I once heard this question asked by a preacher in Nigeria,
‘Do you think that a gang of thieves will ever vote in a policeman (possessing the best credentials) as their new leader even in the FREEST and FAIREST election possible?’
The answer he got was an overwhelming, NO! He went on to say that the situation was that way not because the thieves hated the policeman but it was simply because they perceived life through different lenses; that is to say, they had opposing IDEOLOGIES.
Many optimistic Nigerians see the 2011 elections as the one which will through up patriotic and selfless leaders into political positions; men and women of honour and integrity who would have this country’s best interest at heart; people with the requisite skills and experience to move this country forward (FORWARD: is actually a relative term used in Nigeria because Nigerians are yet to define where ‘forward’ is); Nigerians who are not only willing but are also committed to delivering to us the Nigeria of our dreams (The ‘DREAM NIGERIA’ is also subject to personal interpretation as ‘FORWARD’). Some others see 2011 as a one in a lifetime opportunity to finally vote out the ‘corrupt elements’ who have held Nigeria bound for so many years and a time to vote in a new crop of purposeful and visionary leaders. Seeing it as a chance to get rid of the older generation and to bring in a younger generation.
These are all positive and hopeful thoughts about 2011 but we must not forget that they are also not new thoughts. We had them in 1999, 2002 and 2006. However, as was the case in the illustration above, Nigeria today can only produce after its kind. The ideology prevalent in most of the Nigerian electorate (mainly poor and illiterate) is one framed by wrong values such as greed and distrust, which are seen as the roots of all forms of corruption in the land.
Please, do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that every Nigerian is corrupt; all I am saying is that Nigeria presently operates a system where corruption not only thrives but is also celebrated. Therefore, the system at its best can only produce more of the same. The good news about all these is that every system can be changed. If the current system would change then the thinking pattern of the electorate must be altered and if the thinking pattern would change then the information available to the electorate must be addressed.
Now is the time for every patriotic Nigerian to consistently reach-out to his/her world (family, school, offices, market places, alma-mater, social/professional/online communities, etc) modelling a better alternative of leadership. It is up to all of us to show other Nigerians the beauties and benefits of a functional system; one in which things are done properly and orderly. A system where the right moral values such as; integrity, service and justice are extolled... this kind of a system is what Nigerians yearn for. Remember, when a man is presented with a better option, he takes it.
I do hope that the 2011 elections would be the MOST CREDIBLE we have ever experienced in Nigeria but that is not my most important concern. For I have come to understand that change is not gotten merely through the QUALITY (freeness, fairness, transparency, voter turnout) of an electoral process rather it is gotten by the QUALITY OF MIND; that is the ideology of the electorate.
It is time we got to working on the mindsets of the average Nigerian, to inspire in him/her the right ideology worthy of a great nation. This to me is the recipe for true and lasting change. It might not be the quickest way but it is the surest way. So let’s begin Nigeria!
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
By: Taulpaul for MTW
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