyalists and bureaucrats who act as gatekeepers, ensuring that funds flow seamlessly into private hands. Like the tortoise, they pretend to act on behalf of the people, but every contract signed, every policy introduced, and every budget allocation is an opportunity for them to answer “All of You”, taking everything while leaving the public with empty promises.

The strategy of adopting an inclusive guise to gain public trust and support is widespread in Nigerian politics. Politicians campaign fervently, attending community gatherings, sharing in the struggles of the people, and emphasizing shared identity. But these grand displays of solidarity are fleeting; once they secure votes and climb the ladders of power, they become indifferent to the needs of the masses. The “All of You” strategy is particularly effective in a country where economic hardship is widespread. Politicians exploit this desperation, positioning themselves as saviors to the common people while preparing to abandon them as soon as the results are announced.

The cost of this political deception is colossal, borne largely by the Nigerian masses who face the brunt of mismanagement and exploitation. Public hospitals lack adequate facilities, schools are in disrepair, roads are unmotorable, and crime rates surge as poverty and unemployment become entrenched realities. Despite the nation’s wealth, the average Nigerian sees little of it; funds that could alleviate poverty or improve infrastructure are channeled into the bank accounts of a select few.

Much like the birds who trusted Tortoise, the Nigerian people repeatedly place their faith in these leaders, hoping that this time will be different. They are left empty-handed as politicians indulge in lifestyles funded by public wealth. The tortoise’s fate, a broken shell after falling from the heights of deception, foreshadows the inevitable backlash against such leaders. While the people may seem complacent now, history shows that prolonged oppression breeds unrest, and there may come a tipping point when the collective patience runs thin.

The story of the tortoise serves as both a warning and a lesson. Greed and dishonesty eventually lead to downfall. Nigerian politicians could heed this tale by choosing transparency, accountability, and genuine public service over personal gain. Addressing corruption requires both systemic reform and a change in political culture, with citizens and leaders alike upholding values that prioritize the collective good over individual enrichment.

For the Nigerian electorate, a crucial step is learning from past experiences and holding leaders accountable. Educating voters, demanding transparency in governance, and strengthening institutions that check power abuses are vital steps toward dismantling the “All of You” mentality. The people must recognize that public resources are not gifts from the politicians, but entitlements owed to them as citizens. By cultivating a culture of active citizenship, Nigerians can prevent leaders from assuming the role of “All of You” and redirect governance towards true public service.

In Nigeria, the term “All of You” should reflect its true meaning, embodying inclusivity, fairness, and equal access to resources. Politicians should serve as stewards of public wealth, not as self-appointed custodians. The tortoise in our folklore serves as a reminder that deceit and greed may bring temporary gains, but they ultimately lead to ruin.

If Nigerian leaders wish to avoid the fate of the tortoise, they must embrace humility and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare. By doing so, they can transform the narrative, shifting from the self-serving “All of You” to an inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance model that benefits all Nigerians. Only then can Nigeria’s democracy thrive, and its citizens finally experience the promised dividends of governance.