Skip to main content

SWORN IN BY OATH, BOUND BY DUTY, JUDGED BY DELIVERY.

 


By Shuaib Babatunde Adebayo (Optimistic)

 

Today, new and re-elected Local Government Chairmen and Ward Councillors will be sworn into offices in different communities. It is not an ordinary affair in the political calendar but a moment that is marking the commencement of a new chapter in grass roots governance. It is the moment to tell our leaders, that their jobs are not trophies, but to be undertaken. People are the lenders of leadership and it is up to them how they repay the debt otherwise they will leave a bad legacy.

 

To others, this has been the first chance to demonstrate their credentials, to convert pledges into programs, and niceties into nice government. The expectations are actually greater in the case of others that come back to a second term. The citizens provided them with the second chance not as a promise, but as a trust once again. And such trust should not be violated. Our political arena has been filled with leaders who lose momentum in their second term, change directions in office, or disappear entirely until the next election approaches. This must not be the case this time.

 

Holding a public office must not be regarded as a pension strategy. It is not a place to make a withdrawal after a successful first term. In fact, the second term should be even more impactful, because it is already armed with experience, familiarity with the people, and freedom from the pressure to prove oneself. This is the time for bold delivery, swift action, and honest leadership. Ceremonies and slogans do not interest people any longer. What they truly seek are basic necessities, clean water, durable roads, education that empowers, and health facilities that works.

 

One should not disregard the role of the people as well. Governance is not a spectatorship. Citizens have to be able to stand in solidarity with their leaders and not only criticize them, but also work with them. Ask questions, make recommendations and demand accountability. Get involved as well, volunteer, participate in the community programs, and keep your self informed. Change should not flow in one direction alone, it must be a shared journey where both the governed and those governing move together toward progress.

 

We cannot afford to grow tired of politics or give in to cynicism. With our votes we elected these chairmen and councillors, in gloom, in resentment, in hope. We have to maintain the dialogue. We have to observe, communicate, interact and support. When they behave well, we should not miss giving credit, as well as condemnation.

 

To all the chairmen and councillors who are re-elected, your neighborhood is looking. Your Second term is not a way out, it is the very last opportunity to create a good legacy. Never turn your back to those that raised you up. May your name be remembered for completed projects, lives uplifted, and strengthened systems, not for unfulfilled promises or unaccounted funds.

 

Victory fades, but impact endures. This is the moment to rise, to work, and to leave a mark that time cannot erase.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WHO IS KAFILAT OGBARA

  Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara was born to Alhaji and Alhaja M. Ade. Kasumu’s family in Aiyepe Ogun State. She attended Adrao International School in Victoria Island and Federal Home Science PSchool Ikoyi, Lagos respectively. Her Secondary School Education was at Federal Government Girls College Langtang, Plateau State. A graduate of English Language and Literature from the University of Lagos, she also acquired her Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and another Masters Degree in Public Administration all from the University of Lagos. Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara started her career in Property and Facility Management in the Family Business. She had a background in the prints and Electronic Media as a Television Presenter on NTA on the programme ‘Faces and Events’, Publisher of Today's Prime newspaper, and the former Managing Director/ CEO of National Mirror Newspaper in the print media. She is a dedicated and committed member of the All Progressive Congress, a strong supporter and...
Post a Comment
Read more

Who's The Mayoress Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada

  Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada was born into the blessed family of the late Alhaji Olatunji Raheem Bada and the late Chief Mrs. Afolakemi Bada (JP) in Odogbolu, Ogun State, on December 28th, 1973. She attended Muslim Primary School in Odogbolu, followed by Odogbolu Grammar School, and completed her education at Ajao Estate High School in Anthony Village, Lagos. She pursued her diploma in Marketing at Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, and later earned her B.Sc. honors in Geography and Planning from Lagos State University, Ojo. Additionally, she obtained a PGD in Social Work in 2012/2013 and later pursued a Master's in Social Work in 2017/2018. After a brief stint at the Town Planning Office in Kosofe Local Government, she enrolled at Gateway Catering Institute. Her business acumen enabled her to excel in catering and hotel management, leading her to establish Predema Catering and Boutique Services. Driven by her passion for poli...
Post a Comment
Read more

Suck A Breast This Month’- Health Expert Encourages

Close-up Of A Woman's Hand On Breast Showing Cancer Symptom Health expert and CEO of Chartma Herbal Health Centre has urged men to suck a breast within October as part of breast cancer awareness month. Charity Twumasi Ankrah in an interview with KMJ on Prime Morning Tuesday explained that breast-sucking is a major way to help curb breast cancer in women. According to her, it is very important for a woman’s breasts to be sucked as it keeps the breast healthier. “Breastfeeding your baby is very important as a woman. That’s why if a woman has not given birth, it is a worry because, at the end of the day, the breast must be sucked.” She added, “If you’re a man, please try as much as possible, even if you haven’t done it before, for this month of breast cancer awareness, try to suck a breast.” Also, the health expert indicated that the sucking needs to be done once in a while, not every day. However, she has cautioned all men to avoid squeezing the breasts as it may cause pain to ladies...
Post a Comment
Read more