By Mallam Sarafadeen Musa ALAYA
Following the recently concluded elections in the United States, one thing that caught my attention was the emphasis on policies, governance, economic opportunities, education, healthcare and other issues that directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens.
The conversations I observed were largely about what candidates intended to do, how they planned to do it, and the impact their policies would have on the people.
Sadly, in Nigeria, our political conversations and electoral engagements are often dominated by the distribution of rice, money, food items and other temporary gifts. Unfortunately, some of us, as followers and supporters, go as far as singing praises of politicians for what should ordinarily be our collective entitlement: good governance and responsible leadership.
We must begin to ask ourselves: Is leadership about sharing rice, or creating an economy where ordinary Nigerians can afford to buy rice? Is empowerment about distributing money during elections, or building a society where people have sustainable means of livelihood?
The quality of our democracy will improve when citizens begin to demand accountability, measurable performance, quality education, functional healthcare, employment opportunities and equal access to opportunities.
Quality education is not just about acquiring certificates; it is about building a society where one’s knowledge, competence, hard work and integrity determine one’s opportunities, rather than who one knows or whose connection one has.
We must move from a society where people celebrate political handouts to one where they demand sustainable development.
The truth is simple: We do not need politicians who merely make us temporarily comfortable; we need leadership that creates an environment where people can live with dignity, independence and hope.
Nigeria needs a change in political leadership, but more importantly, it needs a change in citizens’ political consciousness.
Good governance is not a favour. It is a responsibility.
