By: Walbe Ogak
Recently, social media—particularly Facebook—was awash with a viral video that garnered over five hundred views. In the clip, a man lavishly praised Rt. Hon. Dewan as an achiever while condemning other politicians from the same locality as failures. That video is just one example among many of a growing trend in political discourse.
The content of such videos exposes how far some supporters are willing to go — not only to intimidate others but to pull them down, regardless of their principal’s actual performance. More troubling is the silence of the person being praised, which often signals tacit approval.
To label every other politician in Pankshin — among the many who have left indelible marks of service and accomplishment, both living and dead — as failures is nothing short of desperation and a lack of genuine content to campaign with.
This kind of misguided loyalty finds a timeless parallel in T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral, which tells the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket, martyred by overzealous knights of King Henry II. The King never directly ordered Becket’s death, but his frustrated words were misinterpreted by his followers as a command. That fatal misunderstanding became a powerful symbol of the dangers of blind loyalty — a warning that still resonates today.
Our modern political space mirrors that medieval tragedy. Many politicians today are surrounded by supporters eager to display loyalty, sometimes without restraint or reason. In their zeal, they cross ethical lines — attacking opponents, spreading misinformation, or tarnishing reputations — all in the mistaken belief that they are defending their leader’s honor.
When such acts occur, public judgment rarely stops at the followers. It extends to the leader, whose silence or failure to intervene is taken as endorsement. Leadership, whether in literature or life, carries moral responsibility for the conduct of those who act in one’s name.
The recent viral video praising Rt. Hon. Dewan while disparaging other notable politicians raises an important ethical question: Where should admiration end and defamation begin? What appears as harmless loyalty may actually breed division, resentment, and misrepresentation. Every responsible politician must make it clear that praise for one should never come at the expense of destroying another’s reputation.
Just as the knights in Murder in the Cathedral acted on what they thought the King wanted — not what he truly commanded — today’s political supporters often mistake silence for consent. True leadership demands the courage to speak up and correct one’s own followers, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.
Moral courage, not convenience, defines great leaders. Archbishop Becket stood on principle, even unto death. Likewise, politicians must resist the temptation to tolerate destructive loyalty for temporary political gain. Rebuking errant supporters may be unpleasant, but it is necessary to preserve integrity and public trust.
Supporters reflect the tone and character of their leaders. A politician who communicates with respect inspires followers to do the same, while divisive rhetoric fuels chaos. Words have power — and every careless statement, joke, or social media post can set off actions with unintended consequences.
History reminds us that movements lacking moral discipline eventually implode. Enthusiasm without ethics turns into fanaticism. Leaders must, therefore, cultivate civility, tolerance, and truth among their supporters. A campaign built on hatred is doomed to self-destruction.
King Henry II’s lament — “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” — led to a tragic killing. Modern politicians must remember that their own words and silences carry equal weight. Leadership demands not only awareness but restraint.
In an era of deepening political polarization, it is not enough to win elections. True leaders must build responsible, informed supporters and guide them by example. The greatest test of leadership lies not in disowning wrongdoing after it happens but in preventing it before it occurs.
T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral warns us that unchecked loyalty can be as dangerous as outright rebellion. Politicians who fail to guide their followers risk being destroyed by the very people who claim to serve them.
If Rt. Hon. Dewan truly has a record of achievements, why are his followers not projecting those accomplishments — but are instead busy calling others failures? As the saying goes, an empty drum makes the loudest noise.
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