Politics in Nigeria is now a commercial enterprise. It is all about what the politicians can grab and not about accountability or delivery of electoral promises. The financial rewards to political office holding have taken over the need to deliver to their constituents. Political office holding is all about loyalty, delivery and allegiance to 'Political Godfathers'.
Politics in Nigeria is now a commercial enterprise. It is all about what the politicians can grab and not about accountability or delivery of electoral promises. The financial rewards to political office holding have taken over the need to deliver to their constituents. Political office holding is all about loyalty, delivery and allegiance to 'Political Godfathers'.
When will politics of Personal interest come to an end? When will the so called Godfathers retired and pave way for new breed of genuine, dedicated, honest , trustworthy politicians to take over the mantle of leadership in our country? For how long will the electorates play the role of spectators in the affairs of their nation? When exactly are we going to have democracy as it is practiced all over the world? The time is ripe for all meaning Nigerians to say 'NO' to recycling of politicians. When are we going to have the political will to say enough is enough in the midst of all these corruption, lackluster attitude and non-challant attitude of our leaders?
I am of the opinion that Nigerian people deserves more than what we presently have on ground. Our leaders are not bothered about the societal ills in our country and yet section 14(2a) says'Soverinty belong to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives its authorities and powers''
Furthermore Chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution (Fundamental Objectives and Principles of State Policies) enjoins the government to direct its policies towards ensuring the welfare and security of its citizens. Of what relevance is this section if the govt does not respect the provisions of the constitutions of the land and there is insecurity in the land and yet the govt had already spent 98% of the funds earmarked for security in the 2012 budget. Recent killings in the land and a breach of Section 33(1) 1999 Constitution.
The manner of electing leaders in Nigeria is fraught with dangers, corruptive tendencies and not in accordance with standards accepted all over the world. There is flagrant disregard for rule of law, laws are not obeyed and citizens are disillusioned and no end in sight.
We need urgent reforms to our electoral system for democracy to work in our political environment and i strongly believe it is still a long way. I believe that 95% of the present crop of politicians should not be re-elected back into the office and we need to start mobilizing our people towards ensuring that new set of people are allowed to take up the mantle of leadership. My proposals are as follows
a. The banning of all politicians who have been in the saddle for 10 years or more.
b. Emergence of New Political parties with clear ideologies and ban on cross carpeting.
c. Parliamentary System of Government
d. People with questionable characters should ban from Politics indefinitely
e. An independent body to scrutinize the sources of funding of political parties
f. To contest for any elective posts you must be a Graduate and have a primary job.
g. The least requirement for any elective post in Nigeria should be HND.
h. All politicians above the age of 65 should retire from active politics and made to account for their stewardship and if found wanting should face the music.
i. There should be a continuous political education for all elective office holders whilst in office
Enough of Charlatans, and Jobbers in our political clime
Olutoyin Adeyinka Eweje
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