Pedus Eweama: Beyond seasonal philanthropy

A casual political observer will undoubtedly find unlimited reasons to vilify a typical Nigerian politician. Motive is always suspect, lies institutionalised and trust in marked deficit. There is no shortage of distasteful behaviours that characterise Nigerian politics, but one stands out more compellingly, and especially prior to elections – seasonal philanthropy.

While the informed electorate struggle with these shenanigans, the vulnerable in our communities have become victims of this unbridled shamelessness. The habit of undermining one’s electorate by way of seasonal philanthropy with self-serving intent is absurd, demeaning and solely disguised to advance the political interest of the emergency philantropist.

Many Nigerian politicians historically use seasonal philanthropy to deceive and confuse vulnerable electorate – a disguised vote buying exercise that politicises the sufferings of ordinary Nigerians. The desire to help our communities should not be tied to votes or prospect of same.

Why wait for election season to organise soccer tournaments, give-aways and scholarships? Do our politicians think hunger is seasonal that bags of rice are distributed only when elections are in the horizon? What happened to the noble idea of creating local employment opportunities for sustainable livelihood? Can your philanthropy not be channelled to more enduring job creation opportunities in our localities? Do you need to be interested in politics to give back to your community if and when you can?

The insensitivity of remembering the poorest of the poor during periods of election doesn’t represent political altruism, but amplifies self-centredness and politics of convenience. It minimises the genuine sufferings of the people and undermines the ability of citizens to freely chose their representatives. This is corruption in disguise that disregards the dignity of our shared humanity.

If you are in a position to help others, extend this helping hand without seeking returns by way of votes. Hunger has no season and so should your volunteering and philanthropy.

Dr. Pedus Eweama is an award winning Nigerian Medical Practitioner based in Australia. He is a former Chairperson of Igbo Association of Western Australia ( IAWA), Nigeria Association of Western Australia ( NAWA), Council of Nigerian Associations Presidents in Australia (CoNAPA) and recipient of National Diaspora Merit Award.