the monitor

INK SPILLS

A few citizens confronted one of the ministers who was intent on pushing through a bill that was meant to ensure that in case the president and vice president croaks then there should be salaries for their spouses, their children both in and out of wedlock and their relatives that have at one point stayed in their house.

Imagine the drama, the intrigue and the family members popping out of the woodwork claiming their six degrees of separation to the State House! "Oh yes, I stayed in the State house bedroom for a night in 2002, where's my paycheck?" But in reality, while the concept of providing for the families of former leaders is not unheard of, the specifics can vary greatly from country to country. But who wouldn't want a safety net for their loved ones? Just maybe not one that includes third cousins twice removed who once attended a state dinner.

These citizens with testicular fortitude braved it and went to the minister and said 'you cannot do that'. And in a surprising twist of events, the minister changed his heart and this became the talk of the town. It's not every day that you see a politician backtrack with such flair. First, there was a television appearance, where the minister's remorse was broadcasted in high definition – a pixelated apology for all to see. Then, the radio sequel, where the minister faced the music, quite literally, as the host turned up the heat, grilling him with questions as the listeners tuned in for the sizzle. It was a political drama better than prime-time TV, with citizens playing the role of the chorus, commenting and watching as the story unfolded. Who knew accountability could be so entertaining?

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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