OPINION: Young political appointees and the media: a wake up call

By Francis Nwokike

When I read what some of the so called political appointees write on social media space, how they derive joy in creating confusion, how they attack other people or political parties when they share their opinion yet very fast to condemn others when they share their own view I weep for Nigeria.

Nigeria if not careful will be handed over to the worst leaders in this youths.

Most Nigerian Youths in the political space today are selfish, self centered, smart in the most negative way.

They forget easily there root because they think they have arrived and on the right part to clinching power very soon.

They believe that if they carry out every assignment from their paymasters, especially ones their heart condemn but their brain conforms with, they will sooner than later reap higher position through the paymasters backing.

They malign and cajole opposition politicians/parties but condemn seriously anyone that writes anything negative on their principal or try to promote their own candidates or party.

They refuse to see anything wrong in the government they serve but strongly condemn same in other climes.

The eastern Imo state should be a case study for some of you but NO, you've been blinded by the peanuts you receive every month, you're not seeing the picture being painted when you do the exact thing you condemn in another state.

I weep for Nigeria.

I weep for my state, Anambra.

I weep for the future of our people in the hands of these young men should they by any chance smell power.

You see posts of people sharing images of how deplorable the street roads in Anambra has gotten, and pleading with government to intervene, instead of seeking to verify the posts, then taking a bold step to pass a message to the state government, what you get for sharing those posts is backlash from the many political appointees in Anambra.

Few weeks back, I was in Awka, visited my family and asked my younger brother to take me back to the hotel, the bad road around Works Road held a jeep so bad we left it their for a tow van to rescue the next day.

Yet, you dare not talk about it.

Sometimes, I wonder if on the appointment letters of these young men, the job description is to attack opposition or negative media.

Do you know what political oblivion is, that's what many of these youths will be in especially those that are brainless, Illiterates (without certificate of any sort) and without handwork. They will go raving hungry.

To avoid this, the first point to remember is that political appointments is for a short period.

Before now, if you told the son in law to the governor of Imo state he will not be the next governor, he will laugh you to scorn and tell you to join the bandwagon or be left behind, but you know what, he is sliding into political oblivion without knowing.

That is what you get when you openly dance to the tune of him that plays anything.

As you think you're smart, so does many. You may think others are not relevant today because you're appointed by the government of the day.

Everyday, the people are getting aware. They now understand the massive power behind the tool called social media. And they will not hesitate to use it when it is necessary.

The case of the former SSA and now a Fed House of Rep candidate, a youth of course, that went to exercise his powers by single handedly directing the Police to go and arrest a man out of their jurisdiction and on an ungodly hour, bring him to his house, beat him up, flog him and threatened to kill him and nothing will happen is another picture being painted of what will be of our people should the likes of those get into power.

This injustice was done in partnership with The Nigerian Police. Now according to the lawyer of a high chief that went to intervene, this arrest was illegal and without any court paper. What do you think will happen to the police officers that went for that arrest if they're identified and the young man that paid them to do so if the inspector general of police becomes aware of this illegal act?

So much as to what we will get should there be state police.

The one time I was opportune to interact with the said young man that exercised this power, I baffled at his ignorance and illiteracy.

I wonder who will speak for his people in the lower chamber of the house of rep should he find himself in that position.

Politics is no longer about who can do better but who needs to be settled for doing the most dirty jobs.

You can exercise the little powers you feel you have now but when it is time to reap from those excesses, be very ready to carry your cross as those that cheered you today will constitute the number that will condemn you tomorrow.

Finally, I want to remind you of who you truly are. Some of you are the bedrocks in your family. By this, I mean, no one knows who your father or mother or even uncle is in the main corridors of power. When you enter any big problem, no father/mother will make that call, please release my son, NO, it's rather you that is called when any issue arises and you have to BEG those you know to assist you. Remember, you only know them by virtue of your current appointment which can change anytime. You wouldn't want to be ignored by those you once gave your all to protect their interest when you tell them your problems.

Be careful.

Be wise.

May the casualty of men not fall on you.


Francis Nwokike
Social Commentor