There is a growing culture among some critics of government, especially in Enugu State, who seem to take pleasure in spotting shortcomings but offer no solutions and make no effort, however small, to help move the system forward. Criticism, when constructive, is healthy for any society.
But when it becomes an end in itself, stripped of responsibility and contribution, it weakens rather than strengthens the very system we all depend on.
There is a simple story that captures this truth clearly. A kind and thoughtful king once constructed a beautiful road for his people. The road was smooth, well laid, and designed to ease their daily journeys.
Wanting feedback, the king instructed three of his subjects to inspect the road and report back to him. Their assignment was not just to observe but to engage meaningfully with what they saw.
When they set out, they discovered that the road was almost perfect, except for one particular spot where a heap of dirt had been carelessly dumped.
Two of the three inspectors returned to the king and complained about that single flaw. They spoke at length about how beautiful the road was but was spoiled by one ugly patch.
Yet, in all their observations, they made no effort to clear the dirt or even suggest how it could be addressed. Their role ended with complaint.
The third inspector, however, chose a different path. Instead of merely observing the problem and walking away, he rolled up his sleeves and cleared the heap of dirt from the road.
As he worked, he noticed a bag hidden within the pile. Without knowing its contents, he picked it up and took it along with him back to the king. When he presented his report, the king smiled and revealed that the bag was filled with money.
It had been deliberately placed there as a reward for any citizen who would not only identify the problem but take responsibility to fix it.
The lesson from this story is powerful and timeless. There is always a reward in being a good citizen who seeks the progress of society, rather than one who only criticizes the actions and inactions of leadership.
True citizenship is not just about pointing out what is wrong; it is about contributing to what can be made right.
This lesson is especially relevant in Enugu State today. The governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has initiated many remarkable projects across the state, projects that are meant to improve the quality of life of the people.
The 260 smart schools and smart hospitals being built across all political wards of Enugu State are clear examples of visionary leadership and commitment to development.
These facilities, however, would require not just government investment but public maintenance, protection, and a sense of collective ownership.
Unfortunately, instead of gearing up to preserve and protect these projects, some members of the public are already complaining about the possibility of vandalising them with time.
It suffices to state that this tendency of some people treating the government facilities with ignominy, focusing only on complaints, vandalism, or indifference, mirrors the two inspectors who saw the dirt but refused to clear it.
Yet, society progresses not when people complain endlessly but when they contribute, even in small ways, to sustaining what has been built.
The public has a crucial role to play in helping the government serve better. This includes making useful suggestions and channelling them to the appropriate authorities rather than criticizing every action.
Governance is not a one-way street; it thrives on partnership between leaders and citizens. This is particularly important in the area of security.
While the Enugu State government has invested heavily in security infrastructure, optimal results cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the general public.
Useful information, vigilance, and community participation are essential in fishing out criminals and controlling crime in society.
A government can build roads, schools, hospitals, and security systems, but only responsible citizens can preserve them, protect them, and ensure they serve their intended purpose.
Progress is a shared responsibility, not a solo performance by the government alone.
In conclusion, the people must choose to be good citizens and citizens who contribute to the growth and stability of society rather than merely finding fault in every government action.
Just like the wise inspector who cleared the dirt and found his reward, those who act in the interest of the common good will always find that their efforts are not in vain.
Let us encourage government by our actions, support development with responsibility, and help build the society we all desire, not just with words, but with deeds.
Tomorrow is Here.
