THE BANDWAGON EFFECT

“The World is a book,

and those who do not travel

read only a page.”

~ St. Augustine

I was discussing with a Journalist Friend Recently and he made a remark that aptly describes our attitude to issues especially Politics. He calls it “The Bandwagon Effect"

We find it in our societal interactions, it also influences our perception and reaction to issues. “The Bandwagon Effect" 

Politically speaking it influences the way we receive a Party or it's candidate. I ask a colleague the other day when he was arguing vehemently that “If the PDP had performed like Fashola of Lagos State, Nigeria would have been Paradise on Earth" and I asked him, when was the last time you visited Lagos State? He became quite “The Bandwagon Effect”. Many of those criticizing President Jonathan had not traveled out of their States of abode in the Last Five years but will not hesitate to call him Clueless, a Failure, etc. 

Many of those who oppose the President are Men and Women who either looked forward to playing key role in his Government, but was denied or those who once played key role but was butted out because of what my Journalist friend will call irreconcilable differences. So they attack Mr. President with all the venom they can muster and the gullible public dances along with them "The Bandwagon Effect". Are you not surprised that the opposition APC is populated by former PDP chieftains? 

The same Bandwagon Effect holds true about our perception of the opposition APC. I was surprised that the APC that came together under very shaky conditions and parades a candidate with a very dark past should command such attention from the ruling PDP, until my friend pointed out the Bandwagon Effect no thanks to the massive media campaign embarked upon by the opposition.

Next time you are tempted to criticize either the incumbent or the four time aspirant, ask yourself is this the Truth?

The men and women who lost out in the power struggle and an international community bent on punishing Mr. President for putting his signature on the Gay Right Prohibition Bill insist that the President had failed, so much so that CNN's Christiana Amanpour said OBJ endorsed GMB. Former President Obasanjo had since denounced it, but I doubt if CNN had apologized? "The Bandwagon Effect" celebrated that purported endorsement.

I have always insisted that we will have a Country after the Elections, don't allow the personal bitterness exhibited by what the Military calls disgruntled elements effect the way you relate with your Brother, Your colleague, your friend, your neighbor. Many of those criticizing are paid to do the dirty job, while you are doing yours for free. Our Prayers must be for Free and Fair Elections in our country, devoid of violence before, during and after. May God Help us In Jesus Name.