2015: NIGERIA'S DECISIVE MOMENT

There are moments in history that prove decisive and mark a turning point for the future. The American civil war was such a moment in the United States. The fall or the berlin war was such a moment for Germany and the European Union. 2015 General elections is Nigeria’s decisive moment. Decisions made will determine if our collective dream of an economically and politically stable nation can be achieved. The stability of not just Nigeria, but the entire black nation is at stake.
At this crucial moment, Nigeria is in deserves a very energetic leader, with a strong political will to implement policies designed to place Nigeria in the committee of world’s greatest economies.
In the annals of a democratic Nigeria, Presidential elections have never been this competitive. Although there are about 16 candidates seeking the electorates votes in their bid to become Nigeria’s President, our focus has been on the two leading candidates; the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan of PDP and a former Head-of-State, General Muhammadul Buhari of APC.
The President, on assumption of office is expected to shed the toga of partisanship and bring everybody no matter their political leaning under his wing. Jonathan has not disappointed in this regard. Jonathan has been meek and genial, and does not play the kind of cutthroat politics that one of his predecessors is known for.
Ever since the less productive eight turbulent eight years of the Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, Nigeria’s economic expansion has been threatened and it has become liability on successive administrations to make reasonable economic policies that will save Nigeria from economic collapse. Goodluck Jonathan’s effort at revamping the nation’s economy is commendable.
It is fitting for Jonathan, being a PhD holder, an academia for that matter to be elected President post-independent Nigeria. His transformation agenda has evidently transformed the Nation’s economy. It is no longer news that Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and the 3rd fastest economy in the world. Quite impressively, Educational standards are on the increase, Agriculture has been greatly improved.
Jonathan’s achievements security wise has been positioned below expectations. Over the years, he has been under severe attack by malevolent critics for an increase in the level of insecurity in the country. Therefore, the need to empower and motivate our security agencies towards an effective management of terrorism becomes necessary.
Another leading candidate in the Presidential poll, Gen. Muhammadul Buhari, flag bearer of Nigeria’s leading opposition party, APC, has been in the news lately. He had been previously accused of not possessing a certified qualification(s) which would qualify him to contest the elections. I actually don’t belong to the school of thought that believes academic qualifications define the leadership capabilities of candidate. Leadership is not a textbook thing. It’s also not an academic exercise. A leader’s capability should be defined by how he registers his/her presence in the minds of his/her people with his charisma, charm and sense of purpose. I dare to say, to my observation, the sense of purpose and capability to perform seems to be lacking in the old General. His supporters are likely to boast of his capability to end corruption. But beyond tackling corruption, what else is Buhari capable of?
I give him kudos for assuring he will jail people he termed as “corrupt”, and also, he promised to tackle the insecurity ravaging the North-Eastern part of the country, but could that be regarded as a turning point for Nigeria’s numerous challenges?
We desire a free, fair and effective government and that requires having a President of sound mind and a sense of purpose. If we really desire change, what kind of change does Gen. Buhari has to offer?
One other issue bothering me as a citizen of Nigeria is the capability of the INEC as presently constituted to live up to their constitutional responsibilities of conducting free, fair and credible elections. I desire to see a decent, peaceful and non-controversial election.
Two defining political questions of the moment are; do these leading candidates have sufficient political will and intelligence required to move our dear nation forward? Do the electorates understand the dangers of electing the wrong candidate in this decisive moment?
Nigeria is at the crossroad. Our success can be a signal to the world. I know there might be difficult days ahead but I put my faith in the people and my fate in the hands of God. I am not afraid. Yes, we at a turning point, but I know that time, justice and the forces of history are on our side.

Ayodeji Aladejana,
Writes from Ekiti State.
Contact
Phone: +2348167011007
Email: aladejanaayodeji@gmail.com
Twitter: @aladejanadeji
Instagram: @aladejanadeji
Facebook: Prince Ayodeji Adeyemi Aladejana