The Nation Should Stand together And Demand Answers

Monitor Editor | Monday March 12, 2018 17:54

On Thursday, court heard that some top politicians, amongst them the outgoing and in- coming president, ministers and civil servants have benefitted handsomely from the loot, which was acquired from the National Petroleum Fund (NPF).

Soon after, the information was presented, social media became lit, with mixed reactions to the revelations. Batswana seemed extremely angered by the alleged looting that is taking place within government, at the expense of the nation.

People from different walks of life are voicing their opinion on this issue, and many seem to share the same sentiments that the money could have been put towards improving the lives of Batswana rather than going into the pockets of only a few. Some are even calling for demonstrations and other forms of civil disobedience.

While emotions seem to be on an all time high, this is a matter before court, and currently some of the individuals whose names were mentioned in court, have not been arrested as yet, meaning they have not be charged with any crime.

There is no doubt that there is need for us to introspect as a nation, and start taking action by being active in the running of our own country, and taking our leaders to task in terms of accountability. It is encouraging to see that Batswana are becoming active participants rather bystanders in the running of their country, but we need to do more.

We need constructive debates, and ask leaders questions and actually demand answers. We need to interrogate issues and not allow politicians to brainwash us and follow them blindly without questioning some decisions we do not deem necessary.

While some of the people who are currently debating the issue on social media, do it in a constructive manner, there are some who have resorted to address the issue with insults, which will not add any value, or assist our beloved nation in any way.

Currently, as things stand, the accused per- sons’ lawyer in the P250m money laundering case, has mentioned names and certain amounts in court, but to this day none of those mentioned has been arrested, meaning that innocent until proven guilty should also apply to them as well.

Political followers spend their energy on social media, insulting each other, and some of the individuals mentioned in court on Thursday. If indeed the P250m from the NPF fund went towards enriching certain individuals, there is a need for us to come to- gether as a nation, not based on political af- filiation and demand the return of the money.