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.

Last Sunday, these forces were in control of Gamboru Ngala as well as Abadam; and were fighting a major battle to take Damasak. Cameroonian forces also joined the fight and were reported to have taken the border town of Banki and pushing towards Kala-Balge. By Tuesday this week, reports emerged that the French Airforce, which has bases in Chad, was overflying Nigerian territory and providing intelligence to their Chadian and Cameroonian allies.

AS we begin the countdown to the February 2015 elections, it is necessary to remind ourselves that these elections are merely the process of choosing the people who will lead us for the next four years. Elections are, therefore, not ends in themselves but means to ends.