As the world is awakened by news of terrorist atrocities and other disasters almost every day, most people around the globe have become accustomed to such sad developments. This has been further compounded by the global oil prices crisis. Nations that remain solely dependent on oil revenue have had to re-think new strategies for diversifying their economies while pursuing stringent austerity measures simultaneously. From Europe, which continues to grapple with the challenges posed by a desire to remain united under a single umbrella, to the Middle East which is daily confronted with crisis in Syria and Iraq the world seems to have lost count of its many woes.

The year 2015 brings with it so much hope and a desire to actualise the lost dreams and truncated aspirations of the common man which has been necessitated by failed promises of politicians and the excesses of bad governance in Nigeria. This reflects the ambience that permeates the day to day lives of the average Nigerian today. Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy and the 26th largest economy in the world. The African continent continues to look up to Nigeria for leadership on different issues that affect not only the lives of its citizens but particularly on external relations.

In addition to this, Nigeria has led numerous peacekeeping missions across Africa and the entire world. With a formidable military force, the Nigerian Armed Forces have earned the respect and admiration of the entire world as a result of its efforts at assisting troubled nations in Africa to entrench peace, law and order which has come at a heavy cost to Nigeria. Nigeria has a also served in the United Nations Security Council multiple times as a non-permanent member which is an attestation to her uncompromising stance with regards to de-colonization and world peace.

After over 50 years of experimenting, Nigerians finally have a change to determine the course of the nation’s destiny. The General Elections scheduled to hold in February remains the most significant elections yet in the history of Nigeria. Surprisingly, the Western media seems to be quite ignorant of how important these elections are to the future of Nigeria and the entire African continent. Make no mistakes; if Nigeria fails to get it right this time, the entire future of democracy in Africa’s largest single black nation would be threatened. Democracy in Africa by extension would also be in jeopardy as disgruntled elements bent on acquiring power by all means may be propelled to capitalise on Nigeria’s failures thereby hijacking political power for their own selfish gains.

The stakes are too high. The entire world has its eyes set on Nigeria. Nigerians are more than ever ready to ensure that their votes count and that they are a part of the democratic process in their country. No doubt, years of military coups and counter coups have affected the country’s democratic sojourn. The politicisation of state institutions, endemic corruption, and bad governance has also damaged credibility domestically and plummeted recognition and competence amongst the committee of nations. But this year presents Nigerians with another solid opportunity to get things right!

Sadly, one can say that the apparent disinterest in the forthcoming elections by Western media may be attributed to all the negative news associated with Nigeria. After over 6 months, the Chibok girls that were abducted by the dreaded and yet cowardly Boko Haram sect are yet to be released. Too many innocent lives have been lost to the persistent insecurity ravaging the North Eastern part of the country. The economy seems to be struggling and the average Nigerian feels that his government has failed him.

On the bright side, 2015 offers Nigerians a new beginning. Nigerians want to be able to raise their heads up in confidence and be proud of their passport. Nigerians are tired of all the stigmatisation that comes with being a Nigerian. The rest of the world has come to witness us as a nation that has very little regards for human life and progress.

The truth is, unless Nigerians come out to vote on Election Day, things are bound to remain as they are. Unless Nigerians are ready and willing to pick up their Permanent Voters Cards and effect the vote in the leaders of their choice, they would remain relegated to the dictates of a few who amass state wealth of their own selfish interests.

It is no longer news that Nigeria is saddled with numerous developmental challenges ranging from erratic power supply, bad roads, and weak institutions to insecurity. But just so the facts are clear, the only way to get Nigeria out of the present mess it has found itself in is if its citizens will exercise their civic responsibilities by voting out bad and corrupt leaders and voting in competent and trustworthy ones.

There has been so much talk about Africa rising in recent times. The prospects for economic growth and development in Africa remain hopefully positive. But of what benefits are these if political accountability is lacking? Of what benefits are increased economic fortunes if they do not meet the needs of the average Nigerian? Nigerians are tired of asking these same questions repeatedly. This reality has created an infestation of political apathy on the path of citizens.

Nigerians feel that they have had enough of this backwardness. The general feeling in the air and on the streets is that democracy has come to stay. Nigeria is bigger than any one single person, party or institution. To all those who have left Nigeria out of fear, know this; Nigeria will rebound! We are a peace loving people and we are committed to ensuring that we keep our nation united. Nigerians are saying NO to electoral violence, electoral thugs and rigging. We demand better! We want our lost glory back. The youth and elderly want a prosperous Nigeria. We will not settle for anything less.

As we approach February 2015, Nigerians all over the world should heed this clarion call; pick up your voters card and come out en mass to vote. The whole world expects us to get it right; we cannot afford to let the world down. Say no to violence. Say no to the disruption of public peace. Your vote is your voice! Make it count. Long live the federal republic of Nigeria!

Aina Folahanmi is a Political Scientist that resides in Nigeria. He remains committed to youth development and is a proponent of good governance ad anti-corruption in Nigeria

Views expressed are solely the author’s

credit:  Omojuwa