Written by Chris Sam

One major issue and challenge in the Nigerian political circle is “Loyalty.” Following the extent to which this word has been abuse in the Nigeria’s polity, it is pertinent that we dabble into the power this word has over the decision making of every politician. 

First, it’s good to understand the word loyalty from it’s connotative stand point.

Loyalty according to Britannica is a general term that signifies a person’s devotion or sentiments of attachment to a particular object, which may be another person or group of persons, an ideal, a duty, or a cause. 

It expresses itself in both thought and action and strives for the identification of the interests of the loyal person with those of the object.
Following the meaning of loyalty and the concept to which this word is being apply in today’s politics.

The question is, to what extent should we go when expressing our loyalty to someone?.

Political theorists have often given support to this concept of dual loyalty by defending, for example, the right to resist arbitrary or tyrannical approach of leadership, especially if the right is claimed in consequence of one’s loyalty to God or moral law. 

This concept have therefore, shown that absolute loyalty to a person or political group may be demanded only if the person or group are guided by principles of right and Justice.

In today’s polity, we have confused the word loyalty which limits the commitments of a follower by moral standard and social laws, with the word Allegiance which is a complete tie between the follower and the leader or politician.