[OPINION] Before You Cast Your Vote

By Olayinka Olaiya

Are you ready for the elections? As Nigerians prepare to cast their votes, it’s important to reflect on the future of our great nation. This election marks a pivotal moment for ‘Generation Z’ and the Millennials, who make up the majority of voters in Nigeria. It’s time for us to actively participate in shaping the future of our country.

Before we cast our votes, it’s crucial to understand the current state of our country. Our economy is in dire straits due to poor management, wanton misappropriation, diversion for private use, and corruption. As long as we continue with our lawless ways, we will all pay the price for it. Every penny spent by extravagant politicians during their campaigns will ultimately be paid for by the citizens. So, if you’re offered a bribe, it’s important to vote for the right person. The only way we won’t be paying back the billions or trillions that big spenders use during their campaigns is if they lose.
Regardless of who becomes president, subsidies will be removed. We can only hope that the new administration will find a way to prevent our bank accounts from crashing, and petroleum subsidy is at the top of the list. Additionally, we risk seeing a reduction in education subsidies, especially if the leader doesn’t prioritize affordable education for all. With skyrocketing debts to pay and so much servicing to do, we will see drives for internally generated revenue and more taxes.

Since the time of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, crisis has become very profitable, and merchants have multiplied rapidly in various fields of Nigerian society, including businesses, the military, law enforcement agents, and non-governmental organizations. Therefore, we still risk seeing agitations across the country unless the president has the will to end it. It’s important to gauge which candidate is likely to fight corruption head-on. The less baggage of corruption a candidate has, the more they can be trusted. Additionally, if they have too many commitments, compromises, debts, and other obligations entered into their desperate quest for power, things are likely to get worse under their rule.

Death, poverty, hunger, and their allies in the distribution of suffering will not discriminate based on religion, sentiment, or tribe. They have signed a pact with the rich against the poor and have vowed not to afflict the rulers simply in defense of the ruled, especially where the subjects willingly chose the rulers.

Our security agents and armed forces are effective when they receive the appropriate support and empowerment. It’s important to use your vote to buy sincerity towards upgrading and properly managing security across the country.

God may not answer our prayers for good governance again for four years. We should not disturb God if policy makers start making decisions that hurt us and our communities. God has given us the power to choose our destiny pilot for the next four years. Running away won’t save us because nobody ever escapes Nigeria. We should not be teleguided or cajoled by our religious leaders on who to vote for. We should choose for ourselves. God did not send anyone with any message; we should listen to people, use our logic, think and decide.

The only wasted vote is the one we did not cast because even invalid votes will be counted. Let’s ensure we vote and vote wisely. We must work together to build a better Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In conclusion, the power to shape Nigeria’s future lies in our hands. It’s essential to cast our votes wisely and choose leaders who will prioritize the betterment of our nation over personal interests. We must come together to build a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations. Remember, the only wasted vote is the one you didn’t cast. So, let’s all get out there and vote!