There seem to be no social conscience in the Nigerian polity, especially among elected representatives. As such, political will for social engineering becomes thwarted; at the other end, the poor masses are victimized with dilapidated social services –like the health care system, failed education system and housing coupled with insecurity. Therefore, youths who form the highest population (about 80%), women and children are vulnerable to the impact of these deterioration.
There comes a time when the people speak and their voices raised to towers. It happened once in Philippines in the 80s, when the people joined forces to install Corazin Aquinno while the incumbent president to on exile to Hawaii.
“Legitimacy of government has to come through government visibly doing simple but important things for the –basic health care, education and road” –Paul Collier states. If we do not as a people and future leaders elect credible representatives, then our efforts would be in shamble.
To create a prosperous, balanced and sustainable economy in Nigeria is dependent on good leadership and governance structures. A credible government that understands the society’s needs –security, social services, employment creation, accountability and ensuring right-based society.
Again, "Nigeria and the Africa needs a turning point, perhaps the new government of President Goodluck Ebele Johnathan would lead the change. How I wish, his 3-point Agenda would be a growth enabler for Nigeria’s economy, her leadership and political life, to meet up enormous challenges and targeted goals before us –the MDGs by 2015, vision 202020".
It is now pertinent that Nigeria’s development will greatly depend on her ability to mobilize the creativity, vision and unique perspectives of youths for the present and future development of the nation. This will be achievable through coordinated and progressive series of activities that helps them become socially, morally and cognitively competent as leaders.
The spirit of change in Nigeria lives in the youths –they are agile, strong, bold and courageous. From all indications, young Nigerians are hunger to forestall true democracy in Nigeria, which is achievable through credible elections. We have participated and have learnt our lessons three consecutive times -1999, 2003, & 2007. At the long run, youth bears blame for election flaws.
Thus, I look forward to see young people rise up to support right-based issues such as; sharing and learning from expert techniques/experiences on election observation/monitoring, to understand what “the freedom to vote and protect their mandate” really mean; be ready to vote; be proactive and vigilant to ensure that their votes counts!