Who will save the nation and rescue the Naira?

I must apologise to my readers for absconding from my weekly assignment without due notice.  I went in search of better sight and improved hearing.  Though I can now see and hear a little bit better.  I must confess that my sight is being blurred by the devastation of Boko-Haram bombs and my ears are blocked by nasty rumours of impending post-election reactions.

Perhaps it is too late to persuade the political gladiators against the futility of rushed elections, especially when the political atmosphere is already charged.  There is that craze for a CHANGE by the Opposition against the sit-tight posture of the ruling caste in the Federation and the states.  Every party is caught in the web of enlightened self interest through manifestoes which are neither enlightened nor revolutionary.  At best, the election promises are the familiar ones – Improved Security and Economic Prosperity which have remained elusive over the years.

Perhaps those patriotic Nigerians who cry for the postponement of the elections have their points.  Nigeria is in a civil war – a deadly combat in which our gallant armed forces have the unpleasant duty of turning their weapons against rebellious and deadly Nigerian insurgents.  Many believe that the final resolution of the conflict is far beyond the capability of a single political party whose leadership lacks strong national appeal in a seemingly divided nation.

The other important aspect of the many unresolved issues is that of Electoral Reform to ensure free and fair election.  In a plural society with multi-party political system, the electoral body (INEC) should be representative and not one selected by the ruling party either in the Centre or in the States.  Also, any electoral system that denies the individual (Independent candidate) from being voted for cannot be fair and just.

The question is, why the haste when the electoral body is not 90 per cent ready in the distribution of voters‘ cards and revision of voters list?

Caught in the mood of ‘rush-rush‘ psychology of Nigerian political system, the media do solemnly ask for debate on Issues of the day: Security and the Economy: those are the two vital issues on which the government and the opposition are expected to be on familiar grounds.  The governing parties should rely and defend their activities and the opposition to convince voters of their alternative routes to security and prosperity in an atmosphere of dwindling oil revenue and hostile political environment.

Many observers of Nigerian political situation believe that issues raised at the last National Conference (at President Jonathan‘s initiative) should have been resolved and concrete steps taken to amend, if necessary, the 1999 Constitution before any election is undertaken. With Political and Economic issues unresolved, the new government of any shade or colour after the elections would still be confronted with the unresolved burning questions.  That situation might become volatile and result in political instability.