The Choices We Make

Nigerians, be they contestants, the electorate, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies, have again reached that point where history would be made through their roles in the electoral process.

By February, the candidates of the various political parties are expected to test their popularity while the electorate are expected to express their power through the ballot. Since 1999, when the country’s new democratic journey began, Nigerians should have learnt enough lessons to make them know the kinds of leaders they want. Nigerians should look beyond base sentiments such as ethnic or religious backgrounds before making the right choice at the ballot because this would go a long way in determining the fate of this country after the general elections.

Most Nigerian believe this is not the country envisaged by the founding fathers. The power thus lies in the hands of the electorate to either make or mar the electoral process. The power also lies in their hands to either make the country great again or allow the next generation heap curses on them for destroying a country that should be the pride of nations. In doing this, the electorate must ensure the various candidates for elective positions deserve their votes.

Today, the discovery of shale oil has resulted in the fall in the prices of crude oil exported by Nigeria. Ethanol is also gradually replacing premium motor spirit in many countries. Lack of accountability in government, high level of corruption and the unbearable poverty in the land have further thrown Nigerian leaders up as lazy in their thought systems and in their actions.

Dubai is one country every Nigerian wishes to visit now. It remains surprising that the real development of Dubai began in the 1980s. Nigeria commenced the developmental process with countries like Brazil, India and Malaysia, but today, it remains the most backward of them all because of poor leadership and a docile people who cannot hold its leaders accountable.

The consequences of this is that we now import almost everything that we use in the country, including ordinary toothpick and even fruits.. Factories are now moribund with many of them relocating to neighbouring countries. Nigeria now churns out graduates who only end up being commercial motorcycle riders, petty thieves, armed robbers, kidnappers, etc. simply because those entrusted with leadership in most cases have made the country hell for them.

Nigerians have the highest population now in most prisons outside the country. Nigerians must therefore look well before casting their votes in February to ensure that we do not live our lives regretting in the next four years. Again, the choices we make would determine whether those who predicted the country’s break up would be put to shame after the general elections.