Politicians and Christmas Rice

by Anthony Okolocha Odigwe, Esq

The tradition of sharing rice every Christmas has become a recurring theme in our political landscape. While it may seem like a kind gesture, it is time to acknowledge that this ritual has become a mere band-aid solution to a deeper issue. It is a symbol of the poverty and inequality that plagues our society, and it is time for our politicians to address the root cause.

The sharing of rice has become a tool for politicians to win votes and maintain their grip on power. It is a way for them to show their supposed concern for the people, without actually doing anything meaningful to improve their lives. The truth is, if the masses were empowered, buying rice for themselves and their loved ones would not be a problem. They wouldn’t need to rely on handouts from politicians to survive.

The reality is that our politicians have decided to keep the people in perpetual POVERTY and want. They are comfortable with the status quo, and the Christmas rice ritual is just a way for them to maintain that. Meanwhile, the people, have the power to change this narrative. We can demand more from our leaders, and we can demand that they address the real issues that keep us poor and struggling.

So, what is the solution? It is simple: our politicians need to do the needful. They need to prioritize Education, Health care, and Infrastructure Development. They need to make education free up to the bachelor’s degree level, properly administer subsidized healthcare, and ensure that workers are paid a living wage, including a 13th-month salary in public service. They need to implement subsidized housing schemes and invest in infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

It is time for us to hold our politicians accountable and demand real change. Let us stop the madness of the Christmas rice ritual and demand a better future for ourselves and our children. Let us demand that our politicians prioritize our welfare and create policies that empower us, rather than keep us dependent on handouts. It is time for a new narrative, one that focuses on empowerment, not charity. Let us make it happen!