2015 is almost here and Nigeria’s leaders have abandoned their positions and taken up wrestling, sparring (physical and verbal), and every other thing but what they were elected to do. The media is awash with accusations and counter accusations, rejoinders, and press releases. There is the infamous Jonathan vs Amaechi saga that is consuming everything in its wake, assuming new dimensions with the ruckus in the Rivers State House of Assembly. How can 5 out of 32 members even attempt to impeach a sitting speaker?
Apart from the property in the Chambers being destroyed, there are House members in hospital, a reflection of the murky waters our politicians are wading in.
About a month ago, we witnessed the crisis that happened during one of the meetings of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum where an election was held. Governor Jonah Jang who was said to have had 16 votes has refused to accept Amaechi, who had 19 votes, as the elected chairman. The two factions have been having separate meetings and won’t come to terms with each other, preferring to trade words in the media.
All these current happenings have diverted our attention from the real thing. Rather than being fed fat on the dividends of democracy, we have been forced (for this is definitely against our will) to watch this reality show that neither amuses nor inspires. Elected officials need to remember that over two years ago, we voted them into power on the back of promises to bring good governance during their various campaigns. They promised to deliver in the areas of education, infrastructure, health, security and alleviate the suffering of the masses. Those promises should not count for nothing.
The common man on the street is groaning under the weight of the myriad of troubles survival in Nigeria is becoming. While developed countries work assiduously to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) we don’t seem to be making any meaningful progress.
Goal 5 of the MDGs for instance states that we need to improve maternal health. Precisely, the goals are classed into:
- Target 5.A. Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio
- Target 5.B. Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health
According to President Jonathan, his government is committed to attaining the MDGs in 2015 but going by the dilapidated state of our health system especially primary health care, it is safe to say that there has not being an appreciable decrease in the maternal mortality rate. Contrary to the 350 per 100,000 quoted by the President, a UK Minister of the UK’s International Development, Ms. Lynne Featherstone said in Abuja in May at a media briefing as part of her schedule to review the progress of the Department for International Development (DFID) said that Nigeria accounts for 10 percent of global maternal mortality rate. She also lamented that over 80 percent of our women in the North cannot read.
It is barely two years (628 days to be precise) to the end of the expected fulfillment of the MDGs but we are actually far from reality. We especially don’t need to quote figures if they are not true.
Leading up to 2015, public office holders need to listen to us, pay attention to our yearnings, and focus on the reason they were elected to represent us.
This article was written for Ynaija Countdown to 2015 Elections: http://ynaija.com/politico/of-mortal-combatants-mdgs-and-the-2015-elections/
No comments:
Post a Comment