The 2019 general elections have come and gone leaving high expectations on the part of electorate and other lovers of democracy in the society.
Lokoja I state constituency is not an exception as the electorate had the opportunity to elect those they felt will deliver on their mandate, either by products of “Ballot or Bullets”, hence, the election of Hon Isah Umaru to steer the ship of the constituency.
It is indeed a better choice for the constituency, but there are numerous factors that if left unchecked might likely affect the incoming representative.
I am not trying to sound as a prophet of doom, rather, trying to set a clear course for the representative that people expect much from it.
Already, one identified issue of public concern is that those said to have crippled this governments are gradually making their ways and presenting themselves as credible and men of proven integrity who can support Isah Umar to succeed.
The House of Assembly member-elect should mark them and not trust them with any responsibility. They will definitely cause his administration to nosedive.
Another thing is that those that rallied round Hon Isa Umar, during campaign and saw to his victory, have planned on how to enrich themselves and their family members: the kind of cars to buy, houses to build, ladies to pick and places to visit etc. In fact, some have planned on how to permanently close the chapter of poverty in their lives whenever appointed to head any political office.
Likewise, civil servants and other electorate on their part are not expecting anything other than immediate change or improvement in their standard of living by crying to his excellency on there behalf. To say the least, the expectations are too high that anything contrary may appear as failure.
What a society that everything is pushed on the head of representatives. It seems our poverty-stricken people are expecting Umar to meet their yearnings and aspirations within 2 to 3 months upon assumption of office.
Though, some of the expectations are good, but I expect our people to know the current economic situation of the state.
I am anti-establishment. I have always written and spoken ‘bad’ things about our leaders and my stand is solidly to fight for the betterment of the society. I hardly identify with the people wallowing in the stinking corridors of powers for reasons known to me. But no matter what or how, I finds it difficult to steer clear of a cause I know I can contribute in.
When I see injustice, I talk. When my instinct prods, I obey.
To be continued…
– Abbas Yahaya writes from Sokoto
