Government policies and the people
SIR: Concerned Professionals (CP) is appalled at the level of visionary political leadership in Nigeria. Governments at all levels seem to have lost touch with the aspirations of the majority of Nigerians who 'voted' them into power.
This clear lack of touch is clearly demonstrated by the Federal Government's ongoing economic reform policy. While we undoubtedly believe in a total reform of the Nigerian state, especially the economy, to move from the era when rent seekers held us all to ransom, we do not support the way and manner that this process is being implemented.
Governments are meant to advance the welfare of the people and not to protect the economic interests of external interests. This seems not to be the case, in Nigeria, at present. While majority of Nigerians groan under the excruciating pain arising from the present administration's economic reform programme, it carries on as if the interests of Nigerians are but of secondary value.
Democracy and good governance presupposes that the government in power derives its legitimacy directly from the expressed and understood will of the people who are the ultimate beneficiaries of their policies. This cannot be said to be the case in Nigeria, as government gives undue advantage to foreign interests without regard to the well-being of Nigerians.
The Federal Government's response to the protestations of Nigerians over the recent unwarranted increase in the price of fuel clearly demonstrates its lack of vision and human compassion. CP had expected that if indeed, the increase was necessary, the government would have ensured that safety nets are adequately put in place to protect ordinary Nigerians whose ability to access the basic necessities of life diminishes by the day. Our government should realise that social security is a necessary companion of every successful reform agenda.
Nigerians must learn to speak out and challenge wrong policies or be doomed.
John Onyeukwu,
For: Concerned Professionals,
Lagos
