A
time must come in the life of a country that things need to be done
differently, yes, differently! It’s not only disgusting but disappointing that
Nigerians that are symbolic for being resolute and hopeful have become so
despairing to the point of losing hope of a better Nigeria. For a fact, it is
only in trying to be real, if one view Nigeria with a sentiment that reflect a
hopelessly failed country- because here the unimaginable
have happened – here
we have seen boko-haram killed innocent people in large numbers and hitherto
killing in droves with government maintaining a vicious cluelessness, we have
seen just one person siphon huge billions meant for pensioners only for justice
to serve him 3years of sentence or seven hundred thousand naira atonement –
what can be more injurious, more so when it is remembered that his heinous action
have caused several loss of life of those that have served their fatherland in
their able years. Sadly also, we have seen overt malfeasance been embraced by
the agent of the state. With that, the case of a minister of petroleum resources
that squandered above 2billion naira of government money in jetting around and
still having the effrontery to shun house of representative subpoena, comes to
mind. It was a point in time when sixteen governors became much in number than
nineteen as it played out in the ridiculous governor’s forum election not too
long ago: it is instructive to observe that a less courageous Rotimi Amaechi
will have surrendered to the voodoo presidential victimisation that follows but
for strong will.
Even
in the society, we have witnessed the unthinkable – we have heard of Ibadan
house of horror – the damning gory house where people are been de-humanised for
parochial and canal intentions, we have heard of serial communal clash that
have its root in trivial and primordial issues yet claiming lives in quantum
and plummeting the erstwhile African neighbourly love- the agape kind of.
Infact we have experienced so much worse in all categories of our national
lives but like a coil of a snake, we are all found wanting in this quagmire,
from our actions in the home to those in the offices through others that borders
on genuine citizenship.
However,
things must not continue in the old way, we cannot continue to do things same
way, all time and expect different answer. It therefore follows that somebody,
some people, somewhere, somehow must start to change the music.
Surprising
that many Nigerians didn’t know that every of their actions and inactions have
a great influence on the direction of the nation.
May
I humbly remind us that sanity of a society is a product of quality and resolve
of its constituent individuals. It is note-worthy that today’s America’s
super-greatness is premised on a solidified resolve of Americans: A resolution
that raises America to the frontline in whatever Americans are doing. A
resolution that equates both rich and poor. A collective resolve that berth the
perspective tagged ‘’The American Spirit’’ – a spirit embodied by all and
sundry Americans and that exemplifies liberty, brotherhood and service to the
nation. It might interest you to know that America is a conglomerate of races.
It was the injustice that rocked Europe in the 17th century, the
repression and civil crisis that engulf India and some other Asian countries
around same time that led to exodus of some vexed European, Indians and others
to a land now called America in search of greener pasture. Recognising that it
is more favourable to forge a unity of purpose, inspite of their huge religious
and cultural values, people of America decided to be better humans bonded by
liberty, brotherhood and good spirit. The consequence of that collective decision
is the sheer prosperity of today’s America.
Also
inspiring is that change that began in the mind of one man called Lee Kwan Yew sometime
around 1954 and transpired into national aspiration for all Singaporeans and
later evolved into a perspective that rode Singapore to a colossal greatness
till today.
It
suffices to say that change is possible in Nigeria! But we must as a people be
ready to eschew our old ways. It is high time we became a true citizen that
places the country above other considerations. Religious sentiment, tribal
allegiance, parochial and selfish pursuit must be swept under the carpet for
the sake of national prosperity.
Another
year has come, it is the season of election and the jostling is already
everywhere. However, we cannot afford to make similar mistakes that are
responsible for our predicament.
Since
change can be in two ways, it could be top-down effect- the Singapore kind of
change that saw a visionary leader Lee Kwan Yew sold his vision passionately to
its country during his reign as president. It may also be a bottom – up
scenario- a unique kind of change where the society resolve to change and push
it to the leadership. Having said this, it follows that regime change is very
critical to political growth and social development, therefore, corpers as
electoral officers must maintain absolute integrity in conducting the
elections. We must recognise that the choice of corpers as conductor of
national elections is borne out of trust repose in us and that we must not
betray. The whole country is looking up to us to deliver a credible election:
election that will be devoid of compromise. This time Nigeria must get it right
and corpers must be prepared by truthfulness of their actions to take the glory
of an election that will engender an institutionalised change across the country.
Clearly, the quality of this 2015 election depends on corpers sincerity of
minds and on no account should corpers allow money to win rather capability of
candidate, solid antecedent and above all popular choice of the citizen. With
credible election, Godwin… God bless Nigeria!
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