It is believed that any society designs its own rules of engagement.They choose by will to play by those set of rules.This is what law chaps call constitution.Methinks these rules are relative to the aspirations and orientations of each society.They "reflect" what they think and do.It is thus an image of them.But I think some issues are not captured in this school of thought.And that is where I question the sanctity of this legalistic path we've taken.For avoidance of doubt - get it clear - I don't oppose the existence of laws.Laws define the way man interacts with himself and his environment.
My path leads me to the streets and the market stalls.Real world is found in these places.In these places you see all types of talents and gifts.A huge chunk of humanity is found in these places.Men and women with visions are found here.This begs the questions - what plans do we have for these people?How can we integrate them with the rest of humanity?Who is supposed to do all these?Are their demands so complicated as to necessitate complicated ways of dealing with them?If they are complicated how can we "un-complicate" them?....I thinks these questions ought to be answered by the so called professionals and leaders.And you don't just give empty answers,you make the answers work.This is the secret!
Mr Governor I believe you are capable of tackling these issues.If that wasn't the case I wouldn't have penned this note to you.Please keep it close to your heart. These are the aspirations of the common man and woman you see everyday you peep through your glass window.Their "cries" are as follows : First is the issue of taxes and levies.They ask this question,"does the economy grow by taxing a mango vendor in the street more?...What moral authority does a council 'levy officer' have to warrant confiscating a hawker's produce because of his inability to raise the council levies?...On this their demand is simple;rationalize taxation policies.Let your policies be people-friendly.Don't allow the urge of raising more revenue override the aspirations of the people.
Secondly,Mr Governor no development happens in the vacuum.Development is a manifestation of the works and actions of the masses.But these actions are pegged on the availability of relevant information.Therefore,Mr Governor,this is what the people want from you; open centers of information and make them accessible to the tiniest creature in your kingdom.
Thirdly,you know what?When your people are happier you don't expect them to die prematurely.So this begs the question- how prepared are you to take care of this group of people.Will they be cursed for living longer and refusing to die?Of course not!All eyes and mouths will turn on you!So be ready!
Fourth,Mr Governor it is incumbent to note that your people are not in need of "big things".They miss the "small but essential ones".They don't ask you to come and build a world-class university in their village(but if you are capable,don't shy off from building it).What they ask you to do is to build a mixed day secondary to absorb their sons and daughters.Will this take much of your time?I hope not!
Fifth,they say their youths are "blind".They are blind not because they are incapacitated to see.Because they swim in a sea of opportunities but still don't see them.So this is what they are saying,"Show these youths 'light!'.Energize them to realize their capability.Even if it means caning them,feel free,do that,provided they are destined to the land of milk and honey"....
Regards,
THE PEOPLES' VOICE.
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