Many years ago it was Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAA) chaperoned by one Daniel Kanu and today there is a Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria. Whilst the former tried to give a pseudo-veneer of pressure by youths for the late maximum leader to change from head of state to civilian president, the latter is organising rallies with the intent of getting 10 million signatures from adoring youths to convince the current president to run for election in 2015. The recent of which was held in the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium on August 30.
The paradox, however, is that both leaders (then and now) feigned ignorance even when it is clear that it is state sponsored. The losers are the ‘real youths’ not the ‘pseudo youths’ who ride on the crest of youthful establishments to make cash and fame which will not outlive them or if it does (did): Daniel Kanu’s reputation in this country would have belied it.
It is also clear that they (the pseudo-youth groups) do not understand basic indices for measuring performance. It is not surprising to hear them say that the president is “such a nice man”, even when leaders the world over are judged by their actions and not by their intentions or friendly mien.
This development is not surprising. What we practise in Nigeria is a crony democracy-rallies are arranged as a mark of loyalty after which the sponsors go to 40 winks with guarantees of electoral successes-presidential aspirants and others hardly brainstorm the country (in the ideal sense) to listen to challenges and make a pledge; they give Nigerians the impression of being goaded to rule.
The agonising truth is that the Nigerian political class is for the highest bidder and this is seen within most political parties where the members are not independent from the party. Why is it that when the time comes to choose a candidate, most party members will follow the ‘herd instinct’ to endorse one candidate without ideological opposition, especially since there is a death of zoning of electoral offices? Is this what democracy is all about or could it be that they were persuaded by backhanders or coercions?
Where are the ‘somebodies’ in our political parties, ready to take up the challenge to push us towards real democracy? Egalitarianism bereft of bigotry. We hope TAN will be all over the place many years from now not like the outdated YEAA with no relevance today.
Simon Abah,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
