By Thomas Danjuma Abu
In a world where politics often looks like a playground for privilege and excess, isn’t it time we ask: Shouldn’t serving the public be a volunteer job? The glaring gap between idealistic leadership and the reality of personal profit begs a serious reevaluation of what political service truly means.
Picture a world where politicians work for free, fueled solely by a passion for public welfare. It may sound utopian, but as Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Imagine if politics were not just a job but a calling. Eliminating salaries could transform public office into a genuine vocation, stripping away the temptations of corruption and misuse. Leaders would be driven by a commitment to the common good, setting a new standard for what it means to serve with integrity.
Consider the game-changing impact if Presidents and other top officials adopted a minimalist lifestyle. Envision a President who drives their own car and avoids the lavish perks that now come with high office. Theodore Roosevelt’s insight—”The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it”—highlights a vision of leadership rooted in humility. This approach would redefine governance, focusing on sacrifice and genuine service rather than luxury.
Today, many politicians, surrounded by an army of aides, become detached from the people they’re supposed to serve. Excessive bureaucracy creates barriers and breeds elitism. Albert Einstein’s observation that “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” underscores the need for a streamlined government. Reducing bureaucratic layers would make politicians more accessible and in touch with the real issues affecting their constituents.
Politics should not be a full-time career; it should complement other professional and personal pursuits. Imagine if public service were part-time, preventing politicians from losing touch with everyday life. As Nelson Mandela wisely noted, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Making politics a voluntary, part-time role would invite a diverse range of voices, bringing fresh perspectives and genuine engagement to public service.
Let’s rethink the term “politician.” It should evoke respect and dedication, not entitlement. Abraham Lincoln’s belief that “The best way to predict your future is to create it” suggests that by redefining politics as a noble pursuit rather than a pathway to personal gain, we will attract those who are truly committed to serving the public. A politician, whether young or old, should symbolize civic duty and societal improvement.
Reimagining politics as a voluntary endeavor—free from financial incentives and bureaucratic excess—could usher in a new era of genuine, effective, and empathetic governance. It’s time to reclaim public service as a profound calling, not a chance for personal enrichment. Let’s restore integrity and trust to the heart of political life.
Peoplesmind