Without doubt, Nigeria is maturing with an emerging sense and sensibility?buttressed by the freest and most credible election in the country. This?is a new day in Nigeria and probably a prelude to good governance,?accountability and probity to the Nigerian polity. There is no perfection?in any human activities and Nigerian election is without hiccups.?Generally, conducting election is not utopia and with this in mind Nigeria?has done a great
?job. Nigerians deserved to be congratulated and be?satiated for contributing to this development.
Who would have anticipated that this time around Nigeria would get it?right and transform herself as a nation where a credible and free election?can take place? On this election of 2011, Nigeria stood up and was counted?as a serious nation that has the courage to do the right thing. Reflecting
on the past election malpractices, electioneering machination and riggings?the outcomes were bleak and hopeless but a new thing is taking place in
Nigeria.
At a point Nigeria was becoming a laughing stock by the rest of the?civilized world but not anymore. Nigeria has proven to whole world that?she is ready to join the comity of nation as responsible and matured?country that is willing to organize and implement a free and fair?election. The most significant thing that happened to Nigeria was not only?to show to friends and foes that she is maturing rather to prove to?herself as nation of people that she is now willing to take responsibility?of the situation, shaping her destiny and fulfilling her aspirations.
No one is saying that Nigeria has reached the promise land but definitely?she is ready to make the journey and to commence to rewrite the previous
mistakes. Nigeria still has a long way to go especially in the area of?good governance and transparency but with this development there is a hope
and a flicking light at the end of the tunnel. This affirmative evolution?of mindset and pragmatism must be jealously protected with vigilance and
commitment as the country celebrates the dawn of the new era. The dividend?of democracy must be amplified to connote viable?credible election and of?course good governance. And credible elections must be made sustainable as?a way of life and a political culture of the nation.
This is a seminal hour in the life of a country and a teachable moment in?the growth of a nation. A lesson to be learned and a deduction to be made
is that Nigeria can do anything she set her mind to accomplish. At this?time Nigeria will be encouraged to dream big dreams with a sense of hope
and commitment that it is within her reach if she dares to take the step?and initiative.
Nigeria is the economic powerhouse of West Africa and the giant of Africa.?Nigeria as a nation and as a people can no longer afford to shy away from
her collective destiny of greatness. Nigeria is endowed with both optimum?natural and human capital; with prudent management she can transform
herself and her nation. Nigeria is not born to be perpetually a developing?and third rate nation, not anymore. ?Yes! Nigeria can join other nations
like China, India, and Brazil on the fast track of economic and human?development.
With most credible election taking place in the political landscape of?Nigeria, the nation cannot afford to sit on her laurels and beat her?chest. Rather Nigeria must be ever ready to build on this achievement for?the greater good of the country. Nigeria must make the ultimate effort to?make sure that the new found voice and development must be sustainable.
There are many challenges including unemployment and power shortage?confronting the country. But with the new found commitment Nigeria can do?anything and catapult the country to the zenith of modern development.
Nigeria can formulate and build a civilization that can make all Nigerians?proud to call the land her homeland.
Nigerians in particular and Africans in general cannot afford to downplay?this election credibility development as not important. To be candid this?is a seminal achievement and Nigerians must be proud of herself and her?country for accomplishing such a tall order. That does not mean that all
is good but rather a roadmap has been established that will take a willing?Nigeria to the Promised Land.
President Goodluck Jonathan deserved to be applauded even extolled for?leading his nation to an electoral integrity and maturity. President?Jonathan shunned all forms of electoral shenanigans, instead invested on?electoral accountability and transparency. He appointed Professor Attahiru?Jega, chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a man?of established integrity who kept a firm and steady hand, thus delivering?on rendering to Nigeria the freest and the most credible election.
But the greatest applaud and respect goes to the people of Nigeria who?insisted on accountability and probity. Come rain, come sunshine Nigerians
came out in masses to cast their votes to their chosen politicians.
Nigerians were ready for the transformation that was rooted in?steadfastness and patriotism that brought another opportunity for her
greatness.
Emeka Chiakwelu is the principal Policy Strategist at Afripol. Africa?Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public?policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of?public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free?enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights,?conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa. ?www.afripol.org
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Mr. Chiakwelu is the Afripol?s Representative for monitoring of Nigerian?election 2011.
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