By John Mayaki
As Edo citizens eagerly prepare their curriculum vitae in hopes of securing appointments in the Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration, including cabinet posts, board appointments, commissions, agencies, special advisers, senior special assistants, and special assistants, it is important to understand that not everyone who actively participated during the electioneering campaigns will have the opportunity to serve in the administration.
This point must be so that some of us, including myself, can redirect our energies towards our professional careers and businesses, rather than exerting unnecessary pressure on the governor and those in positions of power. It is also important so as to address the tensions and resentment that have arisen among party members and leaders in the state, senatorial districts and local governments due to the desperation for appointments.
I can remember someone serving in ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki’s PDP-led government taunting me, and suggesting that the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had disregarded me in his appointment of media aides, despite my commitment and support during and after the campaigns. It is worth appreciating the unsolicited advocacy and recognition of my patriotism and support for Mr. President. However, it is important to understand that not everyone will be appointed, and no one should feel entitled. The most important thing is to continue to support the President to ensure his success. This is the same courtesy I expect we should extend towards Governor Monday Okpebholo.
We must shift our focus from personal gains to the bigger picture of serving our state and the ability to thrive outside of government positions matters a lot. I have decided to call on everyone on the waiting list to see opportunities in agriculture, to avoid an endless wait for appointment that may never come.
We must all understand that the true motivation behind serving our state should be for its betterment and the pursuit of a better society and as such, seeking personal benefits from government appointments defeats the principles that should drive public service. True commitment lies in working for the betterment of the nation, and our state, regardless of one’s position within or outside the government.
Are we saying we do not know that not everyone can be appointed by the Governor? Do we not understand that there are limited positions available, and individuals may choose to support the administration from outside positions? Should our approach to service not be driven by principles rather than the expectation of personal favors? Do we pretend to know that supporting the government’s initiatives, politics and programs from alternative means is equally valuable to the success of the administration?
We must also acknowledge that personal support, sacrifices, and efforts made to support previous and current administrations, such as raising funds and organizing events, should be altruistic and not driven by the expectation of favors from the party or government. Such actions tells of our dedication to the party and the country. For me, personal success and achievements can be realized outside the confines of government positions and as such, Edo people and party members need to understand that working for the party and securing electoral victories does not guarantee automatic government appointments. It doesn’t.
It is very important for us, as citizens to have alternative means of livelihood than relying solely on politics. Relying solely on government positions for sustenance can lead to disappointment and hinder personal growth but pursuing diverse career paths and avenues for success ensures self-reliance and independence. The undue pressure on the government must cease, if we want government to deliver on its promises.
A thought-provoking question I have always posed is: Can we not survive without government? This question challenges the notion that government positions are the sole pathway to success – they are not. I have seen several persons who have been making fortunes outside government and they are flourishing.
I think we can rechannel our energy to areas such as agriculture or other IT and digital skills, exploring entrepreneurship, and seizing other opportunities, so that we can survive and thrive outside the realm of government.
And for those expecting miracles from their senators and house of representatives, let us reduce the pressure on elected government officials, as undue pressure can lead them to resort to corrupt means to meet political and societal demands. No society can grow this way, none.
I encourage us therefore to be more dedicated to our state and nation; to be more principled, and focussed on personal achievements outside of government positions because survival and success are not solely dependent on government support. When we are self-reliant, we would be less disappointed when leaders don’t meet our needs but we owe it a duty to be patriotic about our state and nation. It is about what we can do for our state and not always how we can milk our state. Let us go farming!
