By Prince Omokhodion Okojie
Nigeria stands today at a critical crossroad, where the cries of her citizens are drowned by the deafening drums of political self-interest. The gap between government priorities and the people’s realities has never been wider.
Across the nation, families struggle to afford basic necessities—food, fuel, transportation, and school fees—yet the ruling elite remains engrossed in a pursuit of personal comfort and the politics of 2027. This growing insensitivity is not just an economic issue; it’s an emotional and psychological tragedy with far-reaching consequences for national unity and stability.
The Stark Contrast: When Comfort Becomes a Political Culture
In recent months, the headlines have been disturbing. While inflation continues to soar and unemployment cripples the average Nigerian, the government is reportedly considering an upward review of salaries and allowances for political office holders. At the same time, billions of naira are being allocated to the purchase of brand-new luxury vehicles and renovations of official residences—all in the name of governance.
But governance for whom?
Certainly not for the market woman who now sells her goods in tears because customers can no longer afford to buy. Certainly not for the civil servant who spends half of his salary on transportation. Certainly not for the young graduate whose dreams have been delayed, if not destroyed, by an economy that offers no hope.
The 2027 Syndrome
What makes this scenario even more alarming is the subtle but deliberate preparation for the 2027 elections. Every major project approved, every policy being pushed, and every financial maneuver appears to have a political undertone—building war chests rather than building schools, hoarding resources rather than creating opportunities. It’s no longer about the social contract between leaders and citizens; it’s about consolidating power and protecting personal interests.
This approach turns governance into a game of survival for politicians, while the masses are left to survive on their own. This is the death of empathy in leadership.
The Psychological Effect on the Masses
You cannot starve a people physically without starving them emotionally. Nigerians are not only suffering economically; they are breaking psychologically:
Hopelessness: When citizens perceive that leaders have no concern for their plight, it kills hope. And a hopeless nation is a dangerous one because hopelessness breeds desperation.
Anger and Resentment: People watch the flamboyance of politicians on TV while their children cry of hunger. This contrast deepens bitterness and resentment toward the ruling class.
Loss of Trust in Government: The most dangerous deficit in a democracy is not budgetary—it is trust. When trust is broken, no amount of rhetoric can repair it.
Migration and Brain Drain: When people feel abandoned, the next instinct is escape. The Japa syndrome is not just about greener pastures; it’s about fleeing from a government that doesn’t care.
Why This Insensitivity is Dangerous
History teaches that revolutions are born when suffering meets arrogance. A government that ignores the emotional pulse of its citizens is sitting on a ticking time bomb. Even the most loyal followers will eventually revolt when pushed to the wall.
The Moral Responsibility of Leaders
Leadership is not about comfort; it is about sacrifice. True leaders cut their pleasures to reduce their people’s pains. Imagine what would happen if lawmakers voluntarily slashed their salaries by half and invested the difference in community projects. Imagine governors foregoing luxury convoys for modest vehicles and using the savings to subsidize food or transportation. These symbolic gestures could restore confidence and ignite hope in millions of hearts.
But unfortunately, the current reality is the opposite. While the citizens are tightening belts, the leaders are loosening theirs for more extravagance. This is not governance; this is gluttony in power.
What Should the People Do?
Nigerians must keep speaking, but not just on social media. They must demand accountability through organized, peaceful advocacy. Civil societies, churches, and community groups must amplify their voices. Silence in the face of oppression is an endorsement of oppression.
At the same time, citizens must guard their hearts against hatred and violence. The system thrives when the people are broken; therefore, do not lose your mental stability. Stay informed, stay united, and prepare to use your power responsibly when the time comes.
A Final Plea to the Political Class
Dear leaders, pause and look out the window—not from the tinted glass of your SUVs but from the streets where the real Nigeria breathes. Listen to the cry of the mother who cannot feed her children. Hear the sigh of the young man whose dreams are wasting away. Feel the frustration of the father who cannot pay rent.
Your power is not eternal; neither is your immunity. When history writes its verdict, it will not be the size of your convoy that matters but the size of your compassion. Let empathy return to governance before it’s too late.