Is this the Next Level of Change?

Nigeria and the Change Ideology

In 2015, Nigeria's democratic system witnessed a historic evolution. This evolution which involved two giants being the famous ruling party for over 16 years and a newly formed political party which was determined to take over power and chart a new course for the Nigerian populace came at a period when Most Nigerians including myself needed a new experience of a different leadership from a different political platform.

This newly desired leadership experience became a reality when the All Progressives Congress defeated the People's Democratic Party in the presidential election and history was made as the incumbent government was democratically defeated for the first time since the military handed over power to civilian rule in 1999 and the incumbent president accepted defeat. The winning party came into power with the people very optimistic and hopeful of a better Nigeria as 'CHANGE' was their mantra and they went all length, breadth, height and width to convince Nigerians that they could offer the much needed change in the nation within a short while of being in power. 

The newly elected president didn't set up his cabinet until after six months as he carefully and thoroughly appointed "capable hands" that would enable him sail the Nigerian economic ship to safety as it was 'almost sinking' in the hands of the former ruling party which is now the opposition. 

"When you don't know where you are coming from, you won't know where you are going to" is a quote always said by one of my teachers in secondary school. The ruling party knew quite well where we were coming from and therefore has no excuse of not knowing where we are headed. Another quote has it that "If you don't know where you are headed, any road is a good road." The ruling party sure had a road map and was sure of the path to liberating the nation from all the negatives associated with her and restoring her lost glory and the people much anticipated this.

More than four years down the line, the common man that chanted the 'change' mantra years back now wallow in regret as his daily bread is now denied him, where he rests his head is become dilapidated and his nakedness is become uncovered despite promised a "NEXT LEVEL". The question in his mind is now "What is here to live for and what hope is there to wait for?" 

Death is become the best companion of many and yet "NEXT LEVEL" is the new way to go. Debts are being accumulated in our foreign unions and our economy is wallowing in pains yet, "NEXT LEVEL" is the way to go. Insecurity is become the pillow we rest our heads and our girls, women and young ones are groaning in abuse and rape yet, "NEXT LEVEL" is the way to go. Political anarchy is become a legacy worth leaving behind by our politicians without consideration for the people's will, judicial and educational institutions are being weakened without pillars and supports regarded as best options yet, "NEXT LEVEL" is the way to go.

"Change begins with me" and I have a part to play in the rebuilding process of our nation but when I look and see what happens daily at the different levels of government, all I can do is to resign to fate and hope while making my best effort to position myself as a worthy leader in my family, place of work, community and everywhere I find myself while utilizing my potentials intrinsically and extrinsically and so you should. 

Written and Edited by PraiseGod Wome