By Olumayowa Akinsiku.
The die is cast,and the results of the last general election seemto be drawing to a close except for pending petitions at the various election Tribunals in the country.
Many Electorate came out to feel they cast their votes for their good but only to find that the promises that i compelled them to vote are not accompanied with implementations.
Unlike in matured democracies, there seems to be a disturbing emergence of democratic deficit which debar the electorate from reaping from the dividend's of democr.acy for participating in election, ,raising the questions about the legitimacy and representativeness of elected governments at all levels.
In this wise, democracy suffers and development is impeded.
Another major problem with Nigeria is that, the Citizens lack foresight and leadership vision. Indeed, majority of the Governors, Senators, House of Reps /Assembly and Chairman at local levels voted for, are bereft of new ideas and lack capacity that is required to solve the problems traceable to bad governance facing the downtrodden which translates that they are there for selfish end.
A bitter truth need to be told, that a country cannot claim to be developed if it's unable to provide its citizens with the basic necessities for subsistence: Food, quality health, quality education, shelter and security. Before oil was found in OLOIBIRI, we were known for rich agricultural investments that provided the needed foreign exchange through exports which translates that,our yesteryears are far much better than our today existence. Our leaders must deemphasize the dependence on oil.
The time has come to deploy our abundant human (unemployed graduates) and material resources for production of agricultural products.
As a true leader in God's work,the elected must constantly ask themselves three questions;
Am I accountable to anybody?
If No,you're on dangerous ground. Your existence as elected member of your party, is useless. Because authority without accountability leads to disaster which the nation is facing today.
Are my priorities in order?
Priorities have a way of sneaking out of position when we're not paying attention. Too many of the elected members become successful & obese with sudden wealth only at the cost of the masses groaning and moaning due to failing health and other social benefits.
Is my personal walk with God up to date?
If this does not prompt a quick yes,you're too close to the edge.
YOUTH.
Despite the rhetoric describing young people as "the leaders of tomorrow "and despite the many programs and policies put in place to ensure that the youth participate as equal citizens in governance, they remain largely excluded from the mainstream of economy civil society and governance.
Albeit, young people see themselves as outside the mainstream of society and unsure whether they want to be in or out. As a result, young people are torn between flight (alcohol, drugs, drop out) and fight (violent action, protest & conflict).
There is a pressing need to overcome this problem and to find answers to questions such as these: How can the young be engaged in active participation in democracy and good governance within the society?
How can awareness of concepts realities of governance be increased among young people? These are the pertinent questions awaiting answers from leaders across the board of governance.
Olumayowa Akinsiku is of Centre For Human Rights and Development And Oyo State Coordinator of Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
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