[Opinion] Polymath: Has Gratitude Disappeared from Our Politics?

A recent reflection by social commentator Polymath has sparked an important conversation about gratitude, loyalty, and political support in contemporary society.

Polymath

Sharing an experience from a recent visit to Ebonyi State, Polymath recounted meeting one of the beneficiaries of the T-MAN federal job empowerment programme. Curious about the beneficiary's political preference ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, he asked whom the beneficiary intended to support.

To his surprise, the beneficiary declined to mention either T-MAN, who reportedly facilitated his employment, or the current representative of Agala constituency. When further pressed on why he would not support the individual believed to have influenced his employment, the beneficiary reportedly responded in Ngbo: "Mo Federal Job bo anyi g'ata?" meaning, "Are we going to eat federal job?"

For Polymath, that response reflected what he described as a growing culture of ingratitude in society.

According to him, many beneficiaries of political goodwill may share a similar mindset—that securing employment or receiving assistance is insufficient reason to support a benefactor politically. Yet, before such opportunities came, many had spent years without employment or meaningful support.

His reflection raises a broader question about the relationship between assistance, gratitude, and political loyalty.

Should beneficiaries of empowerment programmes automatically support those who helped them? Or should political support be based solely on performance, competence, and future promises?