Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has ignited fresh political debate after warning that many individuals in authority often become blinded by the illusion of permanent power.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the outspoken politician reflected on how public office can intoxicate leaders, causing them to forget that power is temporary and accountability is inevitable.
Power and the “Weapons of Authority”
According to Sani, access to state power — including the ability to arrest, detain, or intimidate — can create a dangerous sense of invincibility.
He noted that some officeholders become “inebriated by the weapons of authority at their disposal,” leading them to assume a superior posture over citizens.
“They begin thinking and arrogantly behaving like gods,” he suggested, warning that history repeatedly shows how quickly power can change hands.
The former senator emphasized that leaders who misuse authority often ignore the experiences of their predecessors, failing to recognize that their tenure is not permanent.
From Invincibility to Vulnerability
Sani further argued that when power eventually slips away, those who once wielded it without restraint suddenly become vulnerable.
He observed that many former officeholders who once disregarded legal safeguards later turn to the rule of law for protection when they are out of office.
The ex-lawmaker also criticized what he described as a “forgiving and forgetful society,” suggesting that public memory tends to fade too quickly. According to him, this cycle allows some former leaders accused of misconduct to regain sympathy and avoid lasting consequences.
He warned that without institutional memory and accountability, the same patterns of alleged abuse could continue.
Nigerians React: “In Nigeria, It’s Not Karma — It’s Coalition”
Sani’s remarks triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians online, with many offering mixed perspectives on the country’s political culture.
One user argued 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. Here, it’s not karma. It’s coalition.”
Another commenter pointed to the issue of public memory, stating that citizens sometimes sympathize with former leaders despite past grievances.
A different user compared the situation to themes from classic literature, noting that arrogance in power has been a recurring theme throughout history.
Meanwhile, another respondent reflected on the nature of leadership:
“Power reveals character more than it builds it. Authority is temporary, accountability is inevitable.”
The Bigger Conversation on Leadership and Accountability
Sani’s statement has reopened discussions about governance, political culture, and the need for institutional accountability in Nigeria.
Observers note that debates around leadership behavior, rule of law, and public memory continue to shape political conversations across the country.
As reactions pour in, one central message stands out: power may appear absolute in the moment, but history consistently shows it is never permanent.
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