Nigerians—It is not the answers, but the questions, by Prince Charles Dickson

Our habits, when we buy groceries, we question what we buy. Is this flour pure, are there stones in the rice, does the soap lather well? If you buy a motorbike, or a fairly used car, you ask about the mileage, is the after sales good. Even when you buy a pencil you fuse over it and nothing. You question each and everything all the time. Except for one thing. When you chose your government. You ask so many questions over a mosquito coil that last five hours, does it give too much smoke or give out smell, will it kill mosquitoes. So, before you vote away four years ask how will they advance our country–Sharukh Khan

Abeg, Can I Get Some Answers?

My people, Nigerians! We are champions of interrogation when it comes to everyday things. We can sniff out a fake designer bag faster than a customs officer at Murtala Muhammed Airport. We inspect tomatoes like we’re performing surgery, and haggle over the price of pepper like our lives depend on it. But when it comes to those vying for the highest office or even the lowest offices in the land? We suddenly become shy.

Let’s face it, my fellow Nigerians, we’re masters of scrutiny when it comes to our daily lives. We can spot a fake N50 note from a mile away, but when it comes to our leaders, we suddenly turn a blind eye. It’s like buying a bag of rice without checking for stones – we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. We need to ask the tough questions, like “Oga, how will you make our roads better than those in Dubai?” or “Madam, what’s your plan to make our hospitals rival those in the US?”

Think about it: We question the purity of our garri, the mileage on a ‘tokunbo’ car, even the sharpness of a pencil. But the folks who will be steering the ship of state for the next four years? We just…accept whatever they dish out? Haba! This is not the way of the wise Nigerian, and maybe we should even ask, who is a wise Nigerian?

We’re quick to complain about ‘bad governance’, but how can we expect good governance if we don’t ask the right questions BEFORE the ballot box becomes a magic show? It’s like buying a ‘pure water’ sachet without checking if it’s truly sealed – you’re just asking for trouble.

Beyond the ‘Owambe’ Politics

Yes, election season in Nigeria is a spectacle. Politicians transform into Father Christmas, promising everything but the kitchen sink. Music blares, crowds gather, and accusations fly faster than ‘suya’ at a barbecue. But amidst the fanfare, are we asking the tough questions?

Before we dance to the campaign jingles and collect the Ankara with their faces plastered on it, we need to ask:

• “Oga, how will you fix our schools so our pikin can learn better than us?” (Education)
• “Madam, what’s your plan for our hospitals? We don’t want to be traveling to India for every headache.” (Healthcare)
• “Sir, how will you tackle this ‘light’ situation? My generator is tired!” (Power supply)
• “Madam, this insecurity is giving us high blood pressure. What’s the plan?” (Security)
• “Oga, how will you fight corruption? We are tired of hearing stories that touch.” (Anti-corruption)

These are not ‘bonus’ questions. These are the ‘main exams’! We need to assess their track record, their vision, and their commitment to actually doing the work. It’s not about the loudest voice or the biggest crowd; it’s about the candidate with the best plan for our Nigeria.

Digging Deeper Than ‘Agbada’

We need to go beyond the ‘aso ebi’ and the fancy speeches. Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty:

• Economic policies: Will they create jobs for our graduates who are roaming the streets? Will they empower our market women and our farmers?
• Social agenda: Will they promote unity amongst all our tribes and religions? Will they ensure equal opportunities for our women and our youth?
• Leadership style: Will they be transparent and accountable, or will they disappear with our money like those before them?
• Foreign policy: Will they make Nigeria proud on the world stage, or will we be the butt of jokes at the UN?

We need leaders with integrity, competence, and a genuine passion for serving the people. Not those who see politics as a business venture or a path to personal enrichment.

Some say, “My vote doesn’t matter.” That’s like saying, “One grain of garri doesn’t make eba.” But my friend, it’s the collection of those grains that fills our stomach! Our votes are our power. We must:

• Register and guard our PVCs like it’s the key to Aso Rock.
• Come out en masse on election day and vote wisely.
• Hold our elected officials accountable. No more sleeping on the job!

Imagine if we applied the same level of skepticism we use when buying a second-hand phone to our politicians’ promises. “Is this really a 4G network or just 2G in disguise?” or “Will this ‘transformation agenda’ really bring change or just more of the same?” We mustn’t be satisfied with empty promises; we need concrete plans and tangible results. Our leaders should be held to the same standards as our favorite jollof rice – if it’s not up to par, we send it back!

We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. It’s time to break the cycle of apathy and take charge of our destiny.

The power to transform Nigeria lies within us. Let’s demand more from our leaders. Let’s make informed decisions. Let’s build a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice and a chance to thrive.

The next time you step into that voting booth, remember: You’re not just choosing a leader; you’re choosing the future of Nigeria. Ask the right questions, demand the right answers, and let’s create a Nigeria we can all be proud of. As it’s time to move beyond the politics of “my brother, my sister, my tribe” and focus on the issues that truly matter. We need leaders who’ll make Nigeria work for everyone, not just their cronies. So, let’s ask the right questions and demand real answers. Let’s make our votes count and hold our leaders accountable. As said in Igbo, “Onye aghala nwanne ya” – be your brother’s keeper. Let’s keep our leaders on their toes and build a Nigeria where everyone has a chance to thrive. Will Nigeria win—Only time will tell.

—

Prince Charles Dickson PhD

Team Lead

The Tattaaunawa Roundtable Initiative (TRICentre)

Development & Media Practitioner|

Researcher|Policy Analyst|Public Intellect|Teacher

234 803 331 1301, 234 805 715 2301

Alternate Mail: pcdbooks@yahoo.com

Skype ID: princecharlesdickson