In a multiparty democracy, the presence of a robust opposition is imperative as it serves as a critical check on the incumbent government's actions. This mechanism helps prevent public funds misuse and protects citizens' rights.
Under the parliamentary governance system,
opposition parties often establish shadow governments, positioning themselves
as capable alternatives to the ruling party. This proactive approach allows them
to offer citizens viable options and hold the government accountable when
necessary. The opposition's role extends beyond providing alternatives; it
involves constructive criticism to keep the ruling party vigilant. By
consistently scrutinizing the government's actions, the opposition ensures that
those in power know oversight. This fosters a more focused and effective
administration dedicated to serving the people.
The 2023 election and the litigation process have
come and ended, while the victors rejoiced, the losers brooded. No doubt
lessons have been learned. However, the end of an election cycle is the
beginning of another. Now, the party can move to the next level to perform its
role as a vibrant opposition party. Despite twenty-four years of democratic
governance, Delta State historically lacks a vibrant opposition. Past years saw
sporadic and seasonal opposition, often limited to election periods and lacking
effective organization or sustained campaigns.
In our land, people are quick to make peace with
incompetent leaders because of venality, rational self-interest, and fear. Very
few Deltan elites have shown any testicular fortitude over the past two decades
and taken a more aggressive stance against dysfunctional governance.
"Delta no dey carry last" has become a mere euphemism. Gone are our
forefathers' manly traits: dignity, reliability, strength, and stoicism. Among
elite members, “manliness” simply means abandoning decency in favour of quick
financial gratification, which has brought nothing but underdevelopment and
misery to the people.
Our legislative representatives might be among the worst
of the shameless sycophants, lacking an understanding of legislative
responsibility to their constituents, as they have all forgotten their
oversight functions. Their behaviour is understandable — immoral and unethical
— but still inexplicable.
No entity has developed and progressed through the
timid obsequiousness that characterizes most elite groups within the State.
These elite groups have refused to take a more aggressive stance towards
effective governance. Regrettably, even those who suffer the repercussions of
poor governance perceive questioning the system as biased, while accepting it
is seen as "objective."
We must discard the falsehood of such a brand of
"objectivity" and take a firm stance against systems rooted in greed,
oppression, and injustice, which are culpable for immense loss and suffering,
often normalized as inherent to human nature.
Echoing Elie Wiesel's sentiments, "We must
take sides." Neutrality aids the oppressor, never the oppressed. Silence
emboldens the tormentor, never the tormented."
There should exist a legitimate public interest in
ensuring accountability. Poor governance obstructs economic advancement, ensnares
the majority of citizens in poverty, and deprives them of opportunities.
Corruption's ramifications are palpable in citizens' daily lives, subjecting
them to additional expenses for essential services like health, education, and
transportation.
The government bears a sacred duty to ensure that
revenues are utilized transparently and accountably for the effective
development of public goods and services. In addition, revenues are utilized
for the overall welfare of the populace.
The point we have reached as a state underscores
the importance of a vibrant opposition in achieving positive outcomes.
Poverty has reduced our people to slaves. They take any and everything that government spews out. So unfortunate
ReplyDeleteThose you are talking to don't even read. They are more interested in cash and carry
ReplyDelete