It is easy to blame a sitting government in Kogi State in Nigeria for not performing. However, how easy it is to avoid selling your votes, or choose not to take bribes while serving on Committee at various levels to screen Aspirants for political offices? Are you one of those serving as thugs for politicians? Just ask yourselves these simple questions;
It is hypocritical to blame government if you indulge in selling your votes either as electorates or party delegates.
You cannot eat up your cake and have it back at the same time. It can only happen in the dream.
I had privilege of voting as registered voter and conducting/supervised elections as INEC supervisor in Nigeria and have voted as well as participated in conducting elections as Count Assistant in UK. The difference is clear with regard to conduct of elections and political behavioural patterns at the two sides of the world. Good governance requires sacrifice. It starts from period of election.
Those involved in framing the Constitution of Nigeria were aware of the wisdom behind allowing continuity in office for second term. This is to give room for the performing governors to consolidate, as probably the initial term might not be enough.
But if the incumbent’s performance level is found wanting in terms of provision of sustainable welfare, peace and security, infrastructures, education, health-care etc, then, electorates are given opportunity to replace by voting in a more capable hand(s) to advance positive course of action. That is one of the many strengths of constitutional democracies.
Nevertheless, there is no need to replace a seemingly under-performing government with an inferior hand on premise of emotions and sentiments. Aspirants with evidences of immorality, integrity issues, criminal indictments, questionable wealth and under-resourcefulness cannot give you alternative and better services. Do not settle for less.
The time has come again to use your sense and ensure that you vote credible candidate. The search for candidate with credible governance qualities transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. Problems of insecurity, poverty, diseases and infrastructural decays do not respect those boundaries.
I am using this medium to urge the state government to expedite actions on timely completion of roads for easier accessibility and the planned Power Kogi East Project to improve electricity supplies in the area. These projects shall help stimulate other development opportunities for the benefit of the people.
– Dr Aminu Musa Audu writes from United Kingdom.
