Poverty Legislation



Nobody likes to be poor, but in present-day Nigeria, many citizens have no choice regarding their status. However, despite the negative tag, the poor are also demanding to have a say in how this country is being run. In a country which preaches equality according to the constitution, the gulf between the rich and the poor keeps expanding by the day.

While the euphoria is yet to die down on the recently passed #Not-too-young-to-run law, another advocacy has begun. This time, some agitated citizens are seeking for the formulation and passage of a #Not-too-broke-to -run bill. To the advocates, the right to serve the populace should not be the exclusive preserve of the rich and the money-bag god-fathers.

Their argument is that money power should be de-emphasised in the quest for political power and representation during electioneering processes, while middle-class and poor folks are allowed to prove their mettle, sincerity and desire for good governance and overall development across the nationâ€™s social and economic strata.

Although this request may appear unusual in a society which thrives on crass materialism and cash-and-carry politics, a bill like this truly deserves consideration, particularly given its potential to provide a level playing field for potential political representatives who truly seek to serve the populace more than their private pockets.

The major hurdle is whether the powers-that-be are willing to allow the poor climb up and join them at the top of the political ladder. To the former group, let the poor remain poor and where they belong at the bottom rung of the ladder. If not, who will the rich find to oppress? After all, not all fingers are equal…bitter truth

– Abimbola Akosile