When hope died
The story of Nigeria is full of intrigues and unparalleled narratives. Everything began in the 60s when it became an independent nation. With the sagacity, character and well – refined exposure of the true nationalists and politicians, we knew a giant was going to emerge. Honestly, it did. It is no surprise that Nigeria was […]
The story of Nigeria is full of intrigues and unparalleled narratives. Everything began in the 60s when it became an independent nation. With the sagacity, character and well – refined exposure of the true nationalists and politicians, we knew a giant was going to emerge. Honestly, it did. It is no surprise that Nigeria was addressed as the giant of Africa, whether it remains so, is arguable. Even though the ethnicity and the religion of whoever emerged as a leader really mattered, we were still guaranteed a forward and progressive Nigeria. A country where even the children of their colonial masters could visit for vacation, and scholarship. We cared little which party ruled as we were greatly sure of all-round development, with the welfare of the people remaining first in the mind of all the parties. In fact, it was always difficult to make that election decision as the party standard bearers were just too good and too ready to move the nation forward.
Hope began to die when the scholarship and exposure of who governed barely reflected in governance. Put in a PhD., you may experience the worst economy. Vote in a SAN to do the job, you will be appalled at a terrible show of performance. Today, get the Harvard – man there, he gets things messier. Put in the highly credentialed, he gets us backward. Extend the opportunity to a youth, you have the same headache. Though not for lack of competence, but character. This crop of politicians lacks character. They think money, not people. They are always quick to flash their credentials. This suggests why it is common to see on their posters the roll of academic degrees and awards received so far. Well-read, no doubt. Get them into the office and the hardship and the misery continue. Their exposure has not benefitted the country, same is their academic pedigree. Didn’t hope die? Yes, it did.
Hope died when the electorate began to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea. Whether their candidate emerges or ours. What difference does that make? Absolutely nothing. In fact, what we have is two or three aspirants from two or more different parties with the same goal. The goal is the same. Dear Nigerians, it matters the least who emerges, the men are the same. Little wonder, to cross carpet is the easiest thing for them. For example, while in office, a deputy governor may be seen defecting to a rival party. After all, the parties are the same, only different in names, chants and logos. Their men and our men are the same. The Edo’s experience is quite interesting, in 2016, Governor Obaseki was the APC gubernatorial candidate against Ize- Iyamu of the PDP. Just four years later, the parties swapped candidates, with Obaseki being sponsored by the PDP and Ize-Iyamu by the APC. Where is the hope? Where is the true conviction? These men only think of power and self and nothing of the country. Hope died, didn’t it? Yes, it did. Hope died when we began to play politics with social welfare and the general development of the country.
Come 2023, two desperadoes will be canvassing for our votes, Asiwaju and Atiku. I am sure neither of them will dare raise the issue of corruption, except to argue for the master. When the best men for the job lack character and character being the destiny of a nation, then, hope dies.
Samuel Ogunnaike, can be reached via [email protected]