Elections, Revolts and Uprising

It is no longer news that Nigeria has a president elect. Dr Goodluck Jonathan the University lecturer was voted back into power in an election that the international community considers one of the freest in Nigeria's history. With millions of Nigerians voting back the man and the electoral body, The Independent National electoral commission conducting what was considered a relatively free and fair elections, The joys Nigerians felt was however short lived as a result of the violence experienced in some Northern states. Lives have been lost needlessly and old, painful and bitter memories of the senseless killings in  the North brought back to the fore. The man for whom they claimed to be uphold the right kept silent and for two days the violence went seemingly unchecked.

Riots in Northern Nigeria

Now that calm has returned to the north, we ask what was the reason for this? Why did the authorities knowing that such could occur not take preemptive action? Why did our leaders keep silent in the face of attacks on Christians, Corpers and innocent people. There are more questions than answers but one thing is certain, we should not allow political leader get away with inciting comments. All the inciting during the campaigns lead to the violence we see.

Those who made these statements, supported violence secretly or openly should be held accountable for their actions.

Libya, The rebels and the UN

The 42 year reign of Gadaffi seem no closer to end than when the uprising which spilled over from Egypt engulfed the country. A lot of terms have been thrown around. Demonstrators, Opposition and rebels. Now, we only hear of rebels. Unorganized fighting, gaining and losing ground to the Pro-Gadaffi forces. Even with a no fly zone enforced, bombing of Gadaffi's Air power and heavy weapons we are no closer. Now Military advisers are on ground from some countries to assist the rebels. The Question is What next?
I am quite certain that the Arab world is watching.

Anti-Gaddaffi rebels

Waiting for the New President

As we wait for the new Nigerian president, like the millions of Nigerians at home and all over the world there is a new sense of relief, positive anticipation and hope that things are about to change. Change we believe that can only be for the best. Having observed with keen interest like most of my compatriots, the sense of eagerness that fills me, the words to express it seems rarer to find. Perhaps elation might be suitable.

Now we are at the collation stage but still I wonder at the campaign of distaste that still goes around, seeming from an opposition that suspects foul play even when the sun shines too brightly or when the rain falls, It must be an attempt to rig. When does all this end? Maybe when the results are announced. The pitches I have read on online forum and blogs seem to point at a deep sense of resentment and a lack of desire for faith.

Voting in Process in Nigerian General Elections

I can say with all sincererity that we do not need this, we cannot have it, we must not allow it. Our country needs to build on our new found faith in our ability to move the world's largest black race to its place of prominence and of pride. Positioning the nation for agitation may certainly not be in our best interest. Our preparedness to build our nation again, not resting on our oars while we blame others for the things that we ourselves are guilty make the word hypocrisy grossly inadequate. For as Mohandas Gandhi once said " He who loses his individuality, loses all". We must be prepared to come together to build on the positive gains we see in this new era. Only we can. If we do not, we then give others the right to tell our story. The same story told of Africa. despondence, desolation and despair. 

Presidential Elections in Nigeria

Since the return to democratic rule in May 1999, Nigeria has been embroiled in the controversies and in the different challenges of our democratic experience. Now after 12 years of rule by the ruling party the PDP, Nigerians more than ever before seem concious of their needs and their desires. A failed power sector, Brain drain, Decay in the education sector and the mother of all challenges; Corruption has held back the nation for the likely growth it can make.

Finally, the presidential elections are here again. It i without doubt that all the major contestants are noble men. Men who without doubt profess their love for Nigeria and and absolute desire to see the country truly reach its potential. Mudslinging, accusations and counter accusations seem to be the issues of the day causing the country to be heavily polarized.

Whatever the outcome, as long as the elections are free, fair and credible Nigeria can be better. Nigerians must build institutions that stand the test of time so that the issues can be not about individuals only as presidential contestants, about a willingness to develop every facet of national life, strengthen our viable institutions and improve the life of Nigeria.