As the General Elections draw near, we need to understand that the leaders we will entrust our votes to lead us can either make or break us for the next four years. Whatever the outcome of the election there are three scenarios that can play out:
We could remain the way we are: With the 2015 Rankings by Global Finance based on the GDP (PPP) of a country, which compares the generalized differences in the cost of living and standards between countries, Nigeria is rated the 62th poorest country in the world. The current unemployment rate in Nigeria is 9.9 percent, higher than the global average (NBS 2015). The education sector in Nigeria is dilapidating, Crime rate is increasing, Militancy/insurgency is on the increase, death from preventable illnesses, Nepotism, Godfatherism, Corruption, Favoritism instead of merits, Tribalism, religion pinions are daily evident, Political interference are the order of the day. Many Nigerians still go to bed on empty stomach; death from starvation still exists in our richly blessed nation. Things could remain like this if our leaders remain irresponsible to the plight of the nation.
We could be worse: Poverty rate could drastically increase. People will involve in crime just for food and not for the pleasure of this world. Unemployment rate could increase, death from preventable diseases could drastically increase, and corruption could become full blown. If all these problems, troubles, poverty stage and political, social and economic instability will be doubled, what will be left of Nigeria? Nigeria is a country whose problem is not with material and human resources but management of the material and human resources for positive development. The problem of Nigeria is in the administration corridors – people who make the policies and implement them. If we fail to produce good leadership from credible, free and fair elections, we have automatically succeeded in destroying the nation.
We could be better: That is, we could translate from here to a better stage, much better to be among the league of the 20 largest economies of the world, if not among the first best 10. The feat would be achieved when every Nigerian participate in the initiative of neglecting sectional politicking and voting into power someone who can really lead the nation and put her in a better position among the best countries in the world. Every Nigerian’s participation must be “positive” in order to achieve this. This means that human capital resources need to be developed. Having in mind the most successful countries are those that supported critical thinking and invested heavily and inventiveness of the people.
If we must be successful with our development target, innovation is a prime driver of change in this global economy today. We need to take advantage of the great possibilities provided by the competitive opportunities and advantages, which today’s knowledge and technology – driven world offers.
To ensure that we get the best, we must endeavour to vote and play our parts. The first step to achieving this is to register for your PVC today. I have done mine; have you?
