Unlike the previous election seasons, the ruling party seems not to care much about the state of the country. In my country, Nigeria, election seasons are seasons of reconciliation. Seasons of amending and getting closer to the electorates. But this season is one of a kind — the opposite is the case. The politicians seem to care less about the electorates.
Several events that normally ought to have been sorted out by the government before the campaign periods, have been paid no attention to.
For instance; the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been on strike for more than five months now. In other words millions of Nigerian students have been at home. Not only are they at home, most of the university lecturers have taken up other mini-jobs, since they are being owed by the government. The only academic bodies functional in the country are the private-owned institutions — which the ordinary Nigerian student cannot afford their fees.
What is more painful is that the government seems not bothered. In fact most of our political figures are busy flaunting the pictures of either the matriculation/convocation of the children or themselves, in this period of time.
Secondly, the economy is nothing to write home about. The inflation rate is at its highest peak in Nigeria's history. The exchange rate of US dollar ($) to Nigerian Naira (#), is $1 = #710 — and still rising. The unemployment rate is at a whopping value of more than 35%.
Is it to talk about security? The country's capital, the city of Abuja is far from being safe! People go about their business depending on God to protect them, as the security personnels can no longer deliver on their duty. The funny thing is, our dear president recently delivered a lecture on security in Liberia. Guess you marvelled the same way I am. What exactly does he have to lecture the Liberians, when he cannot protect his own citizens?. Of course, welcome to Africa!
In a reaction to all that has been happening in the country, especially the security challenges, the Senates — especially those from the opposition party (PDP), has issued a six week warning to the president before commencing an impeachment process. You might think this is a step in the right direction but let me burst your bubble, they just declared a seven week break before their next sitting. Lol. Are they running for their safety, since the state capital is no longer safe? Or what exactly? Welcome to Nigeria!
The country is experiencing all the above-mentioned issues and the same ruling party are all confident that they would win the forthcoming presidential election in less than eight months time.
My questions are:
What exactly would they be campaigning with? Is the hell they have turned Nigeria into? Or are there other areas they really delivered well, that we — the citizens, are not aware of?
Who exactly is motivating them? Do they have votes somewhere that they are banking on? Or still the votes of the common suffering Nigerian?
Or should I say, all these things are happening in order to push us to make the right decision of voting for a competent and visionary candidate?
Guess 2023 has a lot to reveal to us, as it holds the answers to the above questions.
In all, I employ every Nigerian youth on this platform to overlook things like tribal and religious sentiments and vote for the right candidate. Not just vote but also mobilize others to do the same. Because suffering don tire me!
