By Hassan Sani Indabawa
Ironically, Nigerian politicians are the main problems of the country, especially state governors and lawmakers. Looking at the trajectory of the democratic development, especially with the advent of the current republic in 1999, all facets of our development looks grim and repulsive. Most of the projects embarked by politicians are designed to serve as conduit pipes, while ignoring fundamental needs of the populace. Provision of quality basic education, food security and health care are jettisoned for city beautifications.
The political leadership that emerged are largely characterized by large-scale looting, profligacy and prebendalism — their lifestyle attest to this.
Their actions were responsible for the loss of confidence in the system leading to an open campaign for undemocratic regime change.
In spite of the unprecedented economic hardship being faced by larger proportion of Nigerians, battling to survive the multidimensional poverty imposed, due to harsh economic policies of the present administration, state governors and lawmakers have been exposed to be the major culprits in worsening economic crises, by diverting money given to them by buying dollars at the parallel market, thus putting more pressure on the dollar demand and consequently weakening the naira. (https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/data-links-naira-weakness-to-faac-disbursements/)
For inexplicable reasons, the elite chose to adopt the conspiracy of silence; because the culprits are either their friends, novices, collaborators or are in need of their patronage, thus do not deserve to be questioned, condemned or exposed.
It is this kind of recklessness and prebendal politics that posed a threat, and in the process will spell doom for the whole country, if it remains unchecked. There’s a state Governor who converts Naira from the increased FAAC monthly allocations into $2m every month, for the past 8 months. The Anti-Corruption agencies are all aware, but the federal authorities would prepare to use the damming dossier for political bargain, ahead of 2027, allowing the crook politician to escape justice.
How can an ordinary Nigerian ever appreciate the beauty of democracy, while his life changes for the worst, suffers an unprecedented poverty and existential threat, but yet the politician he knows became stinkingly reach and living in comfort just for occupying a position of authority?
With the current hunger and anger, only time will tell how this political irresponsibility will determine how far the common man will endure.
It is the responsibility of every public spirited group and individuals to start asking state governors and the lawmakers to account for the hundreds of billions they collected from the federal government meant for ameliorating the economic stagflation caused by the twin policy of Tinubu administration — removal of fuel subsidy and floating of naira. Only that, could save the system and ensure good governance.
