It Is Nauseating: The Practice of Accosting Politicians, Shouting Fake Appellations, and Demanding/Expecting Money
Dear Nyaaba,
In recent times, a grotesque and deeply embarrassing spectacle has become normalized in the political landscape—citizens shamelessly ambushing politicians in public spaces, yelling sycophantic, often absurd titles, and openly demanding cash or favours. It is a display that is both nauseating and destructive, one that stains the dignity of public discourse and undermines democratic accountability.
Let us be blunt: this is not political engagement. This is not activism. This is a toxic performance fuelled by opportunism, entitlement, and a profound misunderstanding of what leadership and civic participation mean. The individual who runs after a public official, shouting things like “Odogwu!” “Mother of the Nation!”, “In-coming President” or “Our father, our saviour!” is not offering praise—they are degrading both themselves and the office they pretend to revere. These fake appellations are currency in a transactional game, where flattery is wielded as a weapon to extract something, often money, from people who hold political power.
This behaviour is corrosive for several reasons.
First, it fosters a culture of patronage over policy. When the public begins to see leaders not as representatives and stewards of the common good but as ATMs or messiahs, the fabric of democracy tears. Politicians, in turn, may start to prioritize personal handouts over institutional reform, populist gimmicks over sustainable governance. This is how corruption festers and accountability dies.
Second, it cheapens civic dignity. It is deeply troubling that instead of demanding better healthcare, infrastructure, education, and jobs, some citizens reduce their own agency to begging for scraps. They do so publicly, loudly, and often with rehearsed theatrics—treating politics as theatre and public figures as demigods. Is this what decades of struggle for self-determination and democracy have come to?
Third, this culture creates a false feedback loop. Politicians begin to believe that they are gods among men, thanks to the rented crowds and faked adoration. They lose sight of their responsibilities because they are intoxicated by hollow praise. Meanwhile, genuine criticism and engagement are drowned out by the noise of those who equate leadership with largesse.
It must stop.
We must reorient our politics toward accountability and substance. Citizens must see themselves not as dependents of political overlords, but as stakeholders in a shared national project. Engagement should take the form of informed debate, community organization, civic education, and demanding results—not grovelling for handouts in return for sycophancy.
To politicians: resist the temptation to reward this behaviour. Reject the clamour of those who praise you for doing the bare minimum. The real honour lies in serving with integrity, not in being worshipped.
To the public: reclaim your dignity. The true power in democracy belongs to you—but only if you use it wisely.
Enough of the noise. Enough of the begging. Enough of the nauseating charade.
Let us elevate the conversation. Let us rise to the challenge of serious, sober, and respectful nation-building.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Kasise Ricky Peprah
(The Honourrebel Siriguboy)
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