Let me first make a quick comment on the recent controversy regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards, and the larger implication for protecting the right of suffrage for Nigerians. Voting in elections is both a right and an obligation for citizens of any nation under democratic rule, and it is incumbent on both the citizens and the state to protect that process.

It’s a few days to the most important date in the history and future of Nigeria in recent times – February 14, 2015. This is the day Nigerians will go to polls to determine who will rule them for the next four years. Thanks to democracy, It is a day of choice. On Saturday, we shall troop out, armed with our PVCs and make a choice of the man or woman to steer the destiny of Nigeria in the new dispensation.

The refusal of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Buhari to participate in this year’s Presidential debates has once again thwarted our efforts at organizing a debate to enable Nigerians assess the candidates properly so as to determine who to vote for.

The rich young ruler, our fabled Central Bank governor, comes to Jesus earnestly wanting to know what to do in order to inherit eternal life. Jesus says to him: “You know the commandments, go ahead and obey them?” The man replies: “Oh, I have already obeyed them.

“Three days later, a big boa snake came into my house. I picked my gun and shot at it, it disappeared and re-appeared at my back. I turned again and aimed at it but it disappeared again. I thought it had gone; I went inside and dropped my gun.

Eight years ago, Jimi Agbaje ran a very impressive campaign when he first came into public consciousness and was contesting for the gubernatorial job in Lagos State. His jingles were catchy and his message resonated. He even had one jingle where he came dancing acrobatically to a melodious tune. It was full of verve. It was full of energy. Fashola in comparison led a dull, dour almost uninspiring campaign. At least, that was what it seemed like to me and I told my late friend who was handling his campaign ads that his man did not come across as a confident candidate.

JOHN was diagnosed diabetic at 40, but instead of focusing on the disease, he ignored it. After all, he didn’t feel sick. But gradually, his health was failing.

I am as curious as very many Nigerians in this generation who are trapped by the unusual developments in the country today. But one important point must be made before I begin to penetrate the political, economic and cultural issues that seem to be holding the people bondage. This point is that for the first time, the entire people have a taste of freedom. They may not have received the proper dose, though, or not everyone realizes there is freedom already, but I have no doubt that majority of the people are enjoying freedom.

With the Presidential election about one week away, the amusing gyrations of the political gladiators continue unabated. There is little doubt the suffering masses are presumed to be enjoying the macabre daylight dance in the market. The Boko Haram insurgents (murderers) always make their presence felt by the dastardly acts of the female suicide bombers (an innovation in Nigeria).

I always spend quality time with my octogenarian mother each time I travel home. I enjoy her company. I also made up my mind sometime ago that it is better to shower your love, time and resources on loved ones while they are alive so that if they die before you, all you will feel is that deep sense of loss, not regret over what you could have done that you did not do.