The Nigerian political atmosphere is full of intrigues and episodes. This endless show of shame exhibited by our so called leaders is funny. Let me cite instances, an aspirant thanking God for not emerging governor of a state when he became aware that the monthly allocation of that state has reduced drastically. A clear cut indication that he was only interested in federal allocation for survival, no determination to create wealth in terms of unforeseen circumstances. Imagine a governor sacking civil servants of his state not following due process, only to retrace his steps when he met brick wall by labor unions, saying the retrenchment exercise was a test-run, an ill advice by saboteurs. How do we explain the sack of all medical doctors in a state, simply because they agitated for their rights? The opposition parties have never for once gotten it right instead of making constructive criticisms, they make derogative statements to distract the government. One begins to wonder the absurd and unremorseful show of arrogance by the executives who will all painstaking stay under the scorching sun for hours to elect. Immediately after their assumption of office, they reneged on all promises made during campaigns, becoming a beast that cannot be tamed. We become their slaves, squandering our resources at free will for a few who may be families, political associates and sycophants.
How did Nigeria as a country got to this state of mal-administration? A nation where about 27 states of the federation is celebrating unpaid salaries, some to the tune of 8 -12months, bad roads, dilapidated infrastructures, overstretched and poor health system etc. If this present crop of leaders either in the ruling or opposition party continue to have their ways, Nigeria is on the verge of economic disarray and total standstill in a matter of years. Come to think of it, we have brains that could nurture and turn-around the fortunes of this nation. Why have they stayed away from politics? Over years they prefer to be onlookers rather than daring to stir the ship of leadership. The answer that readily comes to my mind is money. Politics in Nigeria is a venture, capital intensive and meant for the rich. Those at top of the pyramid in the political world understands this logic and that is why they take huge loans from financial institutions, only to repay with high interest rates upon winning elections, seek financial assistance from god-fathers to foot their bills even if they have to make unreasonable promises which will be at the detriment of masses they intend to govern.
I must admit that cash is needed for politicking in every part of the world but not arbitrarily as it is being used to woo electorates in Nigeria. For this reason, our leaders will go to any length when sworn into office to siphon money by embarking on white elephant and needless projects to oil the source of their campaign funds. Under our watchful eyes, tax payers money is stash away into foreign countries on the pretense that their foreign trips is to bring foreign investors. Until this political virus is expunged from our system, healed with a changed orientation as citizenry that only men or women of vision whether he or she has political platform or solely an independent candidate is what we need to transform Nigeria, we may continue to be in this crawling and retrogressive state for a long time to come. Again the Nigerian constitution has made governance lucrative for every tom, dick and harry. Laws need to be enacted to checkmate the phrase “immunity”. If a sitting executive is aware that he may be unceremoniously ejected out of office for not being transparent, performing below expectation, humiliated before special court for fraud and gross misuse of executive powers, they will be kept on their toes to serve and improve the standard of living of an average Nigerian.
Finally our mentality must change. The project Nigeria is our responsibility. We must as a matter of urgency detest political crooks and scum bags seeking our votes by showcasing their wealth to impress the electorates. Only then will noble men and women of genuine intentions surface on the political terrain to sail Nigeria to the promise land. GOD BLESS NIGERIA MY COUNTRY.
Babafemi Samuel.
Department of Computer Science,
Tai Solarin College of Education
Omu-Ijebu, Ogun state.
princefm@live.com
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