The chain of events in Nigeria's political space has the propensity to warrant despair in the citizenry. This explicates the pessimistic attitude predominating the nation, crystal clear in the opinions aired by many Nigerians on diverse fora concerning the state of the nation. Some political analysts have gone on to pronounce misfortune on the country on the basis of the aberrant modus operandi that is obtainable therein. One of the arms of government has been repeatedly described as an assembly of den robbers--the legislature--due to its habit of abdicating its duties and trading its responsibilities for a pot of porridge. The latest occurence in the Anambra State House of Assembly validates the said and to an extent, the stride toward hopelessness.

Enshrined in our nation's constitution is the maximum period of eight years, which is equal to two terms, that a public officer holding any executive office is entitled to. This fact somewhat rationalizes the subtle moves made by Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano to secure his second-term mandate next year to govern Anambrarians for another four years. Anyone in his shoes, probably you too, wouldn't give throwing your hat in the ring once again a second thought. It is not unnatural for a deft politician of that pedigree and placing to seek the support of the legislative arm of government in the state. No man, even an acclaimed high-achieving public officer, is an island. Naturally, one would expect the state's legislature to painstakingly appraise the Obiano administration thus far, to ascertain whether it has actually risen to the occasion of delivering democratic dividends to the people in form of tangible developmental landmarks. The resulting response once again questions the integrity of law makers and their commitment to efficaciously representing the interests of their constituents.

Condition riddled with self-centredness given by some legislators of the Anambra House of Assembly to the governor, to add some gloss to their garage by providing them with "Toyota Prado Jeeps" for official mobility is redolent of avarice. Contending that since the governor pockets 1.2 billion naira as security vote (which may be true), their supposed ingenuous demand is appropriate. In as much as that logic seems to sound consistent, it reeks of fallacy! Does that mean it is okay to partake in stealing, when your neighbour steals? Another implication is that once the governor nods in approval, then he is good enough to lead again even if he performed below par. This portrays how irrationality ravages the legislature and how its members have substituted the well-being of people for theirs. The House of Representatives is currently delivering brand new 508 Peugeot automobiles to its 360 members in spite of present harsh national economic realities, after the senate did theirs earlier on this year. Is this the height of insensitivity? Be the judge.

Assimilating these facts could impel one to pitch his/her tent with the popular pessimistis. Proclaiming hope in the face of these aberrations is capable of making one resemble a simpleton. Frankly, we--the citizens--are part of this challenge, seen in our political nonchallance and assent to monetary politics devoid of looking out for better candidates that may not have the N2000 or bags of rice/salt to share to the electorate. As long as we remain concerned only about our family needs, behave like a subsistence agriculturist and pour insults on leaders at will in the absence of any decisive and remedial step, this status-quo could end up being entrenched. Since there are opportunities to rectify these political mistakes, suffice it to say there is hope for Nigeria's legislature as well the nation at large and this is far from anomalous.

Kaycee Naze,
Concerned Nigerian.