Oyo LG election and political apathy

This is for the attention of the electorate in general and patriotic citizens who are truly concerned about socioeconomic development of Oyo State and Nigeria in general.

We Nigerians are in the habit of blaming our elected leaders for socioeconomic woes that threaten our individual existence. This we do before and after elections.

However, we should actually blame ourselves. Some of us that are educated enough to know that development requires the election of knowledgeable leaders who are also patriotic do not take up the responsibility to see that this type of leaders is elected into public office.

Let us stop blaming bad leadership. Instead let us blame irresponsible citizenship.

We should form associations for enlightenment, mobilisation and coordination of the electorate in our neighbourhoods, localities or constituencies on a non-partisan but political basis. This would ensure that even if a potential good leader is not given an opportunity to contest in any of the major political parties, such as APC or PDP, then these local non-partisan associations can, in solidarity, choose a different party for him or her to contest.

We can only achieve government of the people, by the people and for the people if educated and patriotic citizens of Nigeria, and in particular, Oyo State adopt the foregoing political culture. This is important as the Oyo State local government elections are fast approaching.

 

• Ojekunle Wasiu, Ibadan

 

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