Shame unto the government -By Alexander Ezike

It may be controversial to say – That when a child in Africa dies of hunger and starvation, they say –‘’its witchcraft’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When our daughters and potential wives in Africa, venture into prostitution to put food on the table, they say –‘’it’s a profession’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When our sons and future husbands in Africa, indulge in crimes and unlawful activities to make ends meet, they say –‘’it’s a game of survival’’ but I say shame unto the government.

When perpetual darkness and epileptic power becomes an unsolvable problem in most countries in Africa for centuries, they say – ‘’use a generator’’ but I say –shame unto the government. When substandard roads and death traps becomes a symbol of our inheritance in Africa, they say –‘’drive carefully’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When political positions or seats of authority in Africa, are abused at the detriment of humanity for personal glory, they say –‘’it’s the tradition’’ but I say – shame unto the government.

When public funds are being embezzled or stolen by African leaders, and are been transferred to foreign banks at the expense of the masses and the economy, they say – ‘’it’s their right’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When our sons and daughters choose to run away from Africa, in a desperate bid to avoid economic tensions, anarchy, hardship, poverty, chaos, religious riots, and political instability. They say –‘’Africa will be better’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When power is being recycled or tossed around like a Frisbee, from one corrupt leader to another, they say ‘’its politics’’ but I say – shame unto the government.

When the citizens of Africa, for so long are deprived the basic amenities which would improve their lives and transform the health of the African economy. They say – ‘’A change will come’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When religious war and ethnic conflict becomes a culture in Africa, which has led to summary execution of peace and harmony in the land. They say ‘’prayer is the key’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When the security of lives and properties in Africa, becomes highly neglected and compromised subsequently creating an unpleasant atmosphere for atrocities and unjust practices. They say –‘’God will protect, but I say – shame unto the government.

When terrorism becomes the only effective means to achieve electoral victories in Africa, on the altar of politics, at the detriment of innocent lives. They say – ‘’bad things happen to good people’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When African leaders, convert public funds into personal wealth by storing treasures or saving billions of dollars for their unborn generation, decorating the land with hunger, poverty and hardship. They say –‘’Charity begins at home’’ but I say – shame unto the government.

When African graduates are left unemployed for so many years with no alternative means of survival making them a liability to their parents and family members. They say –‘’nothing good comes easy’’ but I say – shame unto the government. When African leaders who lack the managerial skills and intellectual faculty to govern a region, a state or a country, are given the mandate of leadership. They say –‘’it’s the will of God’’ but I say – shame unto the government.
The political leaders in Africa have been to developed nations in Europe and America; they have seen the wondrous beauty of the western world and the dividends of democracy.

So why have they refused to imitate these attributes by giving Africans their right to quality life? What logical excuse can these leaders render for their perpetual failures and poisonous leadership? When political positions and seats of authority are no longer considered as seats of services to humanity rather as business ventures, lucrative enterprise, potential goldmine and a massive opportunity to amass wealth at the detriment of the people, then it is safe to say that – Politics is dead.

Alexander Ezike is a Writer.