Odita Sunday 
By Ewere Okonta
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econewsmedia@gmail.com
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
When I published “When Proximity Is Not Loyalty,” I expected it to spark a conversation, but I didn’t anticipate the landslide of responses that followed. Calls and messages poured in from individuals I hold in high regard—people of influence and experience who have survived their own professional and personal scars. While many praised the piece for its honesty, others shared hushed stories of betrayals that still haunt them. Some, understandably, felt uncomfortable with the message.
That mixture of applause and unease confirmed one thing: I had touched a nerve.
Betrayal isn’t just a topic for study; it is deeply personal, emotional, and traumatic. It is the intimacy of the act that makes it so painful. This overwhelming feedback inspired this sequel, and I’ve chosen a blunt title for a specific reason: Beware of Dogs.
The Irony of the Metaphor
We generally view the dog as man’s most loyal companion—a protector, a guide, and a symbol of dependability. However, there is a sharp irony in the warning “Beware of Dog.” That sign isn’t meant to warn you about the stray on the street; it warns you about the animal already inside the gate. The danger is internal.
As Nigeria moves toward another election cycle, political leaders must grasp this metaphor. The primary threat is rarely the vocal opposition or the social media critic; it is often the person standing right next to you.
Why Betrayal Pierces the Soul
The sting of betrayal comes from the source, not just the action. You can defend yourself against a stranger, but when a confidant or “loyal” associate turns, the wound goes deeper than politics—it strikes at your core. You find yourself replaying every conversation and doubting your own instincts.
Betrayers rarely show their teeth early on. They arrive with smiles, oaths of loyalty, and exaggerated devotion. They win your heart long before they strike your back.
Identifying the “Dogs Inside”
In the lead-up to elections, leaders must scrutinize their inner circles. Be particularly vigilant regarding:
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Personal Aides: Those who track your every movement.
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Gatekeepers: Those who control access to your person.
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Domestic Staff: Who overhear private conversations in vulnerable moments.
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Confidants: Those privy to your secrets, fears, and strategies.
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Spiritual Leaders: This group requires special caution. Many political betrayals are born at the “prayer altar,” where manipulation is cloaked in prophecy and divine instruction.
The Mole: An Enemy with Your ID Card
Every political structure likely houses a mole. The mistake is assuming they are easy to spot. On the contrary, moles are often the most vocal supporters. They are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the most aggressive in defending you publicly while undermining you privately.
Red Flags to Watch For:
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Information Hoarding: They always have “the scoop” but never reveal the source.
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Excessive Access: A constant push to be indispensable.
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Subtle Sabotage: “Innocent” mistakes or missed communications at critical times.
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Strategic Gossip: Trying to isolate you from other allies by briefing you against them.
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Perfect Timing: Disappearing when things get tough, only to resurface when the dust settles.
Cultivating the Strike
Betrayal is rarely an impulse; it is a long-term project. The betrayer earns your trust through tireless service and protection from outside criticism. Once they own the space around you, they begin to filter what you see and hear. By the time they strike, they have convinced themselves they aren’t destroying power, but reclaiming it.
Managing, Not Just Fearing
Discernment, not paranoia, is the goal. Wise leaders don’t just hunt for moles; they manage them. If loyalty is in question, contain the individual. Limit their access, rotate their roles, and ensure no single person controls information, access, and execution simultaneously.
Most importantly, stop equating “noise” with loyalty. Silence can be faithful, while the loudest praise is often the most deceptive.
Final Thought
Every leader will eventually encounter betrayal—it is a dark but inevitable part of the leadership journey. You survive it by remembering one truth: the most dangerous dogs aren’t barking at the gate. They are lying quietly in your living room, watching and waiting.
As the political drums beat louder, take a moment to read the sign again: BEWARE OF DOGS.
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