Is this why we steal?
They say survival instinct is strongest in man. Trust me this is true. It’s difficult to relate to this statement when you are typing from a grade one mobile phone, driving in your own car and don't ...have to worry about where the next meal will come from. When the word "poverty" is echoed, the best you can conjure is the idea of lack. This explains why most leaders can't relate to the suffering of the masses.
Some few months ago, I was in the Government House of one of the Oil producing states in Nigeria. It was a meeting of the principal officers of that state. For two hours that I was in the State House, their cars were on standby. These were SUVs that gulp down fuels like a thirsty laborer whose scalp is being beaten by the scotching afternoon sun. They commute from AC to AC. It is easy to call this a sell out but this behavior is pervasive. It is damn right wicked when you consider it but guess what? You'd most assuredly do the same. Selfishness is a natural law of justice.
I was in a Danfo bus this afternoon (the first time in more than 18 months). I know people who have never boarded one before. I had dropped my car with a painter to fix some dents on it. It was one miserable journey having to wait under the sun. It was reality check for me that there are people who have no choice than to wait under the sun every day to get a bus. Some commute from very far places on a daily basis just to get to work.
Today, I learnt the fundamental reason why our leaders are desperate. It is clear to me why they will do anything to retain their rights and privileges. Now, I know why at the cost of development, they will stash away millions they will never live to spend. It is the inordinate fear of lack. Once you get a chance to taste some comfort, it becomes difficult to want to endure anything short of your new status. The reason our leaders are disconnected from reality is premised on this understanding. The human mind is quick to forget. Knowing this and reminding oneself of our frailties should help remain in touch with the struggles of the people.
Image Credit: Google
Sigh. Then they are also still in poverty. It is quite sad the apparent waste in the midst of such lack. But you are right, "the human mind is quick to forget". I hope i never do. Not even for survival.
ReplyDeleteI like it when a clear genuine message is sent across. Mental poverty meets Physical poverty I must say. The leaders are definitely sick in the head. I wonder if they consider how much change and impact can be created with as little as 20% of what they steal. I wonder if they see beyond their noses and perhaps observe what obtains in more advanced economies. There is so much good that can be done to humanity than what obtains down there. Like you said, the human mind is quick to forget, I hope my mind never forgets to leave a long lasting impact on humanity. I hope so!
ReplyDelete