2023 Elections: While we host twitter spaces, the streets is not losing sleep

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Hope is a good thing. Hope is so good that in a life that is so random and filled with so many tricks and loopholes, In a life that no one has any manual to, It is hope that keeps us going. Take away hope from anyone, irrespective of the situation; you have taken something far greater than the air they breathe. 

As Nigerians, and as confusing as it may be in describing our core characteristics, we have that hope in excess. I used to think of the word that would fully describe us, but I have not come across it yet. There is something very amusing about us as Nigerians; See, the excess hope I mentioned earlier? Yeah, it will be the end of us all. 

That resilience we are well known for is not the big flex we think it is. The ability to endure so much suffering is not the ideal way to live. I really cannot understand our nature as Nigerians. I really do not know what has made us into such forms that we cannot differentiate between what is right and wrong for us. 

We are a weird bunch. They say when you keep chasing a goat, and it has nowhere to go again, it faces you with its hoofs ready to fight. But that has never been our case in Nigeria. Here we don't turn back; we break through the tough walls of suffering and keep enduring it. It is really funny. 

The few who try to fight back are left alone, or they get their hoofs broken. "Who sent them"? is a common phrase around here. Getting back into the groove, you might wonder what has led me to this point, But I don't know myself. I guess I have veered off topic unintentionally again. So shall we get back on track? 

I seldom do political think pieces; because It is so easy to go off and talk about different things that are still as valid as ever. There are so many issues in that landscape that you cannot exhaust them if you stay and keep writing for hours. Many thick-covered books have been written about the political situation of the country. So, how much more is a blog post of only a few paragraphs?

Let me take you back to 2015. Remember that time we wanted something different. The oil prices were climbing up, and as per we do not have the facilities for any other means of revenue other than the oil, we were angry we could not see the direct impact of its increase in our lives. Corruption was to the highest heavens, and everyone screamed incompetence. 

As it is in line with the typical human behavior, we wanted a "Strongman" in power. Bubu stepped up, as he had stubbornly done in the years before, and he was being polished before our eyes. Sadly, many of us fell for it. I am ashamed to say I was also a part because I believed all the promises of the time. You know when you have so much hope for your country and want it to get better. I have never considered a Nigerian project like that time. 

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Nah, the propaganda was strong. Unrealistic promises that got many of us sold. Well, one thing leads to the other, and boom! The ruling party was in power. It took over six months before the ministers to man the different cabinets were chosen. That was to be my first cue, and questions started arising in my mind about if these folks could really achieve all they promised. 

We trudged on painfully, and in 2019, we repeated the same mistake, and here we are, still suffering from the effects of that same mistake. In the meantime, we have witnessed an unprecedented abuse of the rule of law. The same monster of corruption is now the king at the table. Our debt profiles keep increasing, and it seems seven years down the line, we still have no idea where our beloved country is going. 

It is 2022; general elections have been slated for 2023, and as usual, the theatre is warming up again. Those currently in power are jostling for the seat again, under the guise of "We have a 12-year plan; vote for us to complete it" the kingmaker now wants to be king, and he has been going around the country canvassing for votes. "I have done it in Lagos; I can also do it at the national level." 

The supposed opposition has still not put their house in order. Not surprisingly, they are most time in bed with the ruling party, yeah? The names we are hearing are the old ones we don't want near the seat of power. But who can we blame? We can blame no other person but ourselves for the current state of things. We missed it a long time ago as a nation, and we now have a chance to correct it. 

I strongly feel like the coming year would be the last chance we might have to correct the anomalies we have voted in power. Nigerian leaders are heartless; they lack empathy, but our leaders are from among us when you look at it deeply. These characteristics are some of the general ones we share collectively as a people. 

As the polity heats up, we cannot afford to stay stuck on our twitter spaces. The Nigerian youths make up over 65% of the entire populace. Out with that general notion that power has to be given to the youths. Nope, Power is not provided; it is taken. And how can we do that? Because if we are not careful, a core part of us will still be utilized by politicians in the coming elections. 

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We saw glimpses of that during the last END SARS protest. A lot of us just want to survive. As much as you can blame them, it is high time we step up and educate them about the importance of delaying gratification and voting for credible candidates that would give us a better shot at life as a nation. We have a short attention span, and we are quick to jump on the next trending subject, all in search of the next source of dopamine. 

The twitter spaces help, but look at the books and check our proportion on Twitter. The importance of that app is overrated, and it is high time we take it to the streets. The streets are not losing sleep. While we deliberate for hours and burn down our data, the major actors in the next election are organizing ward meetings; they are doling out wads of cash and convincing a lot to throw away this coming chance. 

I would be making a claim here, for all the opinion pieces I write on this space, that I have not gotten my PVC (Permanent voters card), not because I am not interested in participating in the elections, but because I have not been chanced. I know many folks reading this article are in the same shoes. But as inconvenient as the electoral body has made it seem, I have started registration for my voter's card, and I will be voting in the next elections. 

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The road to redemption is not easy, but it is high time we move into the streets and educate our peers. We need it; they need it too. We are knowledgeable, and it is high time we utilize that knowledge in nation-building. We are the "Soro Soke" generation, but we have to "Soro Soke" where it matters. The Olu of Omo in Lagos has started making moves to canvass votes for the general of Bourdillion; we can't afford to be beaten at the game this time. 

I know we all want to "Japa" Yes! Your dreams are valid, and you will get there, but it is time to focus your attention on what is important. We have all come to realize that the outcome of elections impacts the lives of every one of us. You can be in your penthouse in lekki and not have fuel to power your "Mikano" Generator because you know crude oil is being stolen in their billions weekly. 

We all cannot, Japa, and even if we do, our families and relatives will remain here, and we need a safe environment. It is high time we make better moves for the development of our country. If you think I have written well, drop a comment, and if you think I can do better, I also want to read your thoughts. 

Best Wishes, and till I come again, Selah!