Statesmen think of the next generation; politicians think of the next election. ‘Ironu ko papo, Adio n ronú láti fi igi adaro dá’na, igi adaro n ronú láti wó pa Adio’ – priorities differ. Adio is thinking of collecting the suspended dead tree branches as firewood; the dead tree is seriously thinking of falling on Adio and killing him. In Nigeria today, our political leaders no longer talk of giving dividends of democracy to the populace; what concerns them most is how to win the general elections in 2027.
It is rather unfortunate that politics of ideology has been buried. Many strange bedfellows are seen jumping from one political boat to another, regardless of their strained relationship in the past. One begins to doubt if it is all for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians. But when will the new order evolve in Nigeria? When will the poor breathe? Who is deceiving whom?
The answer to the last question is that the deceived know, but they have no power to challenge the establishment. Economic and political powers rest with a few among us. The few also hold the hilt of our proverbial sword; thus, they control virtually everything.
When they grow old, they pass the baton to their children. And that is why today, we continue to have generations of the same families in our affairs since 1960.
Nigerians are suffering amid plenty, while the larcenous few among us corner our commonwealth. Some of them are richer than the country. Many Nigerians no longer trust the ruling class; they see the majority as kleptomaniacs.
In fact, many, including this writer, doubt if that amalgamation of opposition parties has any magic in its armoury. The amalgamation is believed to be a heterogeneous collection of political propagandists. Yes! Many of them have failed us time and again. It is not known if a leopard would change its spots.
What Nigerians need now is not big grammar; neither do they need unfulfilled promises. What they need are dividends of democracy.
The 2027 general elections will come and go like others before them. We do not want our best to be in the past again (A kò f?´ m?´ fi ?dún yìí ?dún m?´).
We need good roads, quality education, good healthcare, affordable transport, and uninterrupted power. We need security.
We need them; we deserve them.
Adelani Olawuyi writes from Obada/Odooba, Ogooluwa Lga,
Oyo State.