By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

In the last 24hours, I have thought deeply about loyalty in the course of work, in politics and in life. To my family, friends, leaders, benefactors, associates and groups, I am unflinching in my loyalty. Why the fierce loyalty? Well, I do not associate nor belong unless I am sure we have bonds that are strong and inviolable. Once I am convinced that we subscribe to the same set of ideals, I throw in myself in, like the proverbial frog, who will rather scatter in a broth than for its broth to be tasteless.

These days, politics has been rendered synonymous with lies, deceit, treachery, conspiracy, subterfuge and sabotage. I don’t believe it has to be so. I am proud to say, I am not that type of politician. I am my father’s daughter. Straight and disciplined. While I can deploy superior moves and strategy to vanquish a political opponent, I don’t believe I have to malign, disparage or harm them to succeed. Whoever plan to ensnare with treachery, subterfuge and lies, does not know me. The Plantain/banana tree tears its own leaves by its flapping.

I, Bamidele, believes in politics without bitterness as preached by second republic politician and leader of the Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP), Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri.

I learnt one important lesson from Vladimir Putin. Putin was assigned to the office of the Mayor of St. Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak. There, he gained power and prominence. When Sobchak lost his re-election for mayor, his successor, Vladimir Yakovlev offered Putin a job. Putin turned down the offer with a pithy response that has become quotable ever since: “It is better to be hanged for loyalty than be rewarded for betrayal.”

There is no lasting joy in breaking or violating trust, a presumptive contract or the confidence reposed in you. Such actions produces moral and psychological conflict. If in doubt, check Judas Iscariot.