BANKING ON ILLITRACY, IGNORANCE AND POVERTY BY MARTIN BECK NWORAH

Many of the people that are in control of affairs in this country are
very much comfortable and happy that we're in this messed up
situation. Don't get me wrong,in as much as they want to remedy and
improve healthcare and standard of living in this country,that won't
stop them from going abroad for mere "Headache" or check up. They
strongly...
bank on the believe that our people are illiterate, ignorant
and poverty stricken citizens who won't have enough time to take care
of their family before talking about policies or the state of the
nation. These same citizens voted for them and collected bags of rice
so its no surprise the leaders don't care what you think...because
poverty will always bring you back to their feet to beg for more rice.
Many a times,we pretend to understand and be in control of the
situation while in actual fact;we're being used. It pains me and
nearly brings me down to tears when a man,who is informed that ASUU
are on strike and that
his children are out of school,will simply fold his hands and still be
lurking around the government house looking for one favour or the
other...from a man,who may not even notice his presence.
Our ignorance has taken a new dangerous dimension that evenwhen
topical issues for national development is being discussed,we find the
slightest opportunity to turn it into a tribal war. Last week,I had
the singular privilege of brainstorming with one of the leading elites
in our political terrain. I asked him why politicians don't live up to
their promises when they get into power and he simply smiled and
said,"my son,the same reason why your teacher will tell you to shun
examination malpractice and still collect money to sort some other
people's own...Poverty of the mind,character and pocket". And I
strongly agree with him. The average Nigerian isburdened with poverty
and the churches make matters worst by telling you how guilty you are
if you don't pay to God first.Hence we are always choked up in the rat
race to provide for our families. The very few who know these facts
will always make the polity ripe for them to retain power because they
know
that with the emancipation of the mind,comes freedom of the person,of
character and pocket. Hence they will continue to play on the
ignorant,illiterate,gullible and poverty stricken Nigerian because
they know he can do nothing. We simply don't possess what it takes to
bring about a much needed change...or so they think.
Finally,they will keep you busy with BBA,tie your mind and pocket down
by harsh economic policies and finish your children with poor
lecturers who try as hard to measure up. While you are busy commenting
on how handsome Melvin is,they're busy cascading through your towns
and cities,selling your investments amongst themselves. And until we
wake up to the reality facing us today,I shall be waiting for when we
will reach the promised land;then you will pass me a glass of water
and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.