Let the voice of the masses be heard

tHE  masses are referred to as mekunnu in  Yorubaland and talakawa in the North. In Nigeria today, the masses are described as the ordinary people who are not leaders and they are sometimes regarded and considered to be not very educated.     The masses can also mean the people in a nation in general.

In this regard, every citizen of Nigeria could be considered as being part of the masses. In a democracy, the masses are supposed to be at the driver’s seat.

Sadly, however, those in government in power have shut their ears to the voices of the people. It  is fair to say that they hold the masses in contempt. This is astounding given the fact that democracy is defined as government of the people, by the people and for the people.

The nation’s politicians should not forget that these same people  voted them into office and  put them in power. The people handed over the mantle of leadership to them put them in charge of the affairs of the 36 states and the nation at large.

The least our leaders can do is not to let them down. They are to make sure that they listen to what the masses are saying, know their needs and work towards what they want. By so doing, they are strengthening the faith and trust the people have in them.

A scholar, F.M Lappe, states that “democracy is not viable if it does not empower those rendered poor and marginalised.” It is said that there is no government without the people.

I would therefore urge the government to make it obvious that it is reaching out to the masses. Members of the National Assembly and the various state governments should hear the voice of the masses and they should be regarded and attended to.

Our leaders should take measurable steps to help the poor live a better life and should also work towards improving the standard of living of the masses.

I feel the issue of governing according to the wishes of the people should be brought into the front burner of public discourse. The poverty and despondency in the land is palpable, and the masses have cried out to no avail. We should not stop talking about this until that positive change that the government claims it wants for our nation is visible enough for every Nigerian to see.

I conclude by asking: what is the joy of the leaders if the nation is sick?

Faith Adeniyi

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