VENO TV OPINION 2027 ELECTION: AJÁ TÓ BÁ GBÉ EGUNGUN S??NU, KÒ LÈ GBÓ! “A DOG WITH A BONE IN ITS MOUTH CANNOT BARK!” When the voices of conscience become silent, who will speak for the suffering masses? Date: 23-10-26
By Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo (Anjonu Eledumare)
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, one Yoruba proverb keeps ringing in my ears:
"Ajá tó bá gbé egungun s??nu, kò lè gbó!"
Literally translated, a dog carrying a bone in its mouth cannot bark.
This ancient Yoruba wisdom perfectly illustrates my concern about the attitude of some influential Nigerians towards the present economic and political situation in our country.
Nigeria is passing through a difficult period. The cost of living has become unbearable for many families. Food prices, transportation costs, electricity bills and other essential expenses continue to place enormous pressure on ordinary citizens.
Yet, surprisingly, some of those who should be speaking for the suffering masses appear to have lost their voices.
WHERE ARE OUR ROYAL FATHERS, LABOUR LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS?
Where are the voices that once challenged bad governance?
Where are the traditional rulers who should be fathers to the people?
Where are the labour leaders who should defend the interests of Nigerian workers?
Where are the activists who once confronted government policies considered unfavourable to ordinary citizens?
Why does it appear that some of these voices have suddenly become unusually quiet?
There are allegations and public suspicions that political patronage, financial inducements and personal benefits may have compromised the independence of certain influential individuals.
Such allegations require evidence and should not be treated as established facts. Nevertheless, the perception of compromised leadership raises serious questions about accountability.
AJÁ TÓ BÁ GBÉ EGUNGUN S??NU, KÒ LÈ GBÓ!
When a watchdog becomes comfortable with the bone it receives, who will protect the household?
When those entrusted with defending public interests become beneficiaries of the system they are expected to question, who will speak for the ordinary Nigerian?
TINUBU MUST STAY! BUT WHO IS ENJOYING THE DIVIDENDS?
Today, we hear different political slogans.
Some shout, "Tinubu Must Go!"
Others respond, "Tinubu Must Stay!"
But I have a question for those campaigning vigorously for continuity.
Are you speaking because you genuinely believe the government has improved the lives of Nigerians, or because you are personally enjoying certain privileges?
I recognise that some Nigerians sincerely support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because they believe his economic reforms will eventually produce positive results.
That is their democratic right.
However, I am particularly concerned about those who may be defending government policies because of appointments, contracts, political patronage or other personal advantages.
A person who benefits from a system must not become blind to its shortcomings.
It is easy to praise government policies when your own bills are being paid.
It is easy to defend the economy when your family does not struggle to put food on the table.
But what about the market woman, the unemployed graduate, the pensioner and the struggling civil servant?
Who speaks for them?
THE TRUTH MUST NOT BE FOR SALE
I believe that people who speak truth to power should be encouraged, not intimidated.
However, criticism must also be truthful, constructive and supported by facts.
We must never allow political benefits, ethnic sentiments, religious affiliations or personal relationships to prevent us from demanding good governance.
Those who support President Tinubu should have the courage to acknowledge areas where Nigerians are suffering.
Those who oppose him must equally be prepared to offer credible alternatives.
Leadership is not about defending a political party at all costs.
Leadership is about defending the welfare, dignity and future of the people.
2027: NIGERIANS MUST ASK QUESTIONS
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC Nigeria
As we approach that important democratic exercise, Nigerians must ask serious questions about the economy, security, employment, education and the cost of living.
Our royal fathers, labour leaders, religious leaders, civil society organisations and political representatives must remember that silence in the face of suffering can weaken public confidence.
Nobody should surrender his conscience because of political patronage.
Nobody should mortgage the future of millions of Nigerians for temporary personal benefits.
MY FINAL WORD
Let me conclude with the Yoruba proverb that inspired this commentary:
"AJÁ TÓ BÁ GBÉ EGUNGUN S??NU, KÒ LÈ GBÓ!"
A dog with a bone in its mouth cannot bark!
My question remains:
How many of those who should be barking for the suffering masses have become too busy chewing the bones of political privileges?
Remember, political power is temporary, but history will remember what we did with our voices when the people needed us most.
A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE!
I remain,
BISHOP DR. SANYA OJO
A.K.A. ANJONU ELEDUMARE
SOMH CARES
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