The Need for Paradigm Shift

By Garba Dangida

Two issues occupied my mind this week. The first is the embarrassing turnover of political office holders that have become selfish and ego-centric in both their thinking and dispositions. From ward to local government area councils up to states and federal level, majority of those elected and appointed into public offices have not bring any dividend of democracy to the people that voted them, or those they claim to represent.

This call for a serious concern and sober reflections with a view to finding solutions that will avert the situation and change it for the better.

My call is therefore directed to all key stake holders in our wards, communities, and state, which include religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, academicians, and professional groups and artisans to form a coalitions that will screen candidates seeking political offices to ensure only those with clean credible records and impeccable character coupled with the fear of God and deep Islamic knowledge on leadership and responsibilities are elected into office as local government council chairmen and councilors, state assembly members, house of representatives members and senators. It is high time people shunned moneybags who play politics for profits and choose people that will respect their wishes and feelings when they get to office, people who will present their interest and ensure that they are taken care of.  For this to happen, the people must build social security for themselves and their families through finding or creating means of livelihood instead of depending on handouts from selfish politicians who will use and dump them.

My second call is to the youth of Nigeria who have been pushed to the sidelines because of their docility and lack of courage to take the mantle of leadership from the wards up to national level. I wish to inform them that their future is at stake, and nobody but them can secure it to safety through active participation in politics and governance. It is time the youth come to the political arena to organize, mobilize, network and contest for elective positions both at the party and government levels.  They have the energy, time and human resources to do so.  They should allow nobody to deceive them with the bogus claim that they lack the financial muscle to challenge the moneybags. I believe they do.  With their population of over 90 million people, they can raise over 90 billion campaign funds if every youth aged 18-40 years will donate one thousand Naira only. This is more than enough to launch an unprecedented campaign at all levels.  Besides this Fund, they have internet skills and networking capacity to launch online campaign offices that will disrupt Nigeria’s political space. All they need is visionary leaders among them that can mobilize and coordinate this dream process and nurture it into reality. They can do it! They should do it! The time is now!

Garba A. Dangida

Chairman