I have listened to analysts give their thought on the outcome of Ekiti state election. Fair enough, they all did a great job in explaining why things turned out the way it did. Having all agree that the election was free and (un)fairly conducted. Many have vehemently opined that the outcome was all about disconnection from the grassroots at one end. Others argue that it was firm contest between, “politics of development and politics distribution”.
Some “advocates of development and good governance”, Great men and women who stood for the people, have emphasize their disappointment on the decision of the electorates during the Ekiti polls. They felt very bitter and hurt after their ideology have been abandoned by the same people they advocate good governance for. Some even went ahead to accuse the masses of several crimes, including betrayal, ungratefulness etc. Others have responded by a claim to renounce their status of, “fighting the good fight” and are seriously contemplating retirement or other irrational ideas as a way out.
Well here is something I have for those who felt disappointed. They should know, masses will always be the masses (that won’t change). The result of that election simply shows, “the masses being themselves”. When presented with two choices, the masses will mostly (if not always), take the easier one, irrespective of whatever influenced them. They feel more comfortable and secured maintaining the ‘status quo’. And looking at Ekiti in the past few years, it has been bathed with a different ideology. Regularity and developemntal policies have been introduced into the system to replace the usual/common form of governance. These changes in the system(which might be good) is still strange and uncomfortable to so many people.
Unlike you who sees politics as a serious medium to effect changes. In the mind of some others, they sees it as a game. That explain why sometime, the people are excited in choosing an untested/unknown personality with no possibility of success, then sit back and observe how the game unfold. But if presented with a difficult situation, situations with uncertain outcome, situations whose options are not straightforward or predictable, the masses will rather pick status quo over and over again (irrespective of how bad it is).
Liberating people from oppression have never been an easy task. Not because it is very hard to set the standard of equity, fairness and justice. But because it is extremely difficult to get the oppressed to support the idea (which favored them). Great Mandela, Martin LK Jnr in their quest, met firm opposition among the same group people they were trying to liberate. People who quite agree, they need changes, but don’t believe these figures are the changes they require (probably still prefer status quo). So many legendary figures also, have this same fallout with their followers too. People disbelieve and disconnect from their leaders, despite the sacrifice, trust, guidance, hope, light he had offered them. Did u remember Moses and Israelites, Shortly after he vanquished Pharaoh for their sake? What about the most adored (Lt) Dr Dora who risked her life to save millions? Or the most respected Lawyer Fahwenmi(SAP) who was the people’s last hope then? Aha, now you should get it, all those are cases of the “masses being themselves”.
It’s not a case of betrayal or deceit. NO, the masses never meant it that way. They cherish and love the good work of all these people. The Anambra people knew Dora is very much Credible, Nigerians knew too well Fawhenmi was for the people. Yet since they don’t know exactly what to expect after voting in these people, they picked those options they are familiar with. I think JKF knew this too well, that’s why he hasn’t blamed anyone for the outcome. Such is the burden of working for the people; You trust, sacrifice, risk a lot, and even die for them, but never expect them to return any of the favour, because in most cases they won’t.
I know most people have tried to be fair enough, by saying “the people deserve whatever they get”, Ironically, they don’t. The rule of engagement in life has never been 1+1=2, NO. If the outcomes of the masses decision is good and prosperous, they totally deserve it. But if it went sour and disastrous, they no longer deserve such. And should you sit back and let them suffer the consequences alone, you must have sinned against humanity and offended your own conscience as well.
The most complicated part in liberating a group of people is not to “counter the influence of their oppressor”, but making them understand “What it means to be liberated”.
The irony about leading people or having people believe in you is; you take the blame for every mistake (either yours or theirs), they bully you and boast about not needing you (but you need them). Even if they are wrong, It is still not proper or fair that you abandone them to hopelessness, or become an oppressor to them as a result.
That’s why, those who believe and advocate for “good governance” and “societal development” must keep up the good fight. It is not a secrete that there is serious need for liberation, but several occurrence in the past, had made the masses rigid towards accepting any new system. However what will make the struggle a success is the “determination and passion” of the activists at various level. This is not a time to give up on “project Nigera”, but to tighten our belts, work harder, preach louder, fight fiercer, and hope more for the betterment of our nation. Those who threw away their baton should pick it and get back on track. The struggle for good governance is far from over. Should we even fail to get it right in 2015, that shouldn’t be the end. Because Nigeria is the only nation, we can truly call our own, today, tomorrow or in the future.
Thanks for your time!
@im_2mt on Twitter
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