“Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and twentieth year of Artaxerxes the King, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver, yea, even their servants bare rule over the people; but so did not I because of the fear of God… Now that which was prepared for me daily was an ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because of the bondage was heavy upon this people. Think upon me my God for good according to all that I have done for this people’’ –Nehemiah 5: 14 – 19, KJV.
The above scripture is very instructive and it is a clear and direct message to our Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo. At this time when the nation is passing through a period of economic recession that is almost dovetailing into a depression, if not for the grace of God; many things in terms of allowances/perks of office may be lawful for him but they may not be expedient politically and economically for now. This is the time when His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and his top aides need to demonstrate good leadership style by example as it was stated in the above scripture, regarding Nehemiah – the governor of Judah.
And so, in tandem with economic-downturn that is prevailing in the land, the acting president and his aides may need to emulate the leadership style of Nehemiah – the governor of Judah by cutting down drastically on some of their allowances and certain perks of their offices that have been on ground or even statutory for years. This may be in line with spirit of economic recession. Whatever money that may be saved from this self-imposed austerity measures on the part of our leaders can, therefore, be ploughed into funding policies that have direct bearing in improving the standards of living of the general populace.
The only allowances that may be exempted from this drastic reduction across the board is the Security Vote because of its unique importance to maintenance of National Security and protection of the acting president and his family.
When the acting president takes this recommended step, he should encourage his own aides to follow suit. Those that are directly under the office of his principal may be exempted for now until the president comes back. And when the president sees the wisdom in this exercise, he too may key himself and his staff into it.
Similarly, before the return of Mr. President, the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) and Judiciary may like to emulate this leadership by good example that the acting president may be spearheading. In a period of economic recession, the leadership of NASS should not continue doing business as usual as regards the contentious budgeting system of our Legislative Arm of Government. If the acting president shows the way and he is leading by personal examples through diligent budgetary expenditures and personal sacrifices, the NASS leadership, the Judiciary and the top cadres of the Civil Service may have no option than to follow suit. By so doing, frivolous expenditure will be curtailed and ostentatious living and display of opulent wealth in the face of abject poverty will be minimised. The money so saved through such self-discipline in expenditure on the part of our leaders can, therefore, be used to reduce the incidence of abject poverty in the land. And the LORD will bless the leadership of the nation for this due consideration to their fellow Nigerians, who are the downtrodden masses.
When the needs of the masses are taking care of, there will be drastic reduction in crime thus leading to a less budgetary expenditure in fighting crimes and terrorism, which are directly related to poverty. Besides, our leaders and the rich amidst us will spend less in buying bullet-proof vehicles and building maximum-security prisons for themselves in the name of securing their lives, their properties and those of their loved ones. Some are even living in constant fears that they find it difficult to mingle and attend social gatherings outside their self-imposed maximum security houses/prisons.
As a matter of fact, when God’s laws are obeyed, as to how we should be treating the needy in our midst, it is for our own good and safety. God will owe no man for taking good care of the poor on His behalf since He is the Creator of both the rich and poor alike. God may decide to repay anyone that lends or takes care of the material needs of the poor in cash and in kind through good health, long life and protection. For sure, having pity on the poor in our families/friends circles, environments, places of worship and even on the streets (as we may be guided and within the limits of our resources) may be the secret to accelerate the answer to our prayers. “He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” –Proverbs 19:17, KJV.
This particular article serves as a follow up to the one preceding it, titled: Setting an achievable agenda for the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, while his principal still tarries in London.
•Gbemiga Olakunle, JP, is
General Secretary, National Prayer Movement.
He wrote from Abuja.
Flipside by Eric Osagie returns next week