2014: A Major Turning Point

As the year 2013 comes to a close, people all over the world are celebrating and wishing for a better year in 2014. This is one celebration that involves more persons as it cuts across religions, geographies and classes. It is time for stock taking and resolutions.

Like other years, 2014 is pregnant with possibilities that will be coloured largely by the activities of the people. As usual, the year will yield to those who plan and those who would recognise the needs of the time and provide service that will be beneficial to people. But in Nigeria, it will be a time of major turning around for a number of reasons.

For one, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a corporate entity in 2014. As a major historical landmark, the centenary should bring another wave of celebrations and faith in the possibility of Nigeria staying together as constituted. It will prove that Nigeria can actually use her diversities as a special strength.

The year 2013 was a challenging year for Nigeria. While the economy did not smile on a lot of persons, the year was characterised by protests and political upheavals. The protest against the removal of petroleum subsidy; Naira re-denomination and the crisis in the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

The year was also one that saw the revival of Nigeria’s soccer profile. With trophies from four major international competitions, Nigeria now stands tall once again in the comity of sporting nations. More than that, the year has set the stage for the National Conference, began a revolution in infrastructural development and confirmed the end of fuel scarcity in the country.

With the foundation made in some sectors, Nigeria may become a country where power, transportation and economic activities generally will take a new lease of life. The spate of insurgency, economic sabotage and general lawlessness are also likely to look for another clime.

In addition to the Federal budget that targets job creation, the year 2014 being a pre-election year will be very busy, while a lot of money will exchange hands. A number of sporting events including the World Cup games should also make the year very active.

This year will also see the events that will determine the continued existence of Nigeria as constituted or otherwise. This is more so because apart from the predictions of an imminent collapse of the country before the year 2015, the dangerous and inciting comments and acts of some persons tend to push the country to the edge.

Already, activities of ethnic militias and the ongoing terror campaign by Boko Haram have caused a lot of disgust and frustration in the polity. The recent political crisis involving the leading political figures in the country simply points to one conclusion. But this is where every Nigerian must refuse to keep quiet. Nigeria must be one indivisible, united, progressive and blessed country.

Without a doubt, politics will be the dominant activity in 2014 and quite a number of changes will happen. Some political altars will crash, while a number of evil men who pretend to be politicians may have to face the rough edges of the law. Incidentally, the courts may have the arduous task of shaping the democratic future of the country.

Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked for a law that would empower it to ban bad politicians for up to 10 years. They have also made other plans to sanitise the game of politics, but nothing will change unless the ordinary Nigerian and the National Assembly gives the needed support.

We think that Nigeria has come of age and should be able to provide the space for her people to elect the leaders they want and not have crooks impose themselves on the people. The situation where those who cross the line go scot-free cannot also make for clean politics.

Nigeria has lagged behind for too long and cannot afford to let the next generation see this political suicide. The progress made by countries like Malasia should challenge every Nigerian, humble the political class and sharpen the determination of the youth to effect the needed change.

The time when Nigerians must look away from ethnic and social differences; religious and political interests as well as primordial concerns of all kinds has come. The time when the first stanza of the National Anthem – Arise O! Compatriots – should be taken seriously has come.

While we expect Nigeria to arise and take the needed step to greatness, some people are being misled to believe that the disintegration of the country would be better, at a time when size and population play dominant roles in global transactions.

Fortunately, the National Conference is billed to take off soon; Nigerians must leverage on it to make the country great. Already, the way things are going, especially, among the politicians, the crisis will overwhelm them, they will lose control and it will be too late for regrets. So, the political witch-hunting must stop now.

We join millions of well meaning persons to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. We pray for the understanding of the people to be open. We wish everyone a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year in 2014.