TRUANCY: Leaders Leading By Example

As a Science student I studied a lot of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but I would never forget Government in SSS1. Government stood out for me amongst every other affiliate subjects back then. I remember my first class, how my teacher introduced the topic 'Government.' According to him, "government is an entity which is of the people, by the people, and for the people." That definition stuck to my memory like Fufu smell on one's palm and came to the bedrock of my definition of politics.

Further study led me to realize that the definition was birthed out of one of the most iconic speeches. The Gettysburg address (as it is called now) was delivered by late President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of November, 1963. In his speech he said,

" that those dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish." (Source: Wikipedia)

The Nigerian Government from time to time has come under scrutiny. From appointment of ministers, to its administrative function, and response to matters.

This would prompt to wonder if these scrutiny I is grounded or not. The democratic rule started way back in 199 under the rule of Rtd. Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, from that time till this moment I write;; twenty one years have strolled past and if I am being candid, I would ascertain the claim that little or nothing has been done, but that is not on the menu for today. The matter on ground that needs flogging is COVID-19 Pandemic in relationship to our Government.

I remain adamant that if prompt reaction had been made by the Government the spread of the virus would not have hit a milestone. For one, airports were shut down way too late and not only that, preventive measures were not taken by the Ministry of Health; returnees should have been quarantined. Upon realization that lockdown was the next best route to take, it was imposed on citizens. Now I must say the government needs to be applauded for coming up with such initiative, only that I wonder why we suddenly turned out to be the proverbial farmer who goes to farm without his tools.

Nigeria is a country where most citizens live from hand to mouth, it'd only be a suicide mission if they decide to sit at home, at such our loving government promised to make provisions, but I still itch for answers as ti why the promised made were not fulfilled. Considering how much came in through donations I see no reason why the dreaded one million boys robbery gang would attack, or why Lagosians would flaunt the law.

When PMB addressed the Nation he made mention of the magnitude at which the Virus was sweeping through the country and the danger going back to associating poses, but he ambiguously made mention of how relief funds and provisions was going to be shared. His speech was in direct contrast to the Gettysburg address; instead of pacifying people, it generated disdain towards his approach on welfare.

This quarantine has helped Nigerians discover so much about their career, relationship, spirituality, and Government. The efficiency and sympathy of the Government has now been exhibited and I must say that we Nigerians are really touched by it's sincerity.