Journey To Uhuru

I love discussing politics but I do not write political pieces. I cannot call this a political piece, (it will be insulting on the great political pieces I garner information from), it is more of my thoughts on Nigeria’s current political landscape.

It is not yet Uhuru for Nigeria both in terms of the political landscape and conducting credible, free and fair elections but we have begun our journey to Uhuru and each step brings us closer. Several things excite me about Saturday’s NASS elections and reinforce my faith in a better Nigeria. Although far from perfect, compared to previous elections since Nigeria's return to democracy, it is a huge improvement. Disappointingly, INEC is yet to release the official comprehensive results of the NASS election, but from information available on Nigeria Elections Coalition, based on results released by INEC so far, PDP currently has 55% of the Seats in the Senate and 49% in the House of Representatives.

A couple of friends have asked why people like me are Anti-PDP, considering all Nigerian political parties are the same with no political ideologies. As much as I agree with the sentiment that Nigerian political parties lack political ideologies, a question I pose in response is “how can political ideologies be developed if a single party stays in overwhelming majority forever with no fear of losing dominance?” Nigeria’s democracy is young and it is not unusual not to have ideologies, however, what will be unusual is not moving towards developing ideologies. The mix in the new NASS is a step towards this as legislators voting for bills along party lines will lay the foundation. Rome was not built in a day, so how can Nigeria be built in a day? :| (Of course, I have other reasons for being Anti-PDP but this piece is not about that so moving on!)

Another issue that excites me is the role new media played and is currently playing in Nigeria’s political landscape. As an avid advocate of the usefulness of new media, I have been involved in several debates on whether new media can be effective in Nigeria. This piece is not about new media so I will not delve into details but can the lawyer in me say “I rest my case” :)

Most exciting for me however is the fact that the Nigerian electorate is gradually finding its voice. Elected public officers have no choice but to acknowledge that they can be booted out. As many rightly argue, most politicians in the opposition are recycled. However the home that recycles also has the option of incinerating – Ask Iyabo Bello Obasanjo and Dimeji Bankole. O ye Nigerian Politicians, the fear of the Nigerian electorate should be the beginning of wisdom.

So why this epistle? My way of encouraging everyone to play an active role. Come Saturday April 16 and Tuesday, April 26, come out and #pressyahand for your conscience irrespective of who you think may or may not win. Your voting should not only be seen as voting a candidate in or out of office but also see it as your contribution to developing a vibrant democracy in Nigeria where the voice of the people matter.

Still on politics, if you are in need of a good laugh, I recommend reading tweets from @TeamDeleMomodu, @delemomodu2011  and for good music, listen to Dame P's Umblerra  below:|

God bless Nigeria!