By Charles Edet Esq, PhD. In a land far, far away, a dwarf named Edet stood on the shoulders of giants. These giants were men of great wisdom, wealth, and influence who had taken Edet under their wing, teaching him the ways of the world and lifting him to heights he never thought possible. Edet proved to be a quick learner, and soon he was standing tall, his eyes level with those of his benefactors. He learned to speak their language, wield their influence, and command their respect. The giants were proud of Edet, thinking they had created a worthy successor. But as Edet grew stronger, he began to forget the hands that held him up. He started to believe that he was the one who had built himself, that the giants were merely obstacles to his greatness. He looked down on those who had lifted him, thinking them weak and foolish. One day, Edet decided to overthrow the giants. He used the knowledge and power they had given him to gather an army of fellow dwarves and challenged his benefactors. The giants were shocked that Edet had such temerity to oust the power of selflessness and degrade their influence and they considered Edet’s as a betrayal, but they fought back with all their might. Bearing in mind that Edet, was a political investment from their sweat and connections. Edet, the dwarf, they swore will face humiliation. The battle was fierce, and many dwarves fell on politically infested thorns. Edet, fueled by ambition and ingratitude, fought with a ferocity that surprised even himself. In the end, he emerged victorious, standing on the shoulders of the defeated giants. But his triumph was short-lived. As he looked around, he saw that he was surrounded by enemies. The giants he had betrayed were now seeking revenge, and the dwarves he had led were demanding their share of the spoils. Edet realized too late that he had traded his loyalty for power, and that he was now alone, with no one to stand on his shoulders. The Nigerian Connection: The Edet here is not me, it’s a symbolic imagery, of realities, we have witnessed in our political horizon. Indeed, Edet’s story is a metaphor for the Nigerian politician who rises to power on the shoulders of others, only to turn against them and or they turn against their political investment, when the bridge of loyalty or failed returns occur . The true giants represent the founding fathers, the pioneers, and the visionaries who fought for Nigeria’s independence and laid the foundation for its growth. The present day giants are those after their pockets who plunder and loot the economy against the visions of the true giants. The dwarves represent the grassroot who grew up as followers of politicians politicians who come after them, using their influence and power to further their own interests. They forget the struggles of their predecessors and the sacrifices made for the country. They become consumed by ambition and greed, fighting against those who helped them rise to power.
This is also the plight of supporters who put all their energies into promoting a politician, only to be thrown off like a used tissue. They are the ones who knock on doors, organize rallies, and campaign tirelessly, but are forgotten when the politician achieves power. Edet’s story serves as a warning to those who would seek to betray the trust of others. It reminds us that true greatness is not achieved by standing on the shoulders of others, but by lifting others up and working together for the greater good. Edet’s tale is a cautionary one, reminding us of the dangers of ingratitude and ambition. It shows us that true strength lies not in dominating others, but in serving them. As the saying goes, “A tree is known by its fruit,” and Edet’s fruit is sweet and bitter indeed, in Nigeria’s political manipulation parlance. Let us hope that Nigerians will learn from Edet’s mistakes and strive to build a better future, one where leaders serve the people and not just their own interests. Where those who rise to power remember the shoulders that lifted them up, and where supporters are valued and respected for their contributions.
