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.
Billions of dollars have been splashed on campaigns by both parties with blatant disregard to the fact that Nigeria is facing an economic crisis. I can only imagine what could have being. What if these billions were actually channelled to creating a better life for the masses of Nigeria? Why can't these parties abide by INEC's 1 Billion Naira campaign spending threshold? Does the interest of the masses actually figure in the political calculations or is it just a battle to be in power?
Nigeria no doubt is in dire need of change. The shape or form is what I can't fathom. The choices before us don't particularly excite me. Yet, we must CHOOSE. Sometimes I wish we could just settle for one of the less popular candidates. Nigeria's future rests in our hands. VOTE WISELY.
Copyright..Valentine Onunkwo
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.
Billions of dollars have been splashed on campaigns by both parties with blatant disregard to the fact that Nigeria is facing an economic crisis. I can only imagine what could have being. What if these billions were actually channelled to creating a better life for the masses of Nigeria? Why can't these parties abide by INEC's 1 Billion Naira campaign spending threshold? Does the interest of the masses actually figure in the political calculations or is it just a battle to be in power?
Nigeria no doubt is in dire need of change. The shape or form is what I can't fathom. The choices before us don't particularly excite me. Yet, we must CHOOSE. Sometimes I wish we could just settle for one of the less popular candidates. Nigeria's future rests in our hands. VOTE WISELY.
Copyright..Valentine Onunkwo
Well, I happened to watch the chat the president had with Ebony Life Tv and one of the many questions asked was the issue of redirecting these funds to the betterment of the masses and he said "its not like we re inviting foreigners for these campaigns, the money still circulates within nigerians so its still for the betterment of the masses"!... There seems to be a lil bit of sense in what he said because the 'masses' u defend are the same people who get paid one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteNigeria is in dire need of change, yes, but we hope nigerians are ready to make this change they want happen.
Nice observation Queen. However, in my own view, there's a difference between giving fish to people and teaching them how to fish. Sharing money during campaigns, rallies and shows is a temporary thing. Elections happen every four years. What's the fate of the recipients while life continues after elections? The only winners are the politicians, organisers and entertainers. Another issue that bothers me is the 'source of these billions'. Definitely not budgeted expenditure. Who is accounting for this?
ReplyDelete