Politics of acrimony and the futility of smear campaigns, By ‘Lade Bandele

Political discourse often becomes mired in acrimony and the construction of narratives, yet the realities of public life proceed unaffected. The author posits that hospitals, for instance, remain focused on treating patients, regardless of the surrounding political speculation. A child receiving an immunization or a mother in labor at a clinic are concerned with immediate, tangible needs, not the intrigues of public figures.

This perspective suggests that the effectiveness of smear campaigns and the intensity of political battles are ultimately futile endeavors. While these tactics may capture headlines and dominate public attention temporarily, they do not alter the fundamental realities that govern everyday life. Societies, the piece argues, are ultimately governed by these independent realities rather than the shifting narratives spun by politicians or media.

The article implies that a focus on substantive issues and tangible outcomes is more productive than engaging in or being swayed by political maneuvering. The enduring nature of real-world consequences, such as health outcomes or economic stability, stands in contrast to the ephemeral nature of political campaigns and character assassinations. The piece advocates for a return to focusing on these objective truths, suggesting that public life will eventually reassert its independence from manufactured political drama.