NASSISM?

NASS

It is actually Narcissism. An ancient Greek mythology is told of Narcissus, a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia was known for his beauty. Son of the river god Cephissus. Nemesis (a goddess herself) led Narcissus to a river where he fell in love with his own reflection thinking it was someone else. He eventually died staring at himself. Although other versions say he committed suicide because the image he saw wouldn't reciprocate his love. The story was so compelling that the word "narcissism" found its way into the English Language.

Izz nor a today something; it have tey!

Back in 2012, the then governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria made startling revelations about the nation's finances. Chief of which he declared that the National Assembly gulps about 25% of the nation's overhead expenses.
Boy was he called out! If the powers that held sway had their way like Heriodias, they would have demanded his head on a platter!

As a final year student in college, I and my friends - who were mostly undergraduate Law students at the time came together under the name "Team Aspire" to speak against this eyesore at major youth conferences that summer.
One of them told me: "MI, this country is missing the likes of Gani Fawehinmi". No truer words if you ask me.

The 8th Assembly

Fast forward to 2016. On the heels of a much criticized "mystified" NASS with its esoteric maneuvers, the leadership of the 8th Assembly promised an #OpenNASS. Cameras were to be allowed access to plenary sessions, live-tweeting, pro-social media (after much outcry) and a host of others. However, the Presidential Media Chat unwittingly revealed the true nature of the budget. The word "padding" resurrected (I believe it has always existed since 1999. Guess we won't be having such Media Chats any time soon. Just saying).

Public scrutiny began. Thanks to BudgIT (a civic-tech organization) who gave us the breakdown through creative infographics and reader-friendly presentations.
Now the Lower House, not willing to be left out of the action have gatecrashed the party. Its principal officers have been accused of "padding". Although these are still in the arena of allegations and accusations - we know enough from politics in this clime to state that "smoke" is the "John The Baptist" for "fire".

Service or Severance?

This reminds me of Nobel Laureate and renowned Economist, Paul Krugman and his "The Return of Depression Economics" classic. The handwriting on the wall is very lucid. Politics is now the most profitable business in town. Yes, we have sincere guys but also we have those fleecing us off our commonwealth! While the ECONOMY is TRAUMATIZED, POLITICS has been MONETIZED! This is why it's a "do or die" for some people. The budget that should stimulate growth in this wonderful economy seems to have been "allegedly" hijacked by persons with vested interests.

Padlocks

Like it isn't bad enough that most states aren't viable by themselves, some are reportedly diverting the bailout funds. Workers are being owed for months on end but the elected officers and their entourage are paid jumbo allowances as at when due. Not to mention Security Votes.
The last Budget Implementation Rate was less than 35%. Basic economics suggests that increased government spending positively stimulates the economy ceteris paribus.

Padding in its genuine meaning speaks of something that assauges, succours or alleviates a situation or a person. Not something that militates against.
Is it too much to ask the NASS to be people-centric and not self-serving? Is it too much?



Thanks for reading!
Have yourselves an inspired life!
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