Nigerians And The Odds Of 2023 -By Kene Obiezu

2023 is still at least a year away, however permutations are all over the place over what the year will hold for the future of Nigeria. Because Nigerians will head to the polls to once again decide who occupies their public offices,2023 will undoubtedly be a momentous one for the country.

The struggles of the current leadership in the country at all levels of government and the overwhelming belief among Nigerians that the current crop of leaders cannot shake off its incompetence or come out of its slump to pull Nigeria out of the doldrums into which it has fallen has left many Nigerians convinced that things must change in 2023.

In 2015, in a seismic turn of events, the tables were turned on the ruling People s    Democratic Party. In historic elections won by the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria`s former President, was put out of his misery as it had become increasingly clear that he was losing control of the country. The All Progressives Congress reprised the feat in 2019 when they swept to victory at the polls. The party has now had a mammoth six years at the helm of the country`s affairs and Nigerians have very little to be happy about.

In this time, insecurity has surged to new heights, leaving behind blood and bile. The cost of living has risen exponentially, leaving families on the precipice of destitution. What has been left of the little serenity Nigerians enjoy has in this period been ripped apart by agitations for secession convulsing sections of the country.

In these times of great uncertainty about the future of the country, Nigerian politicians are already having a field day preparing for the 2023 elections. Already, many of them who occupy public offices have whipped themselves into frenzies of distraction about who will get what in 2023. As a result, lifting Nigerians out of poverty has taken the backseat in their minds.

On its part, INEC has done very little since the 2019 elections to inspire confidence in Nigerians that the 2023 elections will be better conducted than previous elections. Nigeria`s premier electoral body has historically struggled to conduct free and fair elections. The body`s has also cupped a large dose of negative public perception. INEC has also been a victim of sabotage and completely unjustifiable attacks on its facilities countrywide.

2023 promises to be a pivotal year for the future of Nigeria. Nigerians will again have the opportunity to choose their leaders. They must choose wisely. Nigerians must put long term gains before short term gains in choosing those who have the potential to put the country back on the path to development.

To do this, Nigerians must reject those who hunt with the hound and run with the hare. Nigerians must reject those who rob Peter to pay Paul. Nigerians must reject those whose specialty is the dissipation of public funds for personal benefits. Their place must be taken by those who are ready to starve and strive for the country to get better.

To do this, young people have a role to pray; children have a role to play; women have a role to play. Every Nigerian has a role to play.

Kene Obiezu,

keneobiezu@gmail.com