Nigeria 2015 Election: The Awakening

The year 2015 will be firmly embedded in the memory of Nigerians for many years to come.

It is the year the people of Nigeria recognised and embraced the power that has been lying dormant in their hands for so so long. 

2015 is the year the people sent the following message to politicians and future governments;

"If You Don't Perform We'll Kick You Out."

As I drove to work yesterday morning, feeling rather run down as a result of the incredible tension of the past few days, I couldn't help but beam with pride. The world, his mother and her dog were sure this would be the year in which Nigeria finally degenerates into a 'Failed State'.

But there I was yesterday morning, driving to work in an environment of peace; almost as though the elections had never taken place. 

For this, we must thank three people.

1. God

He is sovereign, and it is only through Him that we have peace.

2. President Goodluck Jonathan

Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man!

When the time came, he confirmed to me once and for all what I had always suspected; that he is a good man. By conceding defeat before the final count he wrote his name not only in gold but in the hearts of every Nigerian - present and future.

3. Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman of Inec

What can I say about this man that hasn't already been said?!  

"We thank you Sir - for your Patriotism, Love, Courage, and Amazing Ability to remain Calm at all times. You are someone to be proud of, and someone to be cherished. "

Below are 7 things we learned from Nigeria 2015. 

1. The ethnic divisions that existed in Nigeria before, during, and immediately after the civil war are still very much alive.  Way too many people voted according to their ethnic origin. I must confess to being a little shocked by this at first, as I had wrongly assumed that today's generation would be a lot more objective. A genuine process of Reconciliation is vital in order to repair the State of Our Union.

2. The majority of us really don't care whether a candidate is christian, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist - or Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa. All we care about is that a leader does right by his or her people. 

3. President Jonathan is by and large a good man. But he was surrounded by callous self-serving sycophants. 

4. Real power lies with the electorate. 

5. When a large number of people turn out to vote it means the nation is tired of the status quo. 

6. Channels is a damn good news station. Like many of us, I hardly ever watch local news stations. Hence I was more than a touch surprised by Channels' coverage of the election - good analysis, reliable information (although one sensed at times that the news was a little bias towards the PDP), and fairly entertaining. 

7. Fanny Kayode's embarrassing antics has resulted in a need for those of us that studied in the UK to seriously tone down our British accents.

2015 signalled the Awakening of the Nigerian Electorate.

2015 witnessed the resurrection of Nigeria

2015 commenced the rise of the African continent

Finally, General Buhari tried and failed three times to be president - 2003, 2007, and 2011. After his 3rd failed attempt, most if not all his party members abandoned him; telling him to get real and forget his dream. But he never gave up. He held on to his vision. 

His victory is a lesson for us all. The fact that something is your destiny doesn't mean there won't be pitfalls and disappointments. 

Keep your eyes on your Vision and keep going. 

Never give up on your dream. It is never too late.

He actualised the first part of his vision on 31st March 2015. Let's pray for him as he prepares to actualise the second part - setting our nation firmly on the path of Unity, Discipline, Accountability, and Prosperity.