BY EZEWELE CYRIL ABIONANOJIE
It is neither the outward appearance of men nor the status of their material possessions that counts their value position in an individual society. Their thought positions in one part either beget their failures to show concern in the leadership settings in their society or give rise to their avaricious interests at the detriment of the public. And in another part, It propels some individuals to sacrificially contribute to the wellbeing of their societies.
No society itself is bad or good. It is the character of the men, who dwell in an individual society that constructs the situations and circumstances in the society. Dubai was a dead region. Someone came up with positive narration to empower and change the thought patterns of the people through massive ideas and colossal developments, which prompted the world to become acquainted with Dubai.
Singapore was wobbling in poverty when a group of dedicated non conformist individuals stood their ground never to allow the cancer of corruption into their leadership system and Singapore became a center of attraction. Same thing with China. The Government took the decision to eliminate every corrupt individual who stole public funds and China became top most potent economy in the world. While in some nations, known corrupt political actors would present themselves for another position of authority. They will intimidate, harass and buy votes to defeat opponents with their looted public funds.
We have three categories of men: THE MORONS, THE GREEDY and THE CITIZENS.
– The Morons are the know-nothings, who are either ignorant of, or lack absolute interest in the governance system of their society. They would shout, weep and complain bitterly about harsh economy, yet pay no interest in securing good leadership settings for a positive change. This class of individuals are keen to selling their votes to the highest bidders. They are the societal Esau, ever ready to sell their tomorrow fortune for morsels of bread. For few cups of rice, they will sell their rights for four good years. Their ignorance is the key medium through which political criminals empower themselves. They are the strength of the wicked. In fact, the chief problem in the Nigeria society.
– The greedy are the men who think solely about their personal gains irrespective of the prevailing circumstances in their society. They would struggle to either be in, or close to someone around the corridors of powers for selfish gains. Sometimes, they defend political personalities on tribal, regional, religious or political party affiliation grounds at the detriment of national interests. Even if their nation bleeds, they would support a wrong candidate for aforementioned reasons and hope for a positive change. This class of individuals would celebrate the corrupt as far as their myopic views are satisfied as they hope to mooch a portion from the proceeds of corruption.
– The citizens are the non conformist altruistic individuals, who put their national interests above their personal interests. They would risk their all for the interest of all. They won’t allow the glory of cash becloud the sincere wishes of their hearts. They are the humans in the real sense of being human. This class of individuals don’t play partisan politics. The characteristics of the flag bearers of each political parties is what count in their table of decision. You can’t present a misfit as your political party flag bearer and expect their support. They are the pillars on which the wellbeing of a society stands.
When you have majority of ignorant and greedy individuals in a democratic society that features the will of the majority, the sacrificial efforts of the few citizens will amount to nothing substantial as we have these days in Nigeria.
We must continue to sensitize those who reason below the average height of true knowledge in order to increase the numbers of good citizens for our collective advancements. It is the duty of every true citizen to sensitize the ignorant individuals in his/her society against self inflicted pains, for the true wealth of a nation rests on the amount of positive information available in the minds of the public. It is a humanity call for those who can see to shine their lights so bright for others to discover the little oil needed for their lamps. Once they are inspired to aspire the good of all, they shall perspire to acquire and extend the fire of a better tomorrow.
This l live to do. This l pray you do. And this we should inspire others to do, for it is the golden gate to our collective fruits.
Amb. Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’, an Award Winning Best Columnist Of The Year 2020/Giant In Security Support among other local and international awards. He is the Founder/President of Peace Ambassadors Global.