Opinion

Yusuf Sheriff And The Clue Of Good Governance In Ota, Ogun State

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By Salako Oladimeji

 

 

 

Government and governance in any sane political clime are complex Siamese twins. The latter is the cardinal and integral end of a political process and the former; government, is the legitimate means to this end.

Howbeit and notably in Nigeria, only government institutions and their flagrant suppressive tendencies inundate the political system, thence; citizens are fosterage and seemingly encultured in what can best be referred as “paradoxical legitimacy”; an instance whereby citizens stand behind or accept government in power despite the patent insignificant and poor state of governance.

This dichotomy of government-governance as discussed above is a dilemma that disturbs good citizenship, hinder hygiene politics and sinks the possibility of good governance vis a vis development. It also lowered the cadre and benchmark of governance such that civil servants, and in some cases the mass public celebrate politicians for prompt payment of salary, and in more ridiculous instance shower praises on political actors for equipping a classroom with chairs and desks. It exposes one to horrible mental stress finding out the plausibility and possibility of referring to something as a “classroom” without basic writing infrastructures in place. These horrible and irritant cases abound.

I have written expansively on this tragedy and my column quite a number of times featured criticism and recrimination of Nigeria political class on the need to raise the bar of governance. I have criticized a host of these shameless political kleptomaniacs at different spheres of government who in their usual habit brag about so much flippantly demanding commemoration from the people in the face of launching frivolous and trifling social, and economic scheme most of which are often implemented in ghost mode.

I have challenged them to embark on a laudable, or seemingly people-centric program in different aspects of life; housing, education, employment, transportation etc. that will positively make direct impact on the society, most particularly it’s indigent’s stratum. For this reason, and owing to the principle of reciprocity, I also pledge to be the first to acknowledge such stride whenever sighted. This is of course the principle that underpins constructive criticism, and therefore becomes an integral process of political development.

It is on this note that I find it necessary to acknowledge and applaud the “Ibema School Shuttle policy” a landmark social intervention for primary and secondary school students under the social scheme of Hon. Sheriff (Ibema), the majority leader of the Ogun state House of Assembly who represents the people of Ado-Odo/Ota state constituency one.

Over time, I have argued with my colleagues stating that although elitism is a fact, in Nigeria, it has become an ingrained social institution whereby the elitist experience regrettably starts from childhood formative years. I have once engaged them illustrating the feelings of a child who walk many meters to and from school – sometimes under unpalatable weather and in that awkward situation was his classmate waving at him at distance from a four-wheel drive.

I have questioned why discomfort, pains and emotional stress must be a story in the lips and the yardstick for academic and career success as we are often been told by motivational speakers. Conversely, one would think punctuality, conducive environment, presence of mind, sense of equal accessibility Vis a Vis an inclusive education cultural system etc. (which this transportation intervention assures) enjoys a very strong relationship with academic excellence.

Among other benefits of this scheme is the good timing. It technically serves as a palliative program to cushion the effect of COVID-19 that continue to strike harder on poor masses. The policy directly mitigates the budget of parents who incur financial cost on their children’s transportation to and from school. Again, the intervention also goad the proclivity to address unemployment among the youths since it will require employing personnel to work as drivers and bus assistants – those of whom should necessarily be members of the constituent.

Furthermore, if the data received is anything to go by, the bus intervention which is slated to be launched in few days to come starts with three (3) coaster buses that will ply different routes domiciled under the Ado-Odo/Ota state constituency 1.

One should be enthused to see that; whether by genuine repentance, emancipation from political diabolism, or for political strategy, a state lawmaker beyond his primary duty; legislation and oversight, has given a clue of what should constitute good governance vis a vis the concept of integrated national development. While it is necessary to acknowledge this virtue, the question and skepticism of security, equal accessibility, maintenance, source of operational cost, professionalism, and sustainability are germane. It also leaves one to hope that the intervention will be sustained with or without the political office of the legislator.

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