Attaining development is no easy feat. That is why it is very important to have the best of hands in leadership. Generally, it is believed that the quality of any institution is tied to the quality of those manning it. But then, government does not exist until there are those to be governed. Government is responsible and obligated by a given constitution to carry out specific function for the benefit of its citizens. Just as parents are duty-bound to manage the affairs of the family, so also is the institution of government.
However, across the length and breadth of Nigeria, various scene clearly shows that there’s been a unanimous decision by those saddled with the activities of governance to subvert popular opinion for self. Therefore, instead of having honorable members of the legislators just like any sane society, we are stuck in horribleness. Horrible members with very low or no leadership quality. Toothless bulldog describes them best. An arm that readily seconds the decisions of the executives without proper scrutiny whatsoever. What is honorable about a legislative member with so much personal luxury but with numerous poor constituent members with no basic social amenities. Elections are the only moment via which constituent members get to see their supposed representatives. Even so, some of these horrible members continue to force them self on the citizen through manipulation and heightened violence.
But I am not about to beam my searchlight on the legislative alone. This is because they are only but a reflection of a larger bulk such as the executives, judiciaries, ministries, civil servants…According to an unnamed author, he opined that strong and effective institution pave way for development. Over here, we have these many institutions with fine blue print. However, these many institutions lack the wherewithal to act. For instance, the Nigeria police force has grown to become a medium of Witch hunting.
Sometimes, I say to myself ” these men of the green chambers, aso rock and the judiciary council must have some strong defense against death or the boomerang nature of life. How else do we explain this? A man under performs but still expects to carry on with his political role as though federalism is a monarchical concept. ” When Late. Prof. Chinua Achebe talked about the Centre that could no longer hold, I am very much convinced that he was talking about a time in which Nigerians will no longer be able bear with the ills of government.
Surrounded by high rising fence and driven around in expensive European luxurious cars. To them, we are like some poultry birds only good enough for feeding. However, on the lips of each and everyone, we continue to ask “when will Nigeria get better?” On the day the that Nigeria gets the right leaders, we shall take that giant leap not just for ourselves but for Africa.
– Olayinka Kayode Kingsley
Email: olayinkakayodekingsly@gmail.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayode-kingsley-olayinka-570b88194
