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Between the Regional Senatorial Fora the Quest for Good Governance By Mustapha Nuhu (FRC) No 1800 Ahmadiyya Quarters Kano
One of the elements of socio-political sorrow is the way the bane of our leadership is loosing bearing. This was borne out of the just concluded regional senatorial fora which poses lots of challenges on the indivisibility of our country as a unified entity. The utterances gushed out of the fora tends to ignite ethnic and inter regional flames as various personalities were imagining power to their various ethnic groups. This will in no way bring out intra- regional and inter -regional ethnic confusion in the polity. This, we pray, will vanish from our political landscape.
The approach to this regional senatorial `meetings` should have revolved around good governance and sustainability of democratic values to their various constituencies, instead of hammering on the" power shift" which is more of defining their " self recycling" political philosophy, which is more of redirecting the polity into another sphere of political misadventure. Since time immemorial, the common man needs nothing to do with " power shift" as a political proceedings but the principles of good governance and credible leadership where qualitative education is the priority of the government, where infrastructural facilities, good health, pure and portable drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, good road network, employment opportunities and vibrant economic development is the agenda and targets of the government. With this in the dictionary of the government, the masses would be prepared to understand the composition of their country, understand the way to relate, interact and share ideas with people from different background and of course use their ethnic values as an icon of national development.
With vibrant educational development, the people would have think wise on " who the cap fits" . Rather than spending sums of money in organising the " Regional Varias" . In the name of power shift, the country have engulfed into " political power scam" in the name of it's my turn. This piece was borne out of the hues and cries that since independence, the democratic experiment failed to solve our leadership problem. Inspite of concentrating on the " real mission" of ensuring sustainable development to the grass root, the leadership engaged into the agenda of " power shift" debate, while the ordinary citizen is languishing into Trillema of political abuse. On the efforts to actualise their self succession motive, it is paramount to tender this posers: as to what is their primary assignment in the house? do we gave them our mandates for their personal political gains? Who's interest are they protecting? At this tail end of their tenure do they really accomplish their promises made to the common man? Well! Let them rethink, even if they assume this worldly life as a mirage and pretends in accomplishing their responsibilities because of power intoxicants, verily! the all powerful and all seer is awaiting them to account for the trust bestowed on them.
As we are inching into the 8th years of Democratic rebirth, our political package is yielding unprofitable dividend. Just check out! from 1999 to date we have been victims of forlorn hope dwelling in bleak political future characterised by ethno religious conflicts, inter tribal war, political assassinations, inflation in petroleum products, high crime rate, massive unemployment, economic deflation, structural bulldozing, educational strangulation, disability in health sector and reputation downfall. Haba senators! who dear to care? All this structural abnormalities were enough for deliberation within and outside the house. Because, these are the core course to which we gave you our mandates and of course to which leadership can be build on a concrete national base if properly harnessed.
Our expectations in this democratic era is more of building a democratic spirit and concrete political pillars by bringing development to the grass root. The 21st century is said to be an era of global democratic revolution. We expect it to be a century of laughter and breakthrough among Nigerians. An era for the abolition of neocolonialism, an era by which Nigerians would be relieved from the shackles of meritocracy, yet the democracy is relenting in promising hope to Nigerians. There is no dint of hope to be left for the generations yet unborn. Because, with all our hopes in the life brought back to democracy, it's still expected to do even as worthy as the military did. We experienced during the military: creation of states and local government, construction of Dams and Stadia, Constructions of Airports, Ensuring peace and stability, physical structures, Constructions of inter state roads among other things. But with the rebirth of Democratic era, the polity is more of Fraudulent one, Financial crimes, padlocking oppositions, money laundering and inflated projects.
As a Democrat, I always vie for Democratisation and the indivisibility of this country as a unified entity. Lets agree that our problem is that of leadership. Our leaders have misplaced priorities. The opinion which they give in their reception rooms vary from those they give in public speeches. These politicians praise the " masses" for their patriotic feelings and then turn around and laugh at them in their " private meetings" . From some indications the current approach to the Regional Senatorial Meetings wouldn't augur us well. Therefore, anybody aspiring for the post of leadership should be meant to satisfy certain code of conduct that would ensure decorum and good governance in our public life. Sincerity and Honesty are manifestations of a pure conscience and are the most honorable traits of leadership and life. These traits which are found in those with truly pure souls, harmonise personalities and bring peace, unity and strength into the society. Hence, only people of proven integrity and impeccable moral character vie for elective posts and other positions of responsibility. Nigerians of all class, tribe, secretion, and religion must develop keen interest in the way and manner the affairs of their country is being managed henceforth issues of corruption, misuse and abuse of power should attract attention of all citizens devoid of sectional, tribal and ethnic sentiments.
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