By Dr Akeredolu Oluwafemi
Nowhere in the world do tenants dictate to landlords when and how to use their properties. The government is justified if its structures are poorly maintained by civil servants and sees the necessity for renovation. However, allowing the occupants (whom the NLC claims to be civil servants) a period of between six months to a year to relocate to other apartments of their choice would benefit both parties involved.
Growing up in Nigeria, my awareness of the political landscape has been shaped by numerous experiences. I recall the story of Mr Tai Solarin, a former veteran of the Second World War who later became an educationist and founded Mayflower School in Ikenne, which produced world changers like Pastor W.F. Kumuyi. He wanted to be remembered as someone who lived for the poor and became a major voice against various government policies deemed anti-poor in his time. Eventually, General Ibrahim Babangida, then President, listened to this atheist and asked Mr Tai Solarin what could be done to improve the lives of the poor.
Prepared and eager for an opportunity to change the fortunes of the downtrodden, Mr Tai Solarin demanded something significant from the military dictator, who was referred to as Maradona by Nigerian journalists. To the surprise of this great teacher, General Babangida agreed to his proposal for the formation of a nationwide bank, called The People’s Bank, with the sole aim of providing soft loans to indigent people. The proponent of this brilliant idea was appointed as the Chairman/Managing Director of the newly formed federal bank. Millions of naira were allocated for the execution of the outlined agendas, and the head of state, General Babangida, had no doubts about the integrity of this socialist and passionate Nigerian.
On the part of the new MD, who was wholeheartedly pro-masses, having been given a golden opportunity to improve the lives of the people, he began the judicious and people-oriented distribution of the soft loans. Naturally, Nigerians, who often prefer free and cheap options, eagerly accepted the loans; that was not the problem. However, targeting the downtrodden without emphasising collateral created loopholes that allowed many so-called poor individuals to abscond without repaying the borrowed money. After a few years, the pro-people’s bank’s MD, the originator of the idea, found himself in hot water—not because he embezzled the money, but because his poor clients failed to return the funds, subsequently draining the capital base of the government’s bank.
Familiar with what might happen, General Babangida seized the opportunity to exact his pound of flesh from the erstwhile critic of the government, who had failed woefully in a national assignment. Mr Tai Solarin was invited to meet with the head of the junta government, and stewardship of the new federal agency was requested from him. He was sweating profusely despite the best air conditioning in the country’s number one office. In summary, he was pardoned, but he did not criticise government policies again until he eventually bid farewell to this world.
Now, let us return to Ondo State, where there is a recent uproar between the government of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the NLC, the association representing civil servants, over the notice of eviction from dilapidated buildings owned by the state government that have been rented out to poor civil servants. While the organisation threatened dire consequences against the government, it never addressed whether it is appropriate for government properties to be poorly maintained by our people—an attitude that has led to the collapse of many federal government agencies and companies: the “I don’t care” mentality.
Undoubtedly, the Alagbaka area is a focal point in Akure and all of Ondo State. Securing an apartment here is a dream for the average Ondo State indigene, providing a sense of elevated social status, at least for those who share the streets with the area’s power brokers.
I have no issue with the NLC advocating for its members; however, I believe that these so-called poor individuals have failed miserably in preventing the degradation of public properties entrusted to them. Therefore, the rare privilege of paying minimal rent while residing in a desirable area of the state should be forfeited by these careless individuals. I think a noble organisation like the NLC should be disheartened to see public properties in such pitiable condition. When are we going to be wise as a country? When will we take responsibility as individuals and see our national or state assets as something to be protected? Do we think that poor individuals who fail to maintain government properties while using them, allowing them to fall into disrepair, deserve our sympathy now? Would any of the NLC leaders be pleased to have their properties treated in such a manner?
I am pro-masses in every sense, but the government is right in this instance. However, allowing affected individuals a period of six months to a year to find alternative accommodation would be appreciated. Our people must be responsible in both word and action; enough of this carefree attitude.
Dr Akeredolu Oluwafemi, is a medical doctor, surgeon, and resident of Ondo State. He currently serves as a member of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board.
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