Former federal lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani has ignited new controversy by giving a stark warning to individuals in positions of responsibility, claiming that power frequently blinds leaders to its fleeting nature.
In a statement released on X, previously Twitter, the outspoken politician discussed how public office may intoxicate those who hold it, asking leaders to realise that authority is never permanent.
According to Sani, some people get “inebriated by the weapons of authority at their disposal” after taking government. He believes that having access to governmental authority, particularly the ability to arrest, detain, or threaten, can give people a false sense of invincibility.
Despite having showed scant regard for the rule of law when in government, he pointed out that they frequently look to it for protection.
Sani also blasted what he called a “forgiving and forgetful society,” contending that it permits past leaders to win back support even after they are accused of abusing their position of authority.
He came to the terrible conclusion that this cycle allows “evil men” to evade long-term responsibility when their time comes.
See below;
Social media users swiftly responded to the comment in a variety of ways, with many offering their opinions on Nigeria’s political culture.
See reactions below;
A user identified as Man Like Me disagreed with Sani’s position, arguing that political consequences rarely follow loss of office in Nigeria.
“That sounds good in theory. But in Nigeria, it doesn’t play out like that. Politicians don’t really fall. They switch sides. Out of power today, aligned tomorrow.
“They protect each other, cover each other, defend each other whether in office or not. Here, it’s not karma. It’s coalition,” he wrote.
Another commenter, Charles Igwe, said: “What struck me most was your point about a forgetful society. The same people these men in power oppressed and denied good governance will still sympathize with them once they’re out of office. A few names already come to mind.”
Mohammed, another user wrote: “Your statement reminds me of an ancient classic poem I read many years ago. ‘The proud King’ by William Moris, the major themes of the poem clearly reflect the attitude of many Nigerian leaders today. When they’re in power, they act like ancient Roman and Greek leaders.”
Ademola also reflected on the nature of authority, stating, “Power has a way of revealing character more than building it. History keeps teaching the same lesson authority is temporary, accountability is inevitable.”
He further wrote, “When leaders forget that power is borrowed from the people, they mistake fear for loyalty and silence for support. But time has no permanent favorites.
“The real tragedy isn’t just the fall of arrogant rulers it’s when society forgets too quickly and repeats the cycle. Justice without memory is just a pause before the next abuse.”
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