WATCH OUT, THEY WILL RETURN : BUT WHO IS FOOLING WHO

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We live in a very funny society and sometimes happenings come with very big question marks but the answers never come.

During election season or when elections are around the corner, the number of people who suddenly become humanitarians increases. You will see politicians moving into remote villages to distribute food, wrappers and cash gifts, while making mouth watering promises. All these are just to win some votes. People who ordinarily place themselves far above the average citizen suddenly become humble enough to share the same plate of food with them, others will visit schools and make donations with plenty of promises.

But the funny part is that immediately after the election, the level of humanitarian service drastically reduces. The same people who promised heaven and earth are nowhere to be found. Those who gave food forget that the food has finished and expect you not to feel entitled. Those who shared wrappers expect you to wear the same wrapper until the next election. And then the question arises, who is fooling who.

After elections, the case always becomes “to thy tent oh Israel.” I remember vividly that during the last electioneering season, we saw political parties sending coastal buses around the city to carry people free of charge. It was a good initiative no doubt, but the question is, how long did it last. After elections, are those buses with party names still plying the roads to help citizens. Your response is as good as mine.

What about the promises to renovate school buildings in rural areas, have those buildings been renovated. Some promised good roads, pipe borne water, steady electricity and good health facilities. Have those things been provided. Your response is still as good as mine. And once again, the question remains, who is fooling who.

After the elections, everyone who promised heaven and earth leaves everything for the ruling party and the winner. Some switch into criticism, while others spend huge amounts of money that could help the poor masses on tribunal cases. The question then is, did they ever have the people at heart, or was it just about winning and taking over power. And even if they had won, how sure are we that they would have fulfilled up to twenty percent of their promises.

Now they have all disappeared, but watch out, they will return when the next election is near. And sadly, many people will still fall for their mouth watering promises.

I do not know who needs to hear this, but the right time to campaign and to win the heart of the people is not during elections. The truth is that we already know these political tricks, just like in Governor Emunike’s edit comedy. The best time to win the heart of your people is now, even when you did not win, go back to your community, renovate that school building, provide electricity, support the young men and women, check the condition of the primary health center and work on it. The money you are saving for campaign should be used now to fix little rural roads.

The reality is that many aged people in rural areas may never enjoy the flyovers, shopping malls and other giant projects in the cities. What they need are the basic amenities such as roads, electricity, good schools, good health facilities and markets that will support their business. Those things alone will speak for you when it is time to campaign. Also support the sitting government to achieve its goals. It does not just benefit them, it benefits everyone. Criticize if need be, but let it be constructive and not born out of emotions or bias.

Let us be humane not only during elections but at all times. Let humanity stand upside up.