Sometimes, when I see the way some people discuss political issues, I begin to wonder whether we truly understand political strategy or whether we are simply interested in finding fault in everything others do.

Recently, I have seen different comments about Tantita's (Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited) political mobilisation in Northern Nigeria in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT). Some people are questioning why so much attention is being given to the North, including reports of cars being purchased and distributed there, instead of the Niger Delta, where Tantita and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) come from.

Others are bringing up Tantita's pipeline surveillance contract with the Federal Government, as though every activity associated with the company must be judged only by that contract. But I want to ask a simple question: Is pipeline surveillance the only business opportunity available in Nigeria? Must everybody struggle for the same contract before they can succeed?

There are different opportunities across various sectors of our economy. We cannot all be in the same place, doing the same thing. Rather than focusing only on what another person has secured, why not explore other opportunities, develop your own capacity and pursue legitimate business opportunities with the Federal Government or elsewhere?

I believe we should learn to appreciate people's achievements without allowing unnecessary competition to create division among us.

Now, coming back to the political activities in Northern Nigeria, I think we need to understand something important. Politics is not just about making noise in your own home. It is about building relationships, winning people's confidence and knowing where your attention is needed at a particular time.

Let me use myself as an example. If tomorrow I decide to contest for a political office, the way I will approach my family and immediate community will certainly be different from how I will approach people outside my community. My family already knows me. They know my character, what I stand for and what I have done for them. I don't need to announce everything I have done at home before they recognise my contributions.

But when I move outside my community, I must introduce myself, explain my vision and convince people why they should believe in me. Whatever I do for my family may not attract public attention, but what I do outside will naturally be more visible.

Does that mean I value outsiders more than my own family? Certainly not! That is exactly how I understand the political activities of Tantita in Northern Nigeria.

So, before criticising what is happening in the North, have we taken time to look at the contributions associated with Tantita and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, in the Niger Delta?

I believe we should consider the empowerment initiatives, community support and developmental efforts associated with them before drawing conclusions. 

We should also remember that Tantita is a private business organisation. Like other businesses, its owners have the right to decide how to use their legitimate profits, provided they act within the law. Being a businessman does not take away a person's right to have political interests or a vision for society.

Now, let me talk about Tompolo. From what I have seen and understood about his activities over the years, I see Tompolo as a man who believes strongly in human capital development and infrastructural development.

To me, development is not just about building roads, bridges and other physical structures. It is also about investing in people, supporting education, creating employment opportunities and empowering young men and women to become useful to themselves and society. 

A man who believes in these things will naturally stand with those he believes can help him achieve his vision and dreams. This is why I see Tompolo's support for PBAT as part of a broader political interest that he believes can contribute to the development of Nigeria.

The Niger Delta is his home, but Nigeria goes beyond the Niger Delta. If a political movement wants to build national support, it must reach other regions, understand their concerns and establish relationships with their people.

You cannot remain within your own community and expect everyone outside to understand your vision without making an effort to reach them.

That is why I believe the political mobilisation taking place in Northern Nigeria should be viewed from a wider perspective rather than being condemned simply because it is happening outside the Niger Delta.

Another thing I want us to understand is that not everyone who supports a political leader does so because of personal benefits. Some people support leaders because they believe in their vision and what they can achieve together.

I have always believed that we cannot all occupy political offices at the same time, but we can all contribute to good leadership. If someone is already in a position to pursue a vision you believe in, why must you fight that person simply because you are not the one occupying the office? Why not share your ideas, contribute your knowledge and support what is working while constructively addressing what needs improvement?

Leadership should not always be about personal ambition. It should be about what we can collectively achieve for our people.

Of course, supporting a government does not mean we should ignore its shortcomings. We must continue to demand accountability and encourage decisions that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

For me, political support should go beyond party affiliation, regional sentiment and personal interest. What matters most is the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Whether people agree with Tompolo's political choices or not, I believe it is important to understand the vision behind those decisions rather than judging them only by what is happening in one region.

My message to those criticising Tantita's activities in the North is simple: Do not assume that because a man's activities outside his home are more visible, he has forgotten his own people. Sometimes, reaching beyond your immediate environment is necessary to build the relationships that will help you achieve a greater vision.

Let us learn to appreciate meaningful contributions, ask questions where necessary and avoid turning every political discussion into a battle of personal interests.

For me, this discussion is bigger than Tompolo, Tantita or PBAT. It is about the kind of Nigeria we want to build and the opportunities we hope to create for future generations. The interest of Nigeria and Nigerians must always come before personal political interests. And if we truly believe in national development, our vision must extend beyond our families, communities, states and regions.

A MAN WITH A VISION FOR HIS PEOPLE MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BEYOND HIS HOME.

That is what I mean by PBAT Movement Beyond the Home.

AUTHOR: Eseimieghan Ebikena Felix writes from Benikrukru Community in Delta State.

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