Admittedly ,we live in a political environment in which most of the people who offer themselves for public offices , especially NASS, hardly understand the demands of the responsibilities ahead. To make matter worse, the political office holders either don’t carry the electorates along after they might have won or rigged the elections or the electorates themselves infrequently react to issue bordering on policy innovations for lack of basic understanding of the process . They neither demand reasons for actions taken by their representatives nor task them to provide for a ‘why ‘ question. It’s a make or break factor in a democratic process.
In Nigeria, the legislative arm which is the closest to the people is paradoxically the farthest. Most of the lawmakers make a quick choice between their individual interest and the collective bargaining and they place self above popular masses. But who will guide the guards when the electorates to borrow Willard Richan” in a reaction to policy innovations often range from apathy to outright hostility”.
A case study, Egbeda / Ona Ara Federal Constituency has never been blessed with a good ambassador to widen the scope of civic engagement in the legislative advocacy and build a sound grassroots communication strategy to bridge gaps. The gaps have continued to be widened to the extent that there is a wide gulf between the voters and their “new Lord’s”- the ones they choose to serve them.
Bernard Joinet asserts that “all citizens, not only legislatives, can influence the political decisions that concern them and can initiate political decisions that will change their lives “. But do they care about us ? They only remember the voters when election is knocking. They will make a long haul withdrawals from the treasure trove and splatter peanuts on the poor electorates. It’s an era of stomach infrastructure – A foremost depressing challenges to our home grown democracy.
But , the game changer is here. we can now heave a sigh of relief which is more potent than happiness. We now have a young man in the race in person of Ayokunle iyanda, who is obviously not driven by selfish interest but sincere wish to set a standard. Ayokunle iyanda in all intents and purposes will make a big difference. He thinks differently,speak differently and will no doubt act differently.
My chanced meeting with him yesterday at Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide’s residence has filliped my hope that with this young man who knows that the electorates are the Masters of the politicians, our prayer for good representation in Egbeda / Ona Ara has received a divine nod.
Unlike the self assured and hedonistic opponents in the race, Kunle is humble and calculating with what I can call a shaky ego. I grilled him concerning his policy program, his political ideology and how he plans to secure participation and consent of the people that are key to the implementation of his set objectives, honestly, his responses are impressive. He seems to have passed his scariest moment,which Stephen king says ‘is always just before you start”. He is now set for the trophy.
As we are rounding off our unplanned interview, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide came to meet us and told me in a manner of lending credence to my feelings” Kenny, can’t you see that Kunle is fantastic? Before I ventured a response, she said with a pride ” I will personally lead his Campaigns in Egbeda and Ona Ara, I am pleased with his candidature”. Need I say more? I only managed a terse response ” Yes ma, he is a superior fighter who does not rely on powerful punches but by controlling the ring. I will support him “.
The conversation continues .