Teejay's CORNER

There's this politician I have known for few years. Most of the maintenance works in his house were done by me. He's an associate of the immediate past governor of this state who's now a minister at the Federal level.




I was handling a maintenance job in his house when a young man who was contracted to supply and install solar panels and inverters arrived. He was to be mobilized that very day but then something happened.

While he was waiting to see Oga, he engaged in a discussion with Oga's driver. What was it all about? Political arguments. I didn't know how it all started. He didn't spare the party currently in power and more also, he hit hard on the ex governor who is an associate to the man he came to work for.

While the argument was ongoing, he didn't know Oga who was inside, was hearing their conversations and argument. Stylishly, I was giving him signal to discontinue the argument for I know it's unethical and unprofessional a thing to do. I guess he didn't understand it.

The driver understood what I was doing and at a point, stopped responding to him. When Oga finally came out, he asked him if he's a politician? He said no. He asked again how much of politics and administration did he know? He couldn't answer as well. Lastly he asked him if he will work for someone or group of people he described as criminals? That was the final blow on him. Then came the order for him to leave which he did immediately. I felt pity for him but he brought it upon himself.

If there's one thing I have learnt in life, I will say is to bridle my tongue when found in a strange and new environment. Secondly, study the environment properly for you can't really say the affiliations or interest of the people you're around with. It might cost you a lot just like this young man who lost a contract worth almost ten million naira.

Politicians will always be politicians, never let politics of bitterness interfere in your private business or professionalism. When I see people using a business identity or image to rudely criticize politicians, I will say that's the most unwise thing to do, for you really can't say and know who your next client might be.

As someone who studied accounting, I will tell you this. One accounting principles is that, a business venture is distinct from the owner. What does that mean? A business has a different face from its owner. A business and its owner are two different entities, meaning you're accountable to your business. When it's business, let it be strictly on business. Never involve personal issues, interest or even politics to it.