Carrying Along -By Tife Owolabi

In Nigeria, the phrase “carrying along” is a common cliché in political circles and governance structures. Political actors and office holders often claim to “carry the people along,” but does this mean treating citizens like mere baggage or luggage? Or are they suggesting they’ll shoulder the burden of responsibility for the people? What does this phrase truly mean in plain English?

I doubt any world leader, like Joe Biden or a UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, would make such a misleading statement.

Is “carrying along” a verb or noun? What does it really mean in our local context?”

Well, this is my understanding.

The phrase “carrying along” in Nigerian political parlance means involving people in decision-making processes, keeping them informed, and considering their interests. It’s a promise to be inclusive and participatory in governance.

However, the phrase is often used emptily, without actual intention to truly involve citizens. It’s become a cliché, a mere political rhetoric.

In English, “carry along” is a phrasal verb that means to take someone or something with you, often in a physical sense (e.g., carrying a bag). In the context of Nigerian politics, the phrase is used metaphorically, but it’s not a common expression in standard English.

In our local parlance, “carrying along” connotes a sense of patronage, where leaders claim to be doing things for the people’s benefit, but often without genuine consultation or accountability. It’s a vague promise to “take care” of people, without clear action or commitment.

There is no any sensible right thinking political leaders in other countries would use this phrase, as it’s not a universal expression. In Nigeria, it’s a peculiar political language that needs reevaluation for genuine citizen engagement.

My fellow journalists, please desist from using it. You can not carry people along because they are not carry-on baggage or luggage.

Tife Owolabi is a Development Studies Enthusiast and he writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa.