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Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Sinatu Ojikutu, has advised people in positions of authority, particularly political office holders, at various levels of government, to have open mind and be discerning in taking critical decisions.
Ojikutu, first elected female deputy governor in Nigeria, wondered why successive governments were making life difficult for citizens thereby turning them into rogues and subtle law-breakers.
She said the mood in the country called for sober reflection and caution. “Leaders using the commonwealth of the electorate for self-aggrandisement is not only despicable but also encourages criminal activities among the citizenry. In the constituencies filled with poverty managing electorate they should shun ostentatious display of wealth from their change in status.
“Their presence should be felt through their dispensation of fruits of democracy to their constituents that will make their bid for any continuation in office a done deed.
“Ingratitude and opposition manipulation cannot be ruled out, but transparency in managing the resources at their disposal will negate such ill disposition and create overwhelming goodwill for them,” she said.
Ojikutu warned them to be wary of being carried away by ill-motivated encomiums and praises.
“Do not to allow fake and mere accolades to becloud your clear and sound judgement. Most of these praises are deceptive and discouraging. Such won’t spur them to positive actions. No leader should judge the people’s feelings by what these evil characters drum into your ears.”
She added that their presence was inimical to the “very peaceful of our existence” and added no value to the society.
She agreed the task was enormous and herculean: “Therefore, these leaders certainly need our support and prayers to succeed. And together we can do it.”
Ojikutu also urged political officers to guide against arrogance and self-glorification: “They should endeavour to govern discreetly and not rule or reign.”
