**The Elitism of Nigerian Public Officers: A Threat to Democracy** As Nigerians, we've all been there - trying to reach out to a public officer for help or to express our concerns, only to be met with a wall of silence or a dismissive attitude. This is a stark contrast to what we see in developed democracies, where elected officials are accessible, responsive, and courteous to the people who elected them. Recently, Eno Umo, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, sparked controversy when he lashed out at a public event, defending his inaccessibility to the people. He claimed that he was not a receptionist, implying that he was above being bothered by the concerns of his constituents. This kind of attitude is a perfect example of the elitism that plagues our public officers. In Nigeria, our leadership structure is complex, with the federal government at the top, followed by state governments, and then local governments. While this structure is constitutional, it has become a convenient excuse for state governments to avoid scrutiny and accountability. As a result, many governors have become demigods, doing as they please and viewing their constituents with condescension and contempt. This is a recipe for disaster. Governors are elected to serve the people, not to lord over them. They owe their constituents a duty to listen to their problems, address their grievances, and make their lives more meaningful and comfortable. Unfortunately, many governors have forgotten this duty, instead using their power and influence to line their pockets and pursue personal interests. It's time for our public officers to come down from their high horse and remember that they are nothing without the people who elected them. They are paid astronomically to serve the people, not to indulge in aimless foreign trips or seek political patronage in Abuja. If they want to make a difference, they need to focus on doing the job they were elected to do, not just talking about it. As Nigerians, we deserve better from our leaders. It's time for us to hold them accountable and demand that they serve us with humility, transparency, and integrity. Only then can we truly say that we have a democratic government that works for the people, not just a select few.