Open Memo To Nigeria’s Government Functionaries

Last time I thoroughly checked, various unguided and ungracious lifestyles were peculiar to most Nigerian government functionaries that it required only realists towards its holistic eradication.

Of course, it’s only a realist that would unequivocally tell a fellow that what he or she did was uncalled for, because those in realism as a school of thought stick to factual issues.

It’s obvious that in several quarters across the federation of the Nigerian State, you would easily notice a government public office holder showcasing a lifestyle related to ego, deceit, hypocrisy, sycophancy, and what have you.

If those the people look up to invariably hide under the aforementioned nauseous idiosyncrasies, then it significantly implies that ushering in the awaited good governance would remain far-fetched.

Give me one tangible reason someone who seems not to possess a conscience wouldn’t make attainment to governance seem not unlike a mere mirage, rather than reality. Frankly, it’s high time we started acknowledging that some factors remain a hindrance towards attaining a certain anticipated height.

Taking a painstaking study of contemporary Nigeria’s political arena, one needn’t be told that some, if not most, of the so-called government functionaries aren’t living up to the expectations, both socially and otherwise.

For instance, one political office holder would invite someone over for a meeting and consequently on the scheduled meeting day, the invitee would spend the whole day in the intended host’s office without enjoying even a second’s attention from him or her.

And subsequently, the supposed host wouldn’t even care to tender an unalloyed apology for the inconvenience caused you, let alone making out time to reschedule the appointment for a future date with a view to making it up to you.

Most worrisomely, it could be that you left a different state for that very state where the proposed meeting was meant to take place, all to no avail. It suffices to say that, in spite of the enormous sacrifice put in place toward the said appointment, everything ended up in shambles.

This, among other pertinent issues, is a common feature observed in several public officers, particularly government functionaries, in Nigeria. We are not unaware of contingencies; we’re also aware of ‘man proposes, God disposes’, but what we need to note is that there’s need for us to be extremely conscious and mindful of our actions towards others.

I keep reiterating that ‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t mean you were wrong; rather, it simply means you cherish or adore the relationship far more than your ego. It’s very amusing to observe that most people are of the opinion that if one says ‘I’m sorry’, it automatically ridicules or diminishes his/her status. That’s indeed a fallacious notion.

People ought to learn to lead well. We’re no doubt deeply expected to lead by example. Never take your subjects, followers, relatives, friends, or fans, as the case may be, for granted.

It isn’t all about being an institutional leader or occupying a leadership position; if you are a public figure or a well respected individual in the society, definitely thousands of people are following or looking up to you, hence you are automatically a leader.

Let’s endeavour to do the right thing at all times even when we are sleeping or deeply snoring. Don’t promise people ‘A’ but in the long run, you end up doing ‘B’.

Mind you, if you dare renege on your promise or pledge, the consequences await your person come rain come shine. There are no two ways about it. Thus, the choice is yours.

I’ve noticed that some of these officers act out of influence. The moment they secured the position either via appointment or election, they would allow themselves to be negatively influenced by their colleagues who come from mediocre backgrounds.

It’s really quite appalling and pathetic. We should learn to be ourselves; don’t change because you noticed that others have changed. It’s indisputable that change is constant or that human beings are naturally dynamic, but that doesn’t imply we ought to change to anything.

Inter alia, don’t deceive yourself. I’ve equally observed that we often deceive ourselves, perhaps owing to ignorance, lack of courage, fear of the unknown, and myopia, among others. Yes, many of us are myopic in nature; we’re unable to see beyond the crossed line or our immediate surroundings.

To this end, I implore us to always employ a panoramic view in whatever we do or anywhere we find ourselves. Self-deceit has been proven to be one of the greatest shortcomings any man would possess or parade.

In other words, we must endeavour to tell ourselves nothing but the truth at all times and all costs. Detest ego, because it destroys one so easily just as an earthquake would. Desist from deceit because it maims, and kills too.

Above all, kick against hypocrisy and sycophancy with the last drop of your blood, because they remain unthinkable societal monsters regardless of the circumstance.

Beloved, be wise. Do not allow power, affluence, or a certain position you find yourself to cloud your sense of reasoning. One day, the position will surely depart leaving you behind; and at that stage or moment, you may not be able to cope with what life entails.

All in all, everyone irrespective of the position being occupied, is expected to be and remain focused at all times towards averting self-destruction.