No amount of insults, name-calling, intimidation or derogatory labels can—and should—deny citizens their constitutional right to freedom of association, expression and choice in a democratic society. An old cargo was once a young cargo; ageing is simply a natural phenomenon that awaits us all.
Leadership and governance are not defined by insults, noise, falsehoods or propaganda. They are measured by honesty, truthfulness, character, integrity, sincerity, empathy, compassion and, above all, the fear of Allah (SWT).
The fundamental purpose of governance, anywhere in the world, is the well-being and welfare of the people. This includes security, shelter, food, access to healthcare, education, employment and the basic conditions that make life safer, easier and more meaningful.
Therefore, with the enormous resources accruing to government through FAAC allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), international interventions and, indeed, substantial borrowing, Nigerians, particularly Nigerlites have every right to ask: What tangible and meaningful impact can the government present as its scorecard to justify another mandate?
We know where many of our leaders came from. We know their circumstances before assuming public office, just as we are aware that allegations of massive corruption, looting and money laundering have continued to occupy the public space. Public resources are a sacred trust. Where there are credible allegations, they must be properly investigated, accounted for and, where wrongdoing is established, justice must take its course here on earth and ultimately before Allah (SWT).
Democracy is about opinions, alternatives, options and choices. It is not the exclusive preserve of any individual, group or political party. Every Nigerian, and particularly every Nigerlite, deserves the liberty to associate freely, support whoever they believe in, ask questions, demand accountability and make their political choices without intimidation or harassment.
Let us therefore embrace political competition with maturity, respect and tolerance. Let the people decide. Let ideas compete with ideas, records with records, and vision with vision.
May Allah Almighty continue to guide us towards what is right, protect us from the consequences of our own actions, and grant our leaders wisdom, humility and the courage to serve humanity with integrity.
God bless Niger State.
God bless Nigeria.
