Confusion reigning supreme in the political arena
It is unfortunate that this country which has just emerged from several decades of an unprecedented terrorist menace is presently being pushed into a state of confusion, tension and turmoil. While government parties persistently warn the public of a conspiracy, the opposition parties trivialize and dismiss them as a figment of government parties’ imagination. However, it is clear to discerning observers that a combination of forces are operating to exploit government weaknesses to enthrone their different designs and objectives.
Demands for jobs and higher wages are increasingly submitted; corruption at various levels in society is exposed; administrative weaknesses are highlighted; abuse of power and misuse of state resources are alleged on a daily basis; harassment of media personnel and attempts made to curb media freedom have become common features; questions about delays in settling IDPs are constantly being posed; spiraling cost of living continues to torment most people; political party favouritism and oligarchic tendencies are patently growing while principles of good governance are ignored. Most people suffered in silence and tolerated all these administrative weaknesses as they were satisfied with the progress the government was making in its campaign to crush terrorism. But now that the country has returned to a degree of normalcy, people have begun to express their long suppressed grievances. The government claims about a vibrant economy combined with the expansion and enhancement of perks and privileges to those at the helm of affairs have indisputably caused the aggravation of these demands and protests.
When they see how those possessing power and persons close to them are enjoying the good life and frittering away state funds on self-aggrandizement schemes while urging the public to remain patient, they inevitably are prompted to ask for what is due to them. The people are given a surfeit of elections – that cause them greater worry and concern - instead of relief and are asked to wait for better times after the government’s return to power.
In any event, it would not be easy for the government to quell the rising tide of public grievances. The annual budget from which the people expected relief has now been put off and a vote on account is to be presented instead. It is clear from the vast sums sought to be allocated to the office of the President that the government is poised to spend a large sum of money on propaganda in the forthcoming election campaigns. This expected spree of spending on unproductive activity further fuels public frustration and demands for relief.
The way to assuage the disappointed public, therefore, lies in an honest effort by the government to curtail all inessential expenses and suspension of self-projecting schemes and diverting saved funds to alleviate people’s suffering.
Demands for jobs and higher wages are increasingly submitted; corruption at various levels in society is exposed; administrative weaknesses are highlighted; abuse of power and misuse of state resources are alleged on a daily basis; harassment of media personnel and attempts made to curb media freedom have become common features; questions about delays in settling IDPs are constantly being posed; spiraling cost of living continues to torment most people; political party favouritism and oligarchic tendencies are patently growing while principles of good governance are ignored. Most people suffered in silence and tolerated all these administrative weaknesses as they were satisfied with the progress the government was making in its campaign to crush terrorism. But now that the country has returned to a degree of normalcy, people have begun to express their long suppressed grievances. The government claims about a vibrant economy combined with the expansion and enhancement of perks and privileges to those at the helm of affairs have indisputably caused the aggravation of these demands and protests.
When they see how those possessing power and persons close to them are enjoying the good life and frittering away state funds on self-aggrandizement schemes while urging the public to remain patient, they inevitably are prompted to ask for what is due to them. The people are given a surfeit of elections – that cause them greater worry and concern - instead of relief and are asked to wait for better times after the government’s return to power.
In any event, it would not be easy for the government to quell the rising tide of public grievances. The annual budget from which the people expected relief has now been put off and a vote on account is to be presented instead. It is clear from the vast sums sought to be allocated to the office of the President that the government is poised to spend a large sum of money on propaganda in the forthcoming election campaigns. This expected spree of spending on unproductive activity further fuels public frustration and demands for relief.
The way to assuage the disappointed public, therefore, lies in an honest effort by the government to curtail all inessential expenses and suspension of self-projecting schemes and diverting saved funds to alleviate people’s suffering.
