Yapan Walim
Oriental Colony, Dimapur
Much has been discussed over the rampant backdoor appointments currently, but historically — and deliberately some might add — plaguing our government system. The case of 'romanticization of the backdoor appointees', however, seems to have not received the same attention. This phenomenon, of romanticization, is particularly of concern since it is this that discreetly and perniciously 'legitimizes' the backdoor appointments.
What this means is that, the particular backdoor appointees, instead of utilizing the funds coming to him for development as meant, distributes small portion of it not only among the kith and kin but also helps the poor people when in need, while at the same time cornering huge portion for themselves. This act of what seems to look like a 'serving of the public' evokes emotions of respect and admiration among the recipients because it ostensibly fulfill the purpose for which they were appointed. The backdoor appointees also seems to make their presence felt in most social functions. However, the favourable perception is prevalent not only among the formally uneducated publics.
In a twist of sorts, the backdoor appointees seems to have convinced themselves that they're in the right direction, looking after the entire extended households, donating for a local cause, etc, giving them a sense of feel-good factor. If history is any guide, it's that men has a huge capacity for self-deception. To this some may counter, but 'man is a rational animal'. I agree, but if I might add, 'man is a rational animal, only if he so choose', again not without some caveats. Indeed, much was the hue and cry, especially from the professional background, when the names of the backdoor appointees were in full swing back in the media. Their arguments was not very dissimilar, that they are fully committed to their job, regardless of what happened beneath the table, and perhaps perform better than their compatriots coming from the fair recruitment system.
It is this sort of romanticization that keep the wheels of backdoor appointments grilled, because on the one hand the prospective backdoor appointees hopes to follow the same procedure, serving of the public at least cosmetically, i.e., to absolve of the sin committed while obtaining the post — they genuinely believed. On the other hand, the politicians are assured of votes not only from the backdoor appointees but also of the one whom they helped.
