Goodluck Nigeria!

I started to write this piece on December 18th 2010. Somewhere in the first paragraph I stopped as I pondered the last sentence I had just written. I knocked on wood (yes, I am a tad superstitious) and stopped writing until now.

Like many I wondered in what direction Nigeria, (not the country, the idea) would be headed when presidential elections were concluded. I was skeptical that the current political class would find better ideas to move forward. As I write today, I am sure they have not.

It was somewhat refreshing that the electorate's voice was mostly heard in the concluded elections. There is little doubt in my mind that the elections were "free and fair", but in comparison with previously conducted elections, I am in agreement with many observers that the outcome was better and thus more acceptable. The so called gentleman's agreement between the political class failed and Nigerians picked their leaders.

So now that the elections are done and Nigeria has elected its political leaders for the next four years, there remains a little thing called 'work'. In other for the business of Nigeria to get done, her new (or recycled) leaders need to grow a character trait called 'guts'.

For the idea of Nigeria to survive, the political class must address some very pertinent and fundamental issues. Fairness to its citizens and respect for the rule of law, come to mind. Fairness, because it is ridiculous how lawmakers and political appointees are remunerated. What is even more ridiculous is the disdain for the laws of the land.

If all that is achieved in the next four years is more fairness and less slicing of the national cake, this writer and most Nigerians would be pleased. For now, all I can say is Good luck Nigeria, you will surely need it.

June 19, 2011