WHILE WE WAIT FOR INEC

There's palpable tension in the country as we eagerly await the final results of the Presidential Elections. The delays by INEC can be likened to the suspense associated with Hollywood movies. Nigerians have decided. What's left is for the decision to be made public.

The political drama of the past weeks is about to reach its crescendo. The hours of anticipation will definitely end today. Whatever happens, we'll have a President elect today. I just hope that the result represents the true wishes of the Nigerian people. That should reduce the likelihood of post-election strife.

I must commend INEC for trying to give Nigerians a credible election. The card readers and permanent voters cards are welcome innovations. Despite the lapses, INEC has shown that there's hope for the future especially as it concerns restoring 'one man, one vote'. Any unbiased assessment will show that Jega has done a good job.

Politics is like a game of football. Winners and losers must emerge after the process. Our Politicians should learn from sportsmen and learn to embrace one another after results are announced. All grievances should be addressed by the tribunals. Violence and blood-letting do us no good. The era of Do or Die Politics should come to an end.

Nigeria is our beloved country. The growth of this country rests in our hands. If the youths refuse to be used as agents of violence by politicians, the future will be brighter. Whoever wins, a new dawn is here. The only way to go is forward. Let's keeping marching forward. Victoria acerta.

SOYINKA'S VIEW ON THE 2015 ELECTIONS

Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has expressed his opinion on the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria. 

In an interview with The Guardian UK on Sunday, he was quoted as saying,

 “We’re talking about a very positive response by the public in terms of determination to register and vote but, you know, this has been one of the most vicious, unprincipled, vulgar and violent exercises I have ever witnessed.I just hope we won’t go down as being the incorrigible giant of Africa.

 “This one was like a no-holds-barred kind of election, especially, frankly, from the incumbency side. One shouldn’t be too surprised  

anyway given the kind of people who are manning the barricades for the incumbent candidate.

I AM

 ‎I am God's masterpiece,
the apple of his eyes. 
I am wonderfully and 
powerfully made. 
I am God's instrument 
of peace and harmony 
in this troubled world. 
To end the reign of Satan 
and crush his proud head. 
I am God's mouthpiece,
to proclaim liberation to captives

IF

If you must be, be the best. 
If you must live, live a fruitful life. 
If you must love, start from yourself. 
If you must lust, lust 4 success. 
If you must drink, drink responsibly. 
If you must smoke, don't exceed the cigarette level (hmmm). 
If you must criticise, do so constructively. 
If you must burn, burn with passion for God.

SOUL SEARCHNG

Pause for a second and ask yourself this questions:

- What's my impact on the lives of people around me?
- What am I giving back to the society?
- What am I known for? 
- What would I be remembered for?
- What are my fruits?

STRAY THOUGHTS

It's been a pretty boring weekend by my 'standards'. No English Premiership or Spanish La Liga matches, few friends around, etc. The Exodus of people from Abuja this weekend is scary. Lol. I can imagine the gridlock on the roads, the crowd at Airports and the attendant stress.

In the midst of my boredom, I've noticed that the political noise on social media has reduced. The euphoria has been replaced by anxiety and sobriety in some cases. Political Party Fanatics have stopped insulting each other. This makes me wonder what's going on in camps of the major contenders. Last minute fine-tuning and dress rehearsals I guess. Some may already be plotting face-saving strategies just in case they lose.

24 HOURS

24 hours!!!! Such a long time on days like this. Tomorrow, Nigerians have a big decision to make. There are two options -Continuity OR Change. The next 24 hours will decide the rest of the year for this nation politically and maybe economically. So much depends on the outcome of this election.

One funny fact is that many social media commentators will spend the day at home, watching the news or on social media as usual. Some don't even have voter's cards. Ironic but True. The election induced brouhaha will be over soon. The effects may however linger on. We'll have to spend the next four years with the choices we make, good or bad.

QUOTES

-Not All wars are meant to be fought. Sometimes a tactical maneuvre may be the best solution. Choose your wars wisely.

-Love and Hate are two powerful emotions that direct the course of a man's life. I chose love because it makes the world a beautiful place. I'd rather convert my hate to determination.

-Success in Life isn't a function of earnings but planning. Without sound fiscal planning, even the largest empires will crash.

Copyright..Valentine Onunkwo 2015

SAY NO TO VIOLENCE

As we countdown to the General elections in Nigeria, it's pertinent to preach the message of peace. This may be the most keenly contested Presidential election yet. The significance of the outcome of this election cannot be over emphasised.

We are a diverse people with different political affiliations. While it's logical to disagree on political ideologies or support different candidates, the hate been propagated is senseless. It is becoming increasingly difficult to have an intelligent debate with supporters of different parties or candidates. The outcome of most arguments on social media is insults, accusations of hidden agenda or financial inducements.

SHORT THINGS

The moment of victory is so short to dwell on it alone all your life and nothing else.
Life is so short to be spent fighting and quarelling.
Time is so short that it should be used judiciously.
Our dreams are so short that we should not dwarf them with procrastination.
Our love is so short that partners should be ready to make sacrifices to be together.
Our achievements are so short that we have to build on them to make them grow.

CLASSICO BLUES

It's been 90 minutes of breath-taking football. The famous 'Classico' has come and gone. Real Madrid and Barcelona are undoubtedly two of the World's best clubs. The match was a tale of missed chances, sloppy defending, quiet superstars and a lot more. As a football lover, I'll make some deductions below.

Real Madrid may have just blown their title chances away. Besides the stuttering defence, the most disappointing 'galactico' was Gareth Bale. Bale, you dey fear to score? I can't fathom how the most expensive player in the history of football has failed to turn up for Madrid since the beginning of the year. Abeg Ancelotti, sell this guy to Manchester United and collect De Gea. Casillas has to go too. He has overstayed his welcome. The Champion's League may be Ancelotti's last chance to keep his job. E go hard sha.

An Xray of the Statement 'I can't Live without u'

I can't live without you. This sounds familiar right? It's cliche for couples madly in love. However, it's FALSE to me, it's also an ABUSE of words. Lol. These are my reasons:

The human heart beats as a result of contraction & relaxation (systole & diastole). Deep and sincere love makes the heart beat faster. But there's no science that links heart failure or cessation of breathing to loss of love. Even if it happens, it's a sign of weakness or lack of purpose. No doubt some people make our lives more meanningful but there's more to life than loving a person. Life shld go on with or without anyone. Afterall, God created us alone. 

THE FACE OF EVIL

The word 'Evil' can be defined in several ways. It could mean morally bad; wicked, disagreeable or unpleasant, unlucky; causing misfortune. We tend to forget that evil in most cases has a human face. Evil in the world is perpetrated by humans. Wars don't just happen, they are first contrived within the hearts of men.

Terrorism, Arson, exploitation, 'corruption', rigging and child trafficking are some examples. Humans are used to propagate these acts. Unhealthy rivalry between two men often leads to war between Nations, carried out by soldiers sworn to carry out orders. While we blame the devil, we can't discountenance the fact that certain atrocities are committed by humans deluded by their positions or wealth to visualize themselves as God.

MAN, ALWAYS REMEMBER!!!

"And God said Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air and over the cattle and over all the earth...........". That's an excerpt from the story of creation.

Most humans, Christians in particular are familiar with the above. It didn't end there. Man was also charged to multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it, and have dominion. The key word here is dominion, a pointer to the authority given to man (males and females, just in case you are gender sensitive).

GRATITUDE

It is easy to focus on problems, limitations and shortcomings. It is convenient for some to keep dwelling on missed chances. The terms 'Had I known' and 'If Only' are commonplace in situations like this. Unfortunately, regrets and self-pity add nothing positive to our lives. They only lead to inferiority and in extreme cases, depression.

FIDELITY AND GENDER ACCUSATION

We live in a world of diverse relationships. The internet and the advent of social media has made it easier to start relationships with people all over the world. Some 'social media stunts' have led to serious relationships and friendships. Some marriages are products of friendly chats on facebook, twitter, etc.

This laudable development has some shortcomings. The normal wooing, unending calls and visits are gradually being replaced by DMs, BBM pings, facebook chats and the likes. Increasingly, people fall in love with an illusion and not the person. I have heard of marriages by couples who have not met physically. Incidences like this are obviously on the rise.

REMINISCENCE

Years back, it was normal to wake up to the sight of guys queuing up to use the bathroom, to use 'illegal' hot plates or cooking stoves. This was in preparation to meet up with early morning lectures. The 'hostel' struggle was quickly replaced with the hustle for buses and taxis. The other alternative was our ever reliable 'Legedes Benz'.

The lecture hall was another battlefield. The crowd of 100 level 'JJCs' eager to impress their parents with good grades was a spectacle to behold. Our Great lecturers were always ready to educate us and 'keep us busy' with Assignments. The Practical Labs were another problem (Practical Reports can be annoying).

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Super Eagles, Enyimba,....... The list is endless. The joy that we (guys in particular) feel whenever the weekend approaches is indescribable. TGIF gives way to TGIS. A great variety of matches are available for our viewing, listening or following (via social media and sports sites) pleasure.

'I hate football', 'I'll block all the sports channels on the decoder'. Those are vibes from the ladies' corner. The love for football is so passionate that it 'rivals' the affection between some couples. Some women don't necessarily hate football. They just don't like the fact that the men spend so much time on it.

Politricks in Nigeria

It's "politricks" season in Nigeria again. The General Elections are 12 days away and the tension is building up. The major Gladiators GEJ and GMB are putting finishing touches to their campaigns ably supported by their political parties. It's s case of two elephants jostling for the soul of Nigeria.

Those of us familiar with the political terrain in Nigeria are aware that earth-breaking promises and mudslinging are part of the game. The battalion of fanatical supporters and political errand boys lend credence to the fact that Politics is serious business. As March 28 draws closer, Nigerians can't help but hope that the elections end peacefully and the 'people's choice' emerges.

LOYALTY

Life is all about choices. The choices we make reveal our outlook towards life and most times determine the course of our lives. One important choice every human is faced with concerns loyalty. Where should our loyalties lie OR who should we be loyal to?

Welcome on Board

After so much procrastination, I'm here at Last. Writing comes naturally to me, no thanks to hyperactive mind. Lol. So, this is an avenue for me to put down my random thoughts, share ideas and articles. I may not be regular but I'll try and make this fun and enlightening. I'm not a stranger to controversy (Be warned. Hahaha). This is my first attempt at blogging. So, constructive criticisms are welcome. It's gonna be a swell ride. Enjoy the cruise.