As
a development activist and a stakeholder in the current electioneering process,
I consider it necessary to put my thought in writing just before elections.
March 28th 2015 is beyond marching for GMB or marching for GEJ, it
is a day Nigerians we march for consolidation of our democracy, a day that will
be a great march beyond mundane issues that divide us as a nation.
Regardless
of the vociferous, belligerent and sometimes hate campaigns of politicians
across the major divides, March 28th is about INEC and WE THE
PEOPLE. As for INEC, the current electoral commission has been the most
vilified agency of government in recent memory but my experience as domestic
election observer since 1999 has shown that the current Commission is far
better than any other in the history of our electoral democracy in terms of new
initiatives, respect for rule of law and courageously accepting failures and
shortcomings of the commission!
However,
rather than commendation, the vilification and condemnation of Jega and INEC is
becoming legendary. As much as this intervention is not to patronise INEC or
defend their structural and procedural shortcomings, it will be for posterity to
holistically, sincerely and genuinely address the whole process beyond our
parochial crucifixion of Jega and INEC. Despite the pressure from many quarters
for Jega to resign, sponsored and spontaneous, it is commendable that Jega
insists resigning will amount to disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians. I hope
and pray for the success of INEC and election. May the Card reader never
disappoint INEC, may the card reader never disappoint Nigerians and may the
people’s desire for a democratic consolidation and development prevail.
The
Fundamental decision of March 28th
2015 depends on the good people of Nigeria, however the campaigns has been more
of mudslinging and name calling rather than the core issue that confronts us as
a nation viz, corruption, underdevelopment, unemployment and insecurity. One thing is clear President Goodluck
Jonathan will run on his achievement or otherwise, while the other presidential
candidates will run on what they will do better than the incumbent.
Just
before you cast vote remember how a certain Goodluck Jonathan with I have no
shoe mantra, and I am one of you look emerged out of the death of a president
to become the most powerful president in Africa. Remember how he promised so
much but delivered abysmally. Remember how Goodluck Jonathan promise to grow
economy and create jobs, however the statistics on rebasing and biggest economy
the Jonathan administration may be bandied around, Nigeria remains among the
top five countries with the largest number of the poor!
It
was Albert Einstein who said that whoever is careless with the truth in small
matters cannot be trusted with important matters, just before you cast vote,
remember how President Goodluck Jonathan promise to illuminate Nigeria through
reforms of power sector within four years, the President went further with a
caveat that if he cannot guarantee stable power supply in four years, he will
not guarantee it even if he rule forever!. Therefore ask yourself do you want
to continue paying for darkness? As the president rightly posited, even if he
is re-elected, stable power supply in Nigeria will be a mirage.
Just
before you cast your vote, ask yourself what if I am from Buni Yadi, Bama, Baga
or Chibok? Will I still vote for continuity to stay in internally displaced camps
littered across the northern state? Ask
yourself, do a president that cannot muster enough strength to confront our
greatest problem deserve my vote again? It
is unfortunate to remember how the president’s wife and goons like Asari Dokubo
and co insists till today that no Chibok girls were missing even as the rest of
the world joined the campaign to bring back our girls. Just ask yourself before
you cast that vote whether President Jonathan deserve your vote or your
forgiveness for the many innocent lives lost to the insurgents, many property
lost and overall disrepute to the territorial integrity of our beloved nation?
A
friend of mine said nothing is wrong with Nigeria if we can curb corrupt
practices, but as long as we continue to celebrate corrupt elements in Nigeria,
everything will be wrong with our nation, these is why you must ask questions
about President Jonathan records on anti-corruption before you cast your vote.
Just
before you vote, remember President Jonathan pardoned a convicted looter, Diepreye
Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, a man who was caught abroad and had to escape dressed
as a woman! Remember a certain President
Goodluck Ebele failed to prosecute Abdulrasheed Maina who stole pension fund of
patriot who served the country for 35yrs! Remember the president also failed to
prosecute Diezani Allison Madueke who’s under her watch; millions of dollars of
our oil revenue is missing. Remember the president failed to prosecute Patrick
Abba Moro who extorted and presided over death of 19 applicants for Nigerian
Immigration Service (NIS). Remember President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan shielded from
prosecution, Madam Stella Oduah for using aviation fund to buy 2 bulletproof cars.
Remember President Goodluck Jonathan pardon James Ibori and manipulated Nigeria
judiciary to exonerate a man who stole Delta state dry only for the long hand
of justice to catch him in a foreign land and now serving jail term in a London
prison. These are the record that some people want to continue beyond 2015,
just before you cast your vote that thumb can make a difference.
Finally,
I am a Nigerian, Naira is not only our currency but also our identity, the rest
of the world appreciate Kuwaiti Dinar same way they look at citizens of Kuwait,
America Dollar and British pounds are in a world of their own, same as their
citizens, the reality is that the current government treats Naira with disdain
same way they treats Nigerians. March 28 is a time to remedy the slide, Naira
and Nigerians deserve a better alternative. The power to change Nigeria is in
our collective thumbs, may our people courageously and patriotically make informed
choice for the good of our nation to the glory of God.
Saka Waheed is the State Coordinator of Nigerians United for Democracy, State of Osun Chapter.
@wahidsaka
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