DIDACTIC: "LEADERSHIP IS A TRUST..." BY IKECHUKWU FRANK

Leadership is a trust, not a throne to claim,

Public service is honour, not a shortcut to fame.

When leaders betray the people they swore to serve,

History will judge them for the trust they did not deserve.

Billions in the budget, but our children thirst,

Promises keep flowing while the poor come first.

Let the books be opened; let the truth be known,

For the people's money is not the leaders' own.

Our children deserve water, not polluted streams,

They deserve opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Do not steal tomorrow to enrich today,

For the sins of corrupt leaders will not fade away.

Enough of the silence, enough of the lies,

Enough of watching our national treasure rise

Into private pockets while the people weep,

Our voices must awaken a nation from sleep.

Give theft no title, let no fine words deceive,

Demand the proof, and let justice have its leave.

No office or position should shield a guilty hand,

For nobody is above the law of the land.

Let tribe and religion no longer divide,

Let truth and justice be our common guide.

With peaceful voices, let accountability begin,

And build a nation where integrity can win.

When honest voices fall silent with fear,

The cries of the helpless grow louder each year.

Let courage speak where injustice has grown,

For a nation belongs to all, not a privileged few alone.

The time is now; let our voices ring,

Demand accountability from everyone, from peasant to king.

Our children's future must not be sold,

Let truth and justice be worth more than gold.

©IKECHUKWU FRANK 

-Nigeria 

The poem is a political and social protest poem that condemns corruption, abuse of power, and irresponsible leadership. It exposes how public funds meant for national development and the welfare of citizens are diverted into private pockets, leaving ordinary people without basic amenities and opportunities. The poet calls for transparency, accountability, justice, and equal application of the law, insisting that no leader should be above the law. He also encourages citizens to overcome fear, reject tribal and religious divisions, and demand responsible governance through peaceful voices. The poem ultimately emphasises that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege, and that honesty and integrity are essential for building a just nation and securing the future of coming generations.