Year
2015 has been tagged the election year, not just because of the presidential
election alone but because all other elections are at stake.
Come
next year- 2015, Nigerians will go to the polls to choose their leaders for the
next four years. Now that a formidable opposition party- All Progressive
Congress (APC) has been put in place, we might be witnessing one of the most
competitive elections for the presidency since Nigeria`s democracy in 1999.
The
last time we had this opportunity was 2011, and the outcome of our decisions
still affects us till now. All things being equal, the opportunity to choose
our leaders comes once in four years, but the outcome of our decision always
for a long time remains our companion even when the elections are over.
Election
2015 can be likened to a double-edged sword that comes with various
opportunities and time-bombs.
On
one edge is attached a set of golden opportunities that could change the story
of the country positively if we vote for the right set of leaders. An
opportunity to right our wrongs and live up to them. An opportunity to push out
the bad leaders and replace them with men and women of integrity.
Additionally,
it comes with an opportunity that raises our hopes and aspirations for a better
country. An opportunity to secure a better future for the unborn generations
and to place Nigeria among the league of great nations.
While
on the other edge is are time-bombs that could explode if we vote carelessly
for people with self interest. Time-bombs that could crush our hopes and
aspirations completely if the right set of leaders are not voted for. Time-bombs
that could increase the agonies of the masses if by chance, greed or
carelessness they keep the corrupt, wicked and selfish people in power. Time-bombs
that could separate us deeper and wider along religious, ethnic and political
lines if our votes are influenced by sentiments.
Currently, Nigeria is at the brim,
we have gone beyond the elastic limit; we are at the breaking point. There are
two options at the breaking point; it`s either we ease the tension and get
relieved or continue with the tension and face the ugly consequences. However,
it is my wish that we choose the former and enjoy the relief.
Voting
in 2015 shouldn’t be about self interest or about the interest of a few cabals
that specialize in milking the country of its resources.
Also
it shouldn’t be influenced by political affiliations, ethnic or regional
similarities that may shield our judgments on the right choice of candidate. It
must not be influenced by the deceptive gifts of politicians that they share
once in four years in an attempt to steal the votes of the people. Rather it
must be about the collective benefits of all and about the passion to see the
country succeed.
Currently
we`re in a fix but 2015 could be a turning point for the nation. The direction
will choose to follow depends on us all. Either to turn to the direction that
will better the country or to the direction that will cause more harm to us. But whatsoever our decision is, it is my
desire that will choose the former.
If we vote carelessly in 2015, the
consequences might be so severe, such that the bags of rice that is being used
by politicians to influence our votes would not be enough to ease our hunger
when it all begins. And before we walk to the nearest border for refuge, the
selfish and wicked politicians responsible for the chaos would have flown away
in their privates jets.
It
is a good thing that the people know that election is underway, but it is much
more important that they know that their votes determine their future and that
of the future generations. It is also essential that they know that the
political process does not end on Election Day. That after the elections, we
all need to stay together and be involved in the process by paying attention to
the aftermath and holding our leaders accountable for every decision they make.
The
administrative control of the government remains everywhere. But you cannot
have a government within the country and not have control over everything
that's happening in the country. People know something has gone terribly wrong
with our government and it has gotten so far off track. However, 2015 should be
an opportunity to fix it.
Election
2015 must be an election to change our nation positively and a time to get it
rightly. We must vote and vote wisely having in mind that 2015 could be our
last chance that 2019 might not come and even if it would come, it is still
very much far way.
Therefore,
before you cast your vote, weigh the options carefully, let go of sentiments
and differences and thumb it for the better candidate.
In
conclusion, I leave you with the words of Lincoln Steffens, I quote: “If we would vote in mass on the more
promising ticket, or, if the two are equally bad, would throw out the party
that is in, and wait till the next election and then throw out the other party
that is in - then, I say, the commercial politician would feel a demand for
good government and he would supply it”.
God
Bless Nigeria
Ogundana
Michael Rotimi
Follow
Me on Twitter @MickeySunny
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