The Gap Between Leadership and the Common Man
Growing up, I believe the government is for everybody, all my thought was that leaders are elected to serve the people but I am wrong with this assumption, our leaders are serving themselves and this makes it difficult for the poor people in the country, it now feels like our government exists more for the rich than for the poor and average people in the country.
I remember a time when fuel subsidy was removed, the explanation was that the money would be used to develop the country, that decision affected many of us because transport became expensive, food sellers increased their prices because transportation costs rose. My daily expenses doubled but my income remained the same meanwhile, big companies were still making profits and politicians continued living comfortably.
Sometimes it feels like we are the ones paying for every government mistake, when inflation rises, it is the poor that suffer, the rich still eat well, drive good cars, and travel abroad, they have savings and connections but people like me only have hope and hope does not pay bills.
Another painful thing is watching government putting much pressure on small businesses, I believe the new tax policy is of no good to any small business owners in the country, i know people who run small shops and salons, They borrow money with high interest rates and still get no support but the rate at which government officials storms their shops for tax is so alarming.
Corruption also plays a big role, we hear about money meant for roads, hospitals, and schools that disappears, projects are abandoned, there is a road leads to my house has been abandoned for years and yet nothing has been done about it, most of our hospitals lack equipment, if that money was used well, life would be easier for millions. Instead, a few people grow richer while the majority remain poor.
Sometimes I ask if the government even understands how the citizens live, do they know what it means to choose between food and transport? Do they know how it feels to work hard and still not afford basic needs? Many leaders live far from these realities, they make decisions from comfort, not from experience.
There are days I feel tired because I work hard, plan carefully, and still feel stuck, I see young graduates roaming the streets without jobs, I see parents skipping meals so their children can eat, all these should not be happening, A country should not be this hard on its people. Leadership should reduce pain, not increase it.
I believe all hope is not lost because my country is full of hardworking people and what we need is leadership that truly cares. Government should focus more on small businesses, healthcare, education, and affordable living. These are the things that touch real lives.
A government should not be for the rich alone, It should protect the weak and give everyone a fair chance, until our leaders remember this, the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow and the pain of the common Nigerian will remain unseen.
This is my response to this episode of Hivelearners community prompt of #hl-w202e02 which the topic is tagged GOVERNMENT OF THE RICH
