Nigeria, no doubt is at a cross road. The telltales signs of a country in disarray are obviously. Even a blind person would not need his sight to seethe palpable situations in the country and their negative impacts on the lives of Nigerians.
Tellingly, the political superstructure lays the foundation of the economic substructure, thus any misstep in the choice of a political leader spells doom for the economy. This accounts for the reason why decent climes take the issue of their elections seriously.
More importantly, the turn of events in Nigeria have indicated to a large extent that leadership has trudged the country into oblivion. For instance, Nigeria with the vast arable land still experience food insecurity to the tune of 68 percent; this clearly has shot up the food inflation to 21 percent. The GDP ratio has decelerated by1.29 percent occasioned by the barrage of criminal activities around the country’s oil installations. This has made over 130 million Nigerians to live below the poverty belt. More worrisome is the fact that Nigeria ranks the second most terrorized country of the world as many are killed and kidnapped without any qualms of conscience. These are some of the indices of failed leadership.
However, great countries of the world that moved from underdeveloped or developed nations achieved development when right leaders took over the mantle of leadership. For example, Malaysia, Singapore, China and other Asian Tigers now bask in fever-pitch development because leadership forms the pivotal stake of their existence.
Chinua Achebe in his work the “The Trouble with Nigeria”, posited and rightly too that leadership is the problem with Nigeria. Indeed, a leader as the numero uno says a lot about the direction of the state. His content, intellect, exposure, understanding and capacity form the bedrock of his style.
Furthermore, the assertion of King Louis the fourteenth that “L’etat c’est moi” which means “I am the State” speaks volume about a leader and the composition of his being. No doubt, a leader as an epitome of a country reel out policies and programmes that affect everybody whether you voted for him or not. This accounts for the reason why elections of leaders in developed society is as important as food; because any misstep in policies or programmes will stifle their economic, social, health and educational well being.
In Nigeria for example, the mistake in the last election has deeply impoverished, fragmented and decimated the country into shreds of existing people without life. Now, another opportunity has beckoned for us to do the needful by electing leaders that will elevate or further ramp up poverty in the land.
The 2023 elections should be a serious business for all Nigerians. That is why every Nigerian must do away with every tribal, religious and ethnic sentiments so as to get the right person with the requisite knowledge, experience and technical know -how to run the country. Remember, one single policy of an administration can change or destroy the existential profile of his people, no matter your tribe or religion. Terrorism, kidnapping and high level corruption in Nigeria today cut across the length and breathe of the country.
Therefore, there is a compelling need that every adult in Nigeria should get his or her PVC and vote come February 25, 2023. We should as a matter of conscience shun vote buying and all forms of electoral malpractice. Remember your vote can make the desired difference, vote wisely!
Written by       DR UCHE EZENWILE
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