Section D: Remodeling of Political Culture
The siren-blaring cars conveying several political office holders has become a largely oppressive act in Nigeria. Ask a regular politician something he/she finds most ‘inspiring’ about political power and you’ll be amazed that one honest response includes being driven around with sirens and security men; a culture that massages their egos, confers the feeling of being above the law and satisfies their urge for conquering their ‘subjects’. Why should citizens over whom you rule feel terrorized by you? Naked display of absolute power, even in a democracy!
In the full glare of their principals, most convoy drivers and the security personnel attached to Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Senators, House of Representative members etc. have caused other road-users untold hardship such as unwarranted road traffic accidents, sustained panic & trepidations, intentional damage to fellow road-users’ vehicles, infliction of bodily injuries on drivers considered as disobedient to sirens and so forth. For short, several highly placed political office holders who are supposed to hold their respective positions in trust for the people have instead, through the tyrannical misuse of sirens & security men on the roads as “Very Important Persons (VIPs)”, conducted themselves as insensitive and reckless occupiers of public leadership positions. This domineering political culture has also fueled impunity, more than dignity and statesmanship, among Nigeria’s political class.
Therefore, what would be your recommendation for Nigeria’s next President regarding the ‘convoy’ culture that is being regrettably abused and irresponsibly deployed by political office holders at all levels of government every minute?
a. An outright ban on the use of siren among all categories of political office holders.
b. There is nothing wrong in that. As a matter of fact, I pray for such political opportunity to be driven around with sirens & security escorts one day, not minding who feels oppressed.
c. Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all government users of motorcades, regular training of their drivers & security attaché and establishment of a Special court in each State where citizens can submit complaints (with evidence) for guilty convoy officials to be punished.
Dr. Adetolu Ademujimi is a Medical Doctor, Author, Reformer, Coach, Public Policy expert and social entrepreneur, who wrote in from Akure in Nigeria. Email: ademujimi@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @toluademujimi; Instagram: @adetoluademujimi; Linkedin: @adetolu ademujimi
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