Like religion, I consider public service as a sacred trust.
All those who go into it must do so with a mission to serve the public good, with
the fear of God.
But, looking at our polity, I find this notion misplaced. I will be disappointed not to find legislators, in the opening days of the eighth National Assembly, engage themselves with discussions bordering on salaries and fat allowances, plus brickbats on the choice of juicy committee chairmanship and membership. Ex-governors now seek refuge in the Senate jostling for top posts. All this after earning jumbo gratuities and pensions, a big drain on states’ treasuries. Many others end up as ministers riding limousines in excess of N200m. Plus pecks of offices that are mind-boggling and enough to choke someone.
But, looking at our polity, I find this notion misplaced. I will be disappointed not to find legislators, in the opening days of the eighth National Assembly, engage themselves with discussions bordering on salaries and fat allowances, plus brickbats on the choice of juicy committee chairmanship and membership. Ex-governors now seek refuge in the Senate jostling for top posts. All this after earning jumbo gratuities and pensions, a big drain on states’ treasuries. Many others end up as ministers riding limousines in excess of N200m. Plus pecks of offices that are mind-boggling and enough to choke someone.
Public service is like a game of lottery, where the windfall
is unearned; a game of chance!
Chief Imam Taofeek Sanni,
Trade Fair Complex Central Mosque,
Lagos State,
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