How Not To Develop A Community - Third Version.



How not to develop a community - Third Version.

Some of us have been around the world; many of us have seen the world via the media. Either way, we all would agree that the major difference we have to other Countries in the West is our mindset!

In the West, a politician doesn’t require a loan or selling their properties to contest elections but the opposite is the case in Nigeria! Elections are expensive! In the process, elected leaders are incapable of delivering as they have incurred expenses during the campaign – sadly, the money must be reimbursed!

During Campaign in the West, People will embrace a party or a candidate that has similar ideology to theirs, they will offer their service voluntarily to spread the word, put posters up and distribute handbills.

Some will make financial contributions or write articles to promote their candidate, they don’t want cash in return but for that candidate to champion their course in government and influence policies that would favour them and their community.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria – this is not the case! Aspirants/Candidates are seen as jackpots! They pay through their nose to get to positions! People are not willing to support any Aspirant/Candidate with the right ideology or who has the ideas on how to move the community forward on the basis that they do not have the financial power!

When people get elected – They start getting pressure from various quarters to provide one support or the other; these are mostly direct support to benefit individuals and not the community.

Everyone is after a slice at the expense of the community. People want this and that, these elected officials get bombarded with unreasonable and practically impossible requests daily.

The ONLY thing we should be asking our elected leaders is to influence policies in favour of our community and our people, join hands with them to lift the community, sell our ideas to them in emancipating the people, making our community a better place ,promoting peace, unity and better living for the people.

Help me! Help me! Is not only selfish but against humanity! It is not the place of government officials or elected leaders to feed or cloth us but their place to ensure that we have the freedom and rights to do as we desire with available support, aid and a conducive environment along with the right policies to help us.

To enjoy democracy then the people must be willing to practice democracy as designed. If any elected leader is corrupt then ask their followers, they are usually accomplices – I earn 2million per annum and donated 20million naira at your party? That is not a rocket science that I stole it! But guess what, you sent me via your senseless, crime inducing requests!
Tunde Oluomo

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