Putting Nigeria First -By Clement Uwayah

Now the campaigns are here. We shall once again be seeing promises as of old. We would also be hearing reminders of  what or where we were or even are. In all, we must not be stereotypes. It will be neither region, religion, tribe, ethnicity or political party affiliations or sentiments that can take Nigeria out of the current status. We are in a time and season of leadership recalibrations, and this presupposes a departure from the old ways. Yes, there has to be a paradigm shift. Nigerians must ensure that the poll decides who leads them. It is no longer a matter of who is in the ‘pool’ of predetermined successors. It’s truly nobody’s turn to lead Nigeria. Only Nigerians should decide who leads them. We are in an era when we follow the fact that ‘Might is not Right.’

It is however very necessary that the right of anyone to support a candidate of his/her choice be respected. Bullies and wrongful aspersions must be put aside, to allow a seamless electioneering period. The destinies of many people are always tied to candidates. So, no matter how odd we feel a candidate is, his followers need to be respected and allowed to be. Equally, no matter how good a particular candidate may be perceived, it is impossible for everyone to be in support. Come to think of it, wouldn’t democracy and elections be of no consequence with everyone queueing for one person? All that one needs to emerge is majority, so why the fights?

The campaigns should be issue based. What are the past antecedents of the candidates? What plans do they have? What is their capability, vision, and others? Ultimately, the future greatness of the country should be the hallmark upon which we all should either embrace or reject candidates, not what we may be offered. We can avoid Esau’s spirit of immediate satisfaction for a glorious future.

Happy campaigns to all parties, candidates and Nigerians. We look forward to a better Nigeria that we can be proud of.

Clement S. Uwayah

Member, Institute for Good Governance.