By Helen Ovbiagele

I can’t say that I was very surprised by our readers’ views on this topic, given the sort of shenanigans that go on in the world of politics in Nigeria, but the hopelessness in their mail saddens one. It’s like some people believe that politicians and rulers in this country will never put citizens first, and there isn’t much to be expected of them come 2015, or at any other time. That complete lack of trust is a great pity, isn’t it?     .

Now, hope is very vital to the human life and welfare, because it upholds you to a certain extent, and assures you that there’s a silver lining in your situation.

If in a democratic setting like ours, we have no confidence that politicians will do the right thing by us and give us people-centred governance and laws, we have cause to be anxious about the future. I hope our rulers and politicians are aware that they were voted into power to do positive things which would uplift the people, and not to engage in selfish and self-centred decisions and projects. It seems people are fed-up with these.

“Dear Mrs. Ovbiagele, whatever our politicians do about reducing the number of the political parties in the country, don’t expect anything great from any of them come 2015. You would be disappointed if you do. Usually, most of those who find themselves in positions of power, spend their term in office, lining their pockets with public funds and bogus contracts, and also plotting their come-back in one form or the other.

Very few of them actually have the burning intention to do things which would uplift our lives .. Even these ones are likely to abandon that aim when they find their mates uplifting their own lives with money they haven’t earned. We have to invite a higher power to change the hearts of politicians in this country. Thanks. – Paul S, Ibadan.”

“Madam, we do have bright people in politics here, both men and women, but they lack the drive and consistency to lead the nation in a progressive way. They know all about good governance and laws that would enhance a better life for the people, but when they’re elected/appointed into power, they forget their election promises fast, and at the end of the day, they can’t point to any concrete thing they’ve done to improve our lives.

I’m beginning to doubt if democracy, especially the presidential mode of governance, is ideal for us. Do we have the discipline and the money to sustain it? I think there should be a referendum on the type of governance that our people really want. I prefer the parliamentary one, personally. It’s less expensive with fewer hangers-on. – Susan Ade, Lagos.”

“Aunty Helen, good day. With regards to ‘Getting the right focus 2015’, all the major political parties in the country, whatever names they go by, are all the same, that is, ‘Chop and Clean Mouth’. – Celeste, rnnse.”

“Madam, it is good that some of our political parties are merging to form what they call a mega party, but I suggest that they should have a good re-think about the parties involved. Bringing in just about any party just for the purpose of number, to confront a larger party, may end up in fiasco because of their own very different personalities. There would be much in-fighting as they try to wrest leadership from one another; arguing about who’s more important and effective in the group, and who should be

. listened to. Thuggery in politics will then escalate, and the country will be worse off for it. If they know that they can’t be under the.same conducive umbrella, let them remain as they are, and field credible candidates and see the results. – Nonso, Abakaliki. “

“Sister Helen, I agree with you that irrespective of size/positions of political parties in the country, the focus should be on the welfare of citizens. I’m sorry, but I’ve lost hope that the current crop of politicians who are able to get into power, will turn the situation in the country around for good changes.

My impression is that they’re there to make money for themselves. Wasn’t there news some time ago that they wanted to be on pension? Pension as parliamentarians? And for ajob that is not meant to be full-time means of livelihood? Instead of fighting for better welfare and regular payment of pensions to those who served the nation for decades, they want financial security for themselves after a four-year stint. Recently, I read somewhere that they want immunity for themselves! Thank

God that the Senate boldly rejected that. That’s the sort of people we have; who are making lifechanging laws for us! It’s a pity that those who can really rule effectively, don’t have the financial means to contest and win elections in this country. – Uyi, Benin City.”

“Whichever paIiy our politicians end up in, they will exhibit their usual nature, which is ‘self only’.

Personally, I don’t think that we the masses will benefit from the rule of any particular political party in this country, whatever their size, the way politicians are at present. They need to clean up their act, and perform creditably well in order to earn our respect and confidence. I suspect that this mega party thing is all about power for themselves, not out of concern for us the populace. Does the chameleon change its colour? – Yemi, Ilorin. “     .

“Forming a coalition government is a lot better than several parties who have been strangers in the past, coming together to form a mega party for elections. Which party leader would want to submit to another leader at a crucial time like that? After the elections, if your party performed well, but can’t form a government, then you can team up with another for that purpose.

That’s more clear-cut. Yes, I agree with you, madam, that having over forty political parties in the country does seem unserious. There shouldn’t be more than five or six, and each should have a people-centred manifesto. – Simon, Warri. “

We thank all those who wrote in, but can only publish these few.