On the 14th of February, precisely, Nigerians will hasten to the polls
in the primer of what’s seen as a historical process. (That’s one
thing with elections; they are historical for providing the people
with the expression of their power- a power so dismissed by their
leaders). The interests so spurred speak volume of this remarkability;
Nigerians appreciating the necessity it reflects.
I must say I’m enthralled by the bludgeoning connectivity, far and
wide, to the political thriller. (A passion that would send this
elections down history as the most impassioned, arguably.) It radiates
ecstasy at the growing strength of national consciousness that
Nigerians are beginning to muster. An imposing suggestion that
democracy has come to stay in this country.
With the appreciated reality however, I’d not be oblivious to demur
the underlain fact that much as the electioneering elicts great
cuddles, there still abound so many things that should be put right;
the things many people are unaware of or have not taken time to give
thought.
It would seem ludicrous to realize that as close as the elections are,
many have not decided on the choice of candidate; and so observable is
the presumption. Many a result stem from unclarified mechanics of the
necessaries expected that should form one’s bases for choice.
To this group, things must be put right; a beacon must be placed to
give them a stake for decisively weighing the options and consequently
making the highly necessary choice of candidates.
To you, therefore I speak; I mean you- that voter with an emboldening
PVC. What you hold in your hand must be seen as critical the process
heralding. Do not lose sight of the very sacrosanctity of your
‘passport’; you must give resounding meaning to it.
You must, also, not forget that the electioneering is a rare
opportunity; a process witnessed only once in every four years. You
must appreciate how significant the period is in giving a platform to
set the stage for bliss by the right decision you’ll validate by you
thumb-power. More than that, you must be mindful that the pains which,
alternately, your wrongful decision or indecision should smack, would
persist to discomfit you for the wholesome four years, leaving an
intractable scare of rue.
It must also be borne that whether or not you vote, the consequences
would still be commonly felt; as such you should vote.
As the presidential polls and subsequently the governrship and other
polls wheels near, the potential voter must realize that he is of much
relevance to the process and what it’ll result to; he must be made to
make informed decisions.
Thus, the voter must use the moment leading up to the polls to run out
a programme of what he expects from the eventual new regime; the
policies yearn for change and the needed solutions.
Do not be deceived by religious bigots and ethnic jingoists that throw
up uncooked and unsavory tantrums to win cheap political goals. All
humans are one, created by the same God and gifted in skills and
intellect irrespective of superfluous affiliations.
Religion and ethnicity do not determine success or failure of
leadership but rather individual principles and character. Hence, your
assessment must be directed towards personal attributes and
antecedents.
The candidates. If you don’t know them and their histories, there’s no
sense voting for them. The more reason you must circumspectly study
those you’d be handing your affairs to superintend.
Sit down and study the candidates; it is that important! To be able to
make informed choice.
Make sure you judiciously, without resort to mundane analysis,
scrutinize the candidates presented and find out their antecedents; if
they possess the right spirit and character to effect your
expectations.
Think through as you prepare to vote and vote your convictions;
believing that whatever decision yo make, you’ll gladly welcome its
emerging outcomes. And that the effects would linger for four years!
You must go to the polls bearing in mind these.
You must vote for character and for passion as against churned up
sensationalism. Do not vote for tribe or religion, do not vote for
parochialism. Doing so is subjecting your self to the deep tirade of
your conscience.
Be conscious of the power you wield and which has become a much sought
after as you gear up for this process. Be wise and prudential as you
move to the polls. Be resolute as you make that remarkable act of a
determined decision.
Don’t let emotions delude you. Do not let petty considerations cloud
your sense of reasoning or be cajoled to cowardly submission by the
ephemeral delectation derived from the rice-and-money-tokens that
easily fly around this period. (To do that is to have sold your
conscience for mere porridge). You’re worth more than that!
Think deeply; be prepared.
Ahanonu Kingsley.