Another round of Presidential elections is upon the most
populous black nation on earth. And as always, it is inundated with intrigues
and a lot of uncertainty, with both local and international permutations adding
to the frenzy.
Eerily, Nigeria has once again managed to find itself in a
2015-type situation.
While there are myriad of candidates for the top position in
the country, the battle is really between two candidates, neither of whom are
the most attractive in the world (and to Nigerians):
Between the deep blue sea, and the deep blue sea.
(Sigh)
If you closed your eyes, you could almost believe that both
top candidates were one and the same. Same ethnicity. Same religion. Same
members of Nigeria’s aged ruling class. Same long-time players in Nigeria’s
politics.
Literally cut from the same cloth.
The one differentiating factor between both deep blue seas however
is that one of the candidates is an incumbent, so that voting him back in would
be an affirmation of his present administration.
Going by the plethora of issues Nigeria has witnessed in the
past four years however - from escalation of herdsmen killings, to hunting down
opposition members for "corruption", blatantly defiant nepotism in
appointments, and the unilateral removal of Nigeria's Chief Justice - the
incumbent's tenure is faaaaaar from any applause.
This is coupled with widespread concerns about him totally
having his wits together, what with serial media gaffes - suggestive of some
level of amnesia (or at the very least the absence of conscious awareness) -
and the fact that the first two years of his administration was spent nursing
him to health, whilst shuttling him back and forth a UK hospital on taxpayers'
funds.
This is not to say that the other deep blue sea is without
blemish, as there have been widespread (albeit unproven) allegations of his
corruption, and he is equally a dinosaur, who should be retiring on the fruits
of his hard-work over the years while letting the younger generation rightfully
take charge of their destiny.
Now, even though a prominent number of the other contestants
are notably younger (and quite frankly, better qualified), unfortunately, these
younger candidates cannot easily boast of adequate national structures to individually secure sufficient votes
for the win, at this time. And efforts to enable one of them emerge as their collective candidate fell through.
(Deep Sigh)
But the real power of choice remains with the people: the
masses.
And this is why all who are eligible to vote are encouraged
to go and vote.
Irrespective of who you decide to vote, it is important to
ensure that that right is exercised and guarded. Remember however that no other
human is worth your life. Hence, shun all forms of violence.
While going to vote, do not forget to take the following
with you:
1. Water: The Weather forecast predicts
a scalding 37 degrees on Saturday. Stay hydrated!
2. Light snack: It is not time to pound
yam, and cook Ukwa. Just take something light to keep you from being dizzy.
3. Handkerchief: You're bound to be
sweating like an Easter chicken. You'll need this.
4. A face cap and/or Sunshades: Need I
say more?
5. Flat shoes: This is no beauty
contest. You'll need something really comfortable, in case you need to stand
for hours. Or run for the hills. (*knock on wood three times*)
6. Your Permanent
Voters Card: WHY WOULD YOU FORGET THIS???
7. Your conscience:
Remember that it is not just about you, and the N1,000 bread some political
parties will try to buy you with. This is about the future of your children: both
born and unborn.
In addition, do not forget to thumb press for the legislative
seats as well.
Do a bit of research, and choose the most capable
candidates. And not the ones just at the legislative seat to earn their
"pension".
We do not have time anymore for faffing around.
We wish Nigeria a peaceful 2019 elections. May the best (or
at the very least, the better) persons win.
Paz,
Meg.
Photo-credits:
![About [span]me[/span]](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dGaclRWUs8/WKruZbxtW9I/AAAAAAAABjE/UmlCob4wbt8vbp13E9omLuzP5TLYWoGoACLcB/s1600/IMG-20170220-WA0007.jpg)
