EVERY journey starts with the first small step. There is no doubt that this year’s general elections will definitely cha6nge the course of history of Nigeria for a new nation.

Nigerians have learnt their lessons in a very hard way. Nigerians have come to realise that they are the solution to their problems. Suffering is how we react to events that happen to us. Most of our problems are self-inflicted and Nigerians now realise that their destiny is in their hands. This coming elections will reveal to all and sundry that relationship between citizens and the state is fundamental to democracy. The journey to a new Nigeria after 50 years of independence begins this year.

This is the year that the catastrophies of past regimes will be turned to greatest opportunities by all eligible voters that cast their votes for a great change. I am foreseeing a decisive year in the history of this country when all Nigerians will decide to particpate and usher in a government of the people by the people and for the people.

This is going to be a year of true and functioning democracy where many voices expressing different or even contrary ideas and opinions will do it without fear or intimidation. This is the year Nigerians will detoxify their negative thoughts, forget the inbalances of the past and get themselves into a positive frame of mind that will inspire them to come out en-masse and vote for a set of leaders that can re-write the history of Nigeria.

The game is up for all inept and dubious politicians. Now is the time for bad-belle, do-or-die  politicians to look for other jobs. It is time for all political opportunists, thugs, criminals  to go back to the farms. Nigerians have realised that they have missed good things of life from these selfish and mischievous politicians and now uniting to bring back those missing beauties of democracy. This is the time to change from obscurity  to reality, and from dissappointments to opportunities.

This is the time we will all say goodbye to politics of hatred and deceit. Full participation in this coming general elections will give way for a free people to govern themselves, freedom of expression  and enjoy good governance and accountability. This year’s general elections will provide greatest avenue for greatest development in Nigeria.

Imagine a new Nigeria where its age long motto of “ Unity and Faith, Peace and Progess” to have practical meanings to all Nigerians. Where onesness, harmony, trust, understanding, reconcilation and development take its root in all regions. A country where there will be love, unity and peace among the Kanuris, the Fulanis, the Hausas, the Gbagyis,(Gwaris) the Tivs, the Nupes, the Yorubas, the Edos, the Urhobos, the Igbos, the Ijaws and the Ibibios. Where there is no love, unity, peace and progress can never exist. Where deep ethnic, regional and religious violence will no longer be a national issue.

Imagine a new Nigeria where the new emerging unpolluted or uncorrupted leaders with integrity and capabilities will proudly lead us to the path of functioning democracy, good governance and accountability. A leader who will be able to interprete the present situation of the country and offer credible strategies to resolve it and transform the country within shortest time.By the time we have a true leader who will be ready to lay down his life for the progress of the country, then you will know that we have been unfortunate with  our  past leaders.

New leaders who will dedicate all their efforts to leave worthy legacies and footprints on the sands of time to be remembered and cherished forever. Where leaders will be servants of the people and the people will be their pay-masters.

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