POLITICIANS AS UNSUNG HEROES — Rotimi Makinde

 

 _Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop._ 

In the world of politics, politicians are like the team of monkeys, while the technocrats are like baboons. Politicians who toil behind the scenes, working tirelessly to ensure the success of their chosen candidates. These individuals can be likened to laborers who lay the groundwork for others to reap the benefits. Unfortunately, they often remain underappreciated, much like ants or monkeys scrounging for scraps...

Supporters, like the "barboon" mentioned, play a crucial role in politicians' victories. They work diligently, often without seeking recognition, to promote their candidate's agenda and secure their win. However, once the election is over, these supporters might feel overlooked and undervalued.

In contrast, technocrats are experts who enter the scene after politicians have secured their victories. They claim to bring specialized knowledge and skills to the table, working behind the scenes to implement policies and drive progress. Unlike politicians, technocrats aren't always in the spotlight,cooling their heads somewhere without risks, but their contributions or money ready to work for them as they dust their cvs.

Truly, some of them are invaluable to the success of governments and institutions.But we must be conscious of the facts that the driven forces are the politicians that are often neglected. 

The sentiment that politicians are often more focused on their own interests than on serving the people is a common frustration. This feeling is captured in a quote often misattributed to Mark Twain: "Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed frequently, and for the same reasons." While this quote's origin is unclear, it reflects a widespread wrong perception of politicians..

It's essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who support politicians, as well as the expertise and contributions of technocrats. By valuing these individuals, we can build a more equitable and effective system that benefits everyone involved, bearing in mind that politicians who went around during the campaign know the needs and the priorities of voters compares to technocrats who may not even know people's wishes.

While it's true that technocrats often surface after politicians have secured their positions, it's essential to recognize the value that politicians bring to the table. Before becoming politicians,we often forget that many individuals have successful careers as technocrats, leveraging their expertise to drive progress and innovation.

Every effective politician typically has a strong professional background, honed through years of experience and expertise in their field such as law, accounting, and engineering. This foundation serves them well as they transition into politics, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change.Who is then a better technocrats?

Rather than pitting politicians against technocrats, it's crucial to acknowledge the complementary roles they play. Politicians provide the vision and leadership, while technocrats bring the technical expertise to implement policies and programs. By recognizing the value of both, we can foster a more collaborative and effective system.

Politicians are not merely figureheads; they are often seasoned professionals who have dedicated their careers to public service. They work tirelessly to ensure the success of their constituents and the broader community. By acknowledging their expertise and dedication, we can build a more nuanced understanding of the important role politicians play in shaping our society....

Hon Rotimi Makinde writes from Ife East local government of Osun State .