ARE POLITICAL GODFATHERS A BLESSING TO US OR A CURSE? Political godfathers are a tiny percentage of the people. They could be royal fathers, rich businessmen, political power brokers, powerful thugs, serving or former public servants. In all, they wield a lot of political power and are regarded as king makers in our democracy. They are regarded as very powerful - even more powerful than the people. Candidates seeking public offices always run to them to seek their blessing. In some states, all that is needed for a candidate to win an election is just to get a godfather‘s blessing. It doesn‘t matter whether the candidate is loved by the people or not. Once he has been selected, he would emerge winner. Whether the godfather will present his anointed to the people or rig him into power by employing the use of thugs is a matter of personal strategy. However, if a political godfather has performed excellently in the past, he can be a shining example to aspiring leaders. He can be a mentor and role model to young leaders and challenge contemporary public office holders to perform even better than he did. He can even demand accountability from his godson. But where a group of greedy old men sit as godfathers and anoint unpopular candidates, they must be seen as enemies of the people; development; and progress. Such scenarios that exist in many states and LGAs have reduced democracy to a “klepto-gerontocracy,“ where old thieves ensure that our votes don‘t count; where they select the dumbest and most corrupt from amongst us to lead because he will play their game; where leaders are loyal to them and not to the people; where teachers are not paid because godfathers need more money; where LG funds are shared on a table; and where thuggery is the order of the day. This is my opinion. Power belongs to the people, not to the godfathers. Our leaders should serve us all, not some godfathers! What is your own opinion? Do you think godfathers are a blessing to our polity or a curse? Share your thoughts with other Benue Voters.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 11:07:59 +0000
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