Question 21 Of 23 Presiding Questions For 2023 Presidential Quests: Their Ambitions Versus Our Convictions

 

Section D: Remodeling of Political Culture

The siren-blaring cars conveying several political office holders has become a largely oppressive act in Nigeria. Ask a regular politician something he/she finds most ‘inspiring’ about political power and you’ll be amazed that one honest response includes being driven around with sirens and security men; a culture that massages their egos, confers the feeling of being above the law and satisfies their urge for conquering their ‘subjects’. Why should citizens over whom you rule feel terrorized by you? Naked display of absolute power, even in a democracy!

In the full glare of their principals, most convoy drivers and the security personnel attached to Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Senators, House of Representative members etc. have caused other road-users untold hardship such as unwarranted road traffic accidents, sustained panic & trepidations, intentional damage to fellow road-users’ vehicles, infliction of bodily injuries on drivers considered as disobedient to sirens and so forth. For short, several highly placed political office holders who are supposed to hold their respective positions in trust for the people have instead, through the tyrannical misuse of sirens & security men on the roads as “Very Important Persons (VIPs)”, conducted themselves as insensitive and reckless occupiers of public leadership positions. This domineering political culture has also fueled impunity, more than dignity and statesmanship, among Nigeria’s political class.

Therefore, what would be your recommendation for Nigeria’s next President regarding the ‘convoy’ culture that is being regrettably abused and irresponsibly deployed by political office holders at all levels of government every minute?

a. An outright ban on the use of siren among all categories of political office holders.

b. There is nothing wrong in that. As a matter of fact, I pray for such political opportunity to be driven around with sirens & security escorts one day, not minding who feels oppressed. 

c. Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all government users of motorcades, regular training of their drivers & security attaché and establishment of a Special court in each State where citizens can submit complaints (with evidence) for guilty convoy officials to be punished.

Dr. Adetolu Ademujimi is a Medical Doctor, Author, Reformer, Coach, Public Policy expert and social entrepreneur, who wrote in from Akure in Nigeria. Email: ademujimi@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @toluademujimi; Instagram: @adetoluademujimi; Linkedin: @adetolu ademujimi

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Marks to Market – Education is past passing WAEC and JAMB exams (ONDO 2025 - 2029)

Image
  Not minding this lengthy read, please note that formal and informal streams of education complement each other to form a wholly educated human whether in Ondo, Jigawa, Abia or even other parts of Africa and beyond our continent. For the umpteenth time, formal education is beyond the enhancement of reading, writing and technical/professional skills (although the three are critical skill sets for every learner) as elucidated in m y humble recommendations on 1 st November 2023 via an article titled “ Contemplating the Five Outputs of Contemporary Education: Tangible Mantra for Tahir Mamman-led Education Ministry ” ( https://sartoriusresources.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-five-outputs-of-contemporary.html ). In Ondo, ours is a State wherein individuals and government take pride in the attainment of enviable heights in the arena of formal education. Therefore, having Ondo State indigenes come out among high-flying candidates at West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissi
Read more

Attaining our Stated Idanre Tourism Zone: Awakening our State’s Investment-Touting Zeal (Ondo 2025-2029)

Image
    Today, 27 th September 2024 is World Tourism Day, and our statement of proposition to the occupier of Ondo State’s Governorship seat from 24 th February 2025 to 23 rd February 2029 is a transformative set to revolutionize the economic landscape of Ondo State. It is called  Idanre Tourism Zone . To those who may be in the dark, tourism development is no longer an item to be seen as charity by government – Federal, State & Local. It is a business venture that requires intentional conceptualization of a clear tourism vision and deliberate utilization of executive & legislative powers of State to enhance collaboration with the private sector and multilateral organizations/development partners for its implementation. At Sartorius Resources , therefore, it is our responsible corporate opinion that Ondo State government can do more in this regard, using the State’s flagship famous tourist site – Idanre Hills , as a starting point via the proposed Idanre Tourism Zone.   Ba
Read more

Aketi's Candour - Our Country's Candle

Image
  He was an attorney, activist, administrator, advocate of good governance, family man and politician whom God crowned his multi-faceted career with the people’s mandate as Governor of Ondo State when he took the oath of office first on 24 th February, 2017 and for the second time on a similar date in 2021. Notwithstanding his imperfections like you and I, one trait stood him out in the crowd of Nigeria’s political actors; he was exceptionally frank! Truth is an indomitable and immortal antidote to political falsehoods, social half-truths, governance pretences, economic tricks, legal charades, and administrative shams, all of which are despicably synonymous with Nigeria’s recent history. Aketi was unshaken in conveying that truth. Despite his membership of the privileged class of political elite – the Nigeria Governors’ Forum – from 2017 till death, this courageous man often spoke as though he was a part of the dissatisfied and oppressed. Despite his membership of the ruling All
Read more