SINCE the elections of 2023 that ushered in the administration led by Reverend Father, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the narrative on the Benue turf can be likened to the title of the book authored by Anezi Okoro: One Week One Trouble.
The political space was charged right from the starting blocks blurring the solvency of his candidacy that served as a meal ticket, gaining momentum and leverage for other aspirants to latch on and attain relevance.
As the tenure of the first four years winds down and another circle of elections approaches, the words of the 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, resonates to adjudge the administration right as “each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”.
The electorate is encouraged to hold close to their chest their instrument of franchise and laicize themselves from mundane, well-crafted half-truths and politically insolvent candidates. The era of voting bonanza has expired as the Alia administration has emboldened the masses with flying bird tattoos against masquerading opportunists.
To a discerning mind with good conscience these words of Kennedy served as the rudder to shape and direct the vision of the Alia administration to energise it to fulfil its social contract with the people.
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Under demanding circumstances, the administration insulated itself from the unspoken established status quo of underperformance the bane of previous administrations. Satisfying the gargantuan appetite of acclaimed stakeholders was put in check, with the proceeds channelled to impact the people.
This uncommon and strange path did not seat well with political merchants, dwindled political patronage also attracted the wrath and potent venom of entitled personalities.
Those elected on the same political platform with the intent to build a formidable front to serve as a veritable tool for bargaining for a sizable portion of the national cake for Benue stood aloof, recruited lowlifes with the vicious mission to strangulate and suffocate the administration and paint it against the people.
But time is fast approaching for another season for campaigns and elections. And for those who have fed fat due to voting bonanza by the citizenry, it is accountability spreadsheet hour to justify the votes.
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The conversation should be issued-based, presentation of a scorecard, impact of the representation through surrendered votes with the conviction of valuable returns in terms of lobbying, collective bargain to attract projects to the constituency and the motions plus bills sponsored or co-sponsored to improve the living standards of constituents.
The electorate is encouraged to hold close to their chest their instrument of franchise and laicize themselves from mundane, well-crafted half-truths and politically insolvent candidates. The era of voting bonanza has expired as the Alia administration has emboldened the masses with flying bird tattoos against masquerading opportunists.
In conclusion, excuses for underperformance should not be rewarded with voting bonanza but confronted with the words of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” How many small stones did they move from their various constituencies to guarantee fulfilment of dreams and aspirations?
Mr Tiav, a broadcast journalist and public affairs commentator, writes from Makurdi, Benue State capital.
