If I was a leader in any African country, what would my manifesto contain? What would that country mean to me? How would I cater to the needs of my people? What opinion should my people have of me?
Let me just dive right in. I am a Nigerian, so I'm going to be using Nigeria as a case study. Let's face facts; Nigeria is a beautiful and large country, tainted with corruption and lawlessness - so much so - that it has become the norm for it's people.
I am no exception.
Bribery, stealing, killing, corruption and embezzlement of public funds has become so rampant and so versatile that it is done in so many different ways now. It's almost a trend these days. People don't get surprised anymore; you simply shock a Nigerian because we have seen and heard it all before - and worse.
If I were a leader of this great nation for say - a month, the very first thing I would want to do is relieve all - I mean all the political leaders of their duties. I would fire every single one of them and elect younger minds in their wake. But seeing as I figuratively have just a month to "rule," that might not be possible. So I'd fire any immediate political head closest to me and replace him/her with younger capable minds.
Next thing would be to make electricity available to as many citizens as possible. How? Prepaid services should be fully legalized and operational, and every corner of the populace must own a prepaid meter.
Then we would address the issue of fuel scarcity. Fuel, kerosene, gasoline, diesel and all other of the sort should be available, not just available, but at a steady price. This country is rich in oil so I see no reason why fuel should be scarce. Any Gas Station selling or distributing fuel at exorbitant prices should be shut down.
I'd make referendum elections a very popular practice in my country. This is a democracy, not a military regime. The people should have a say in any important political decisions that directly affects the country.
Establishing a house/home for beggars would be next on my agenda. I'd try as much as possible to get beggars off the streets and roadside; and into a home where they can have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and a bed to lay on.
I would try my very best to cater to the needs of my people, using opinion polls and the above stated referendum activities. My pople would be able to make any particular complaints they are facing, and I would appoint officials who would attend to them. Granted, ruling a nation is a very hard task, and it's impossible to satisfy everyone, but satisfying the majority seems like a good start.
At the end of the day, I want to revolutionize this great nation by putting all it's money and natural resources to good use. I want my people to remember me and as well see me as a driving force in the improvement of the economy. I'd want to be respected, and not feared - by my citizens, and God willing, there will be a positive change in the country.
Seeing as this contest is limited to 500 words - (I think I must have passed the word count, lol) - I shall take a bow, so to speak. Hopefully these few steps that I have planned to take (figuratively speaking) will make a positive and important difference in the economy.
Thank you for reading.