Nigeria as a country is greatly perturbed by the high cost of governance.
Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi once said that there is a need for government at all levels to reduce the cost of governance and redirect the funds to socio-economic development. He further went on to say that we cannot continue to spend our scarce resources to finance unnecessary consumption and pile up huge national debts. We must increase savings and generate resources to provide public amenities.
So far, the cost of running this country Nigeria is one serious problem our leaders have failed to address, those who attempted did it without true commitment, and the country is gradually grinding to a halt.
Many do not see it but I do, and if only our so-called leaders could address this then Nigeria would be saving billions of Naira that could be pumped into other productive ventures. A governor with with close to a thousand aides cannot tell us honestly that his state problem will be solved in four years term because that state resources are being used in the course of governance instead of providing the much needed infrastructure to jump start the economy.
A video surfaced online showing Netherlands Prime Minister heading to work trekking without securities or aides, and one of it’s citizens went close to him and was very excited trekking with the prime minister along the way.
But in Nigeria, hardly will you see such, either our senator, governor or representative and the least Local Government chairman is with his aides or bunch of securities to bounce everyone out of the way.
Over the years, fingers have continued to point at the over – bloated bureaucracies, large ministries, agencies and parastatals that have become a torn in the flesh hindering Nigeria’s progress. It was also once reported that dozens of members of USA Congress sleep in their offices.
This is a good report and I honestly wish Nigeria too can replicate this as it will reduce the over bloated budget. Again, I am of the opinion that it is high time we move from Consumption to Production. Let us come together and call on our leaders to cut down the number of aides they have, reduce their allowance and utilize the money being allocated for constituency project.
Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor, aka Ultimate Equal(Senior Advocate of the Masses SAM).