It was shameful and shocking enough for the last Saturday elections to be postponed in the wee hours of the 16th of February, 2019, but more discreditable and appalling was the way some bootlicking and politicians-worshipping citizens reacted to the ignoble occurrence that make the whole world shook their head—in pity for us. What a glib and flippant nation we are! Politicians do not care a hoot about what befalls the nation—as long as it further keeps them in power and tosses coins into their pockets.
I actually broke the news of elections postponement around 10:15pm on the 15th of February, 2019, and after the arrow-head of INEC addressed Nigerians and the whole world, I did expect every citizen of Nigeria to non-violently rise against what Professor Mahmood Yakubu and his team did, but I was shocked to see that those who defend everything the administration of President Buhari do, did justify it. And they did not only justify it, they equally praised the man to the firmament above! This is the lowest abyss we have ever descended to—in the history of Nigeria.
What destroys a nation is not that the politicians are not doing what they are supposed to do, but what destroys a nation is when the citizens do not demand what the politicians are supposed to be doing. Many years of colonialism, injustice and mediocrity have rubbed off on many Nigerians. Our sense of value has been negatively impacted on. Take for instance, when an average Nigerian has electric power supply for three (3) hours, he rolls out drums, dancing, worshipping those in the corridors of power!
Over the years, I have found out that no one constantly defends mediocrity probono—as many people are defending everything politicians do on social media, television and radio stations. Why am I doing what I am doing, objectively holding PMB accountable? Above two years ago, Mr. Femi Adesina went on a radio station—and spoke eloquently on PMB saying to him to always tell him the truth, no matter how inconvenient it is. I do not know if he has been telling him the truth, because in this clime, it is almost impossible for an employee to tell his employer an inconvenient truth, especially within the context of politics. And since truth is scarce as an eagle in the corridors of power, some of us are risking a lot to always say it as it is, so that someone as Mr. President can drink from it, if he is truly a lover of the water of truth. If you do not tell those in the corridors of power truth, how do you expect them to know?
Advertisement
GEJ realized too late that he surrounded himself with yes men and women! I remember while campaigning, asking Nigerians for another four (4) years in office, he said he would appoint technocrats, not belly-driven politicians. Remember, no one surrounds himself or herself with yes men and women and end well as a leader. When PMB freshly took over power, I told him to be real careful about those he allows to be on his core team. And because he chose not to heed the given advice, see how he has quickly lost millions of people who once loved and supported him.
Back to the major issue before all of us, a few hours after Professor Yakubu told the whole world about the elections postponement, many horrible and horrific photographs of Corps members, sleeping inside buses and on bare floor began to fly everywhere on social media. Virtually every Nigerian saw those discreditable photographs. As if that was not enough, later on same day, Professor Yakubu came out to defend himself and his team, saying that the INEC does not play with the welfare of every Corps member. What kind of welfare package is that? It is definitely a very outlandish and weird welfare package—that punishes the future leaders of Nigeria.
Is it the same man who said he does not play with the welfare of Corps members—that I would believe that it was only logistics problems that led to the shameful and disgraceful drama that occurred in our nation last week Saturday? Postponing the elections on same day! I know many folks are expecting a magic on Saturday, 23rd February, 2019, but the truth is; what INEC could not achieve (with a rare level of excellence) in four (4) years, I doubt if they cannot achieve it in a week.
Advertisement
Lastly, leaders who desire to enjoy respect from their followers without first respecting them will not get it. For a leader to be respected, he needs to first respect those within his sphere of influence. Till now, Professor Yakubu is yet to apologize to Nigerians for his jaded and bland performance on the 16th of February, 2019, disrupting their schedules and wasting their time and money. I really cannot put the whole blame at his doorstep, because most Nigerians are so madly and frantically in love with mediocrity, and loathe excellence and productivity with passion. Remember, he who does not demand a rare level of excellence from his political leaders should never expect an apology from them—each time they goof. The level of mediocrity in the Nigeria of today is very creepy and scary!
Add a comment
