Time to vote for a new Nigeria (2)

LEADERS that realise that greatness is not property accumulated within the shortest time but the services rendered for the good of others. Since, the British colonialists lowered the Union Jack and freed a land they have ruled for less than a century, the country has never enjoyed  credible leadership with good governance.

Imagine a new country where electricity and potable water supply will be undistrupted in 24 hours. This new development tonic will surely boost the national socio- economic development and encourage foreign investment in our country. This is possible in few months with a reliable leader and government. Achieving this our Guinness Book of Record as the highest consumer  of  generators will be removed.

Imagine a new Nigeria where there is free, competitive and qualitative education for all citizens. Where illiteracy and poverty level will be reduced drastically. Imagine a nation with reliable and efficient health services without any need to travel  abroad for medical check-up and treatment.

A country where all local government councils have health centres within reachable radius for all and sundry.

Imagine a new country where the Section 4 of the Police Act.CAP 359 of the laws of the 1999 constitution which states that “The Police shall be employed for the prevention and detention of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations …” and not employed to collect bribe on the roads, aid criminals and dance to the tune of  politicians. A new country where the “vission” of the Nigeria Police Force – “making the country safer and secured for the  attainment of national aspiration” and the “mission”which is “to deliver qualitative and efficient security and law enforcement services to the citizens of Nigeria” will be practically implimented.

Imagine the country with the largest crude oil producer and the second lagest oil reserves in Africa will provide abundant fuel and gas for its citizens at very low price. Where queues at the petrol stations to buy fuel and kerosine is a thing of the past. Where all the gains of our God give oil and gas will be judiciously distributed to deserving regions and not to the banks of selfish and wicked leaders and collaborators.

Imagine a country with modern, good and safe road and rail network services that  link the entire 36 states of federation and Abuja together. Every Nigerian has the right to travel, live and work in safety. We all have the right to walk, ride and drive on good and safe roads.

A country where Road Safety Improvement Action Plan on young and old drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, occupant protection, behavioural counter-measures, speed, seat-belt, drunk-diven and impaired drivers with blue-print to be implimented in order to minimise accidents on our roads. A nation where expenditure on road safety should be used judiciously to reduce increasing number of Nigerians being killed daily and subsequent trauma felt by their families.

This is a clarion call for all eligible voters to come out en-masse for registration exercise so that they would be able to vote dutring the forth-coming general election. You just have to register before you can vote. With the present electoral commission headed by Prof.Jega, there is no doubt that there is power in our votes to influence the outcome of the election. Our votes this time around will give us a voice and effect the changes we have been looking for a new nation.

Low turn out this time can give inept and dubious politicians and their party more opportunity to cling to power The country is 50 years old, but we are not destined to be living in darkness, in abject poverty, irregular water and petrol supply with our God-given human and natural resources. There is need for a change.

That change will only be possible this year with our votes. We must vote for the best candidate, even if he or she does not belong to our party. We must prefer meritocracy to mediocracy. This is the only way to have leaders that can achieve good governance and accountability. Together we can reclaim  our lost democracy and hope for brighter future with free, fair, competitive and peaceful elections.

Mr. ADEWALE AKANDE, author and  road safety consultant, writes from Spain.