On the subject of good people entering Govt & becoming everything they railed against, I've been here long enough to distill 4 outcomes.
1. They enter & get lost in the labyrinth of the system.
2. They become everything they railed against.
3. They actually make a difference.
1. They enter & get lost in the labyrinth of the system.
2. They become everything they railed against.
3. They actually make a difference.
4. They are exposed to things as they are. They try to influence change but the system & its players yinmu them until they're frustrated & either succumb to the system or walk away when they can't make head way or their conscience will not permit a compromise.
Idealism is sexy. But when you come into Government, you're hit with a low-ball reality of how things actually work & it will challenge your every strongly-held conviction. It's no tea party. It is real high-end chess. Play or get played.
Have you ever wondered why 'good people' in Govt don't speak out? It's an unwritten code. Apart from African table manners which forbid talking while you're eating, there's also the unspoken threat of ruination were you to be silly enough to rock the boat.
We've all seen the approval of N37B for the NASS to 'renovate' their edifice. If you believe the funds are for renovation, raise your hand let me sell you a sea-view property at Asokoro or Ikeja. You're wondering why your incorruptible NASS Member is keeping quiet? Leemao.
Public Service is far removed from your romantic ideals. It's real brown-balls. I hasten to admit that not everyone partakes in the sleaze. Some know what's going on but choose to make the best of the prevailing situation. They're few & outliers. Judge them how you choose.
Scary part is that those watching from the outside & postulating the most often loose their voices once they come in. They go silent or worse, start defending the indefensible. It's in the waters within power corridors. Few drink it & remain the same.
So show some empathy to your friends in power who do not become internal activists as you want them to. Its not that black & white. I won't try too hard to convince you. You're welcome to come in & rock the boat. Godspeed.
Someday, someone will be crazy enough to be different & get away with it & inspire all those seemingly handicapped. Until then, smile when you see tacit endorsement of chicanery. Cancel when you see obtuse defence of same.
We'll get there.
Soon come.
We can't continue laidis.
We'll get there.
Soon come.
We can't continue laidis.
Udo.
