My Script....

TAKE A SHOT: 2011

A well known fact it is, that the most challenging part in Politics is engaging in election process either by voting or being voted for. It is such a time when aspirants vying for political offices tend to relate efficiently with the electorates, disregarding whatever error(s) they might have made in the past prior to the approaching elections. At this stage, the people have the civic right (and duty) to make things work by voting in the credible leaders.

However, it is such an odd case where we observe during election processes especially here in Nigeria, we could be easily cajoled by cunning politicians who have no regard or feeling for our legitimate struggle. The year 2007 witnessed a caricature election which seemed more likely as mere appointments of certain persons to manage public portfolios in a society tagged as being democratic in its governance. Such was an obvious case taken into cognizance the unfortunate scenario when the supposed No.1 citizen of our dear nation (late Umaru Yar’Adua) confirmed the fraudulent “election” that ushered him onto the seat of power. It then leaves one to wonder what will evolve from future general elections in Nigeria if we could still not get it right at this level of over 50years since independence.
Again, we are approaching another round of general voting. As youths, we are believed to be existing under the widely known notion of “future leaders”, yet we have not reached the stage of maturity. Until we begin to evaluate things in a more practical manner, we might not effectively make the needed change.

The infamous recycling of politicians & rulers has been an issue not to be overlooked. Past Governors, Heads of State, Senators, Members of Reps….all forcing their way through onto the political scene. We cannot easily forget our own “Maradona” in his role of denying the most credible and fair election in the nation’s history, neither can we ignore the massive looting of national treasury by the Abachas; and I am still battling to understand the rationale behind Mohammad Abacha’s pursuit for Governorship in Kano state in 2011. Needless to mention such politicians who have compromised Integrity with Corruption and Selfish interests instead of Selfless service. The future seems bleak we cannot really get a prospective analysis of what the present time would translate to as regards the Nigeria polity.

Democracy is widely referred to as the system of governance of the people…by the people….for the people. Our society is blessed with adequate human & material resources if only appropriate utilization is maintained. Great intellects like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, Prof. Pat Utomi, to mention but a few have always believed in youths making a more vibrant positive change in the overall system. Not necessarily that you should belong to a certain political party or contest for a political portfolio; making your views known is one of the best of such ways to realizing the needed effects.

Now is the time to monitor the situation. The general election in 2011 is a collective responsibility because it may make or mar projections in a long time to come. Youths STAND UP! Unite as an indivisible entity and let’s make sure our votes genuinely count thus ensuring the magnification of our perspective to nation-building. We must see ourselves as worthy ambassadors for a better Nigeria…….AWWOOOHH!