Natasha – That sight that breaks my heart…, By Abdullahi Haruna Haruspice

Mass agitation without corresponding mass action is a dangerous intent that can wreck an idea – I have seen how mob activism failed those it was intended to help. A near case of reference is that of senator Natasha Akpoti – The hysteria that greeted her ordeal is a classical study of not ever allowing the mob to dictate your actions. It is so sad that she has been left tragically to her fate- with the same army of activators deadly silent on her travail.

As we speak, a recall process is ongoing and guess what? No group is anywhere standing for her- they have left her bare and stranded. Even the local media is gradually pushing her stories to the inside pages of reference. That is how life is , they push you to ephemeral relevance and then abandon you to a new subject – no one ever reigns forever – including kings!

READ ALSO: What Akpabio said about my waist movement- Natasha

I expect a parallel exercise for Natasha in Kogi central senatorial district – where the army of her supporters would have been in the field standing in physical opposition to the recall process – this time, not through violence or open confrontation but open display of endorsement – akin to a vote of overwhelming confidence on her . Alas! They have ‘tear gassed’ her with their abandonment – apologies to Asari Dokubo.

Whatever you do, try never to use the masses action as a gauge but always use the gauge that comes with emotional reality. The mob is an instantaneous reality, like the shadow, they fizzle out when it is dark. They can rant, curse and threaten brim stone and fire but when the real inferno comes, you won’t find them.

I cringe in excruciating agony seeing how drenched and drained Sen Natasha appears lately – from a fire spitting amazon to now seemingly suppressed -pitiable sight! Her tears burn me severely. I would have preferred her on the floor of the Senate radiating in her brilliance, candour and elegance and not on television bemoaning her helplessness. It wrecks my heart.

I wish they could be a political solution to this Natasha imbroglios – the nation needs her more in the limelight than on the sideline. This is where Sen Godswill Akpabio can relaunch his image – he should seize this opening to see that Sen Natasha makes it back – very fast to the Senate. Rather than Natasha, he would have been the winner in the long run – for leadership that comes with compassion are usually remembered in great references. Akpabio, this is your time to shine .

Meanwhile, note that activists are not necessarily there for you but largely motivated by their own baked interests – you are the fuel that fuels their activism – without you, they are bare. So, always calculate your move when going for a fight, build your army of foot soldiers – never rely on the motivation of activists, they are part time fighters.

Seriously musing

Abdullahi Haruna Haruspice is a public affairs commentator