2015
ELECTIONS: A CALL FOR SOBER REFLECTION
Brethren,
please let your past make you a better person rather than making you bitter. I’m
putting up this advice because the last time I checked, most of us often
allowed our past to change us for bad instead of the other way round.
Your past is expected to be seen as a recipe required to create a better
tomorrow in your life. But on the contrary, most people misuse their past
thereby constituting series of pathetic moments for themselves. Believe me
everybody has a past, either a good or bad one; but the way we manage or absorb
it, is what matters most. Of course the manner in which one manages his/her
past is what determines the kind of future he/she would encounter or have.
Penultimate week, one of my childhood friends called me as usual from
Holland where he resides. Amidst our lovely discussions coupled with gossip, he
decided to enquire some facts concerning the present state of things in Nigeria
especially in the area of politics.
Firstly, he asked how were the electorates
preparing towards the fast approaching 2015 general elections; and I quickly
told him that the elections in question is a call for sober reflection for all
Nigerians and lovers of the country.
Truly anyone who has Nigeria at heart irrespective of his place of
residence would be deeply concerned about the awaiting elections. Yes any right
thinking Nigerian who thinks good of this country, regardless of where he
resides, is expected to be worried or filled with anxiety over the incoming
elections. No doubt, some of us have embarked on a perpetual or have already
concluded, their fasting and prayers in regard to the said forthcoming
political tussle.
Notwithstanding, whatever the case might be, we ought to note that the proposed elections is simply a clarion call for sober reflection among the Nigerian citizenry as well as all the concerned fellows across the globe. Frankly the era we are passing through is a period that requires absolute pampering without using the baby ‘pampers’. If it is in football or sports generally, this is the right time to embrace the drawing board for the sole purpose of having a rethink.
Surely, as we earnestly await
2015, we need to cross-examine so many things, so that, we won’t end up
dancing ‘Makosa’ when we are meant to dance Hip-hop or vice-versa. Without
mincing words, if we fail to soberly reflect on some certain things at this
point, we would have ourselves to be blamed. Let’s ride on!
When Nigeria got her Independence via the collective effort of Dr Nnamdi
Azikiwe, Chief Tafawa Belewa, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, et al, little did the
nationalists know that Nigeria would still be facing some of the challenges she
is currently facing. Even in their grave, they still find it difficult to
believe that Nigeria is still, at this point, a purported united nation, or
still battling with election rigging. Thus for the fact that Nigeria as an
independent country is yet to be totally united, there’s no need reiterating
the fact that the forthcoming 2015 elections call for absolute sober reflection
among the electorates.
Though, every nation or entity has its challenges, and ours is not exceptional. But what matters is the step we are taking to ensure that we
overcome our challenges. We are expected to reflect on some certain factors or
better still, ask ourselves a few questions as follows: Are we truly taking a
sincere step? Do we really want to leave this country better than we met it
just as our forefathers did? And lastly but not the least, do our leaders
actually strive towards taking this country to the anticipated promised land,
or are they only interested in their personal aggrandizement?
At this juncture, I sincerely
challenge the Nigerian youths to form a formidable confraternity as regards
rebranding the Nigerian society. It is high time we stopped being used or
manipulated by the men in power, rather let’s stand firm and thoroughly
independent.
I was informed that the Transformation
Ambassador Nigeria (TAN) is a non-governmental body, but you would bear me
witness that the so-called NGO has been organizing campaign rallies for Dr
Goodluck Jonathan, and other political aspirants under the aegis of the
Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Who is deceiving who?
I’m not here to create faction or to side any party; rather I’m only
calling for ‘Sober reflection’ because I’m of the view that we all have
derailed profoundly regarding the forthcoming 2015 general elections. I bet you;
if we continue like this, it would take us nowhere.
By now, we ought to have learnt from our past. I want us to note that
one who takes reference from his or her past stands to have a better tomorrow.
Therefore, challenge us to let our past make us better persons rather than
giving it a chance to usher us into a bitter mood. The choice is yours. Think
about it!
FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
