Tribalism vs Nationalism : Are Nigerians prepared to vote competence?

Will Nigerians disregard tribalism and embrace nationalism by putting a competent leader into power today? The 2023 election is currently underway across states in the country.

Nigeria has always had its fair share of challenges as a developing country, but the past four years- 2020 till date has been more trying for Nigerian citizens.

The root of most maladies plaguing the society is the average Nigerian blind tribalism against common good of the nation, with the elections already at our doorstep, Are Nigerians ready to jettison self-interest and vote for the national interest? Can Nigerians vote competence over tribe and influence?

THE PAST FOUR YEARS

Into the concluding part of 2019 and the better part of 2020, the Covid 19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, Nigeria was not excluded from its devastating effects.

With relief items hoarded by some select few while the rest of the country suffered immensely, Nigerians got a glimpse of just how corrupt the whole country not just the government but every individual in a seat of power over another.

Other countries went further recuperate and rebuild but Nigerians had more challenges ahead.

Firstly, the ENDSARS protest by Nigerian youths to suspend the Special Anti-robbery Squad due to their unsanctioned killings and harassment of Nigerian youths and the government response in form of the Lekki toll gate massacre, 20th October 2020, where the securities agencies opened fire on the unsuspecting youths without any provocation or justification.

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With issues of that magnitude on ground, Nigerians welcomed the new year,2021 with security threats of all kinds, the Boko haram, ISWAP, IPOB and many more. Inter tribal cashes everywhere, kidnapping of young and old and total insecurity all over the country .

The next year was no different. To make situations worse, amidst the insecurity issues the education sector had to be put on hold for over 8 months. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) went on a national strike that lasted over 8 months and resulted in another extension of the education year.

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Now in 2023, preparing for the national election, the year started with total fuel scarcity and the new naira note crisis that threatened to bring Nigeria into a state of anarchy but the timeliness of the election which has channel their energy into choosing the best candidate that would take Nigeria out of this quagmire.

NATIONALISM IN THE ELECTION

Although Nigerians might be quick to point accusing fingers at the current government, blaming them for all that is wrong with the economical, financial, educational and every other sector. Did the government alone hoard the palliatives? Did the government aim the gun at those unsuspecting youths? Is the current state of Nigeria just the fault of some elected individuals?

As Nigerians go out to vote, desist from tribalism; there should be the consciousness that whoever we vote for. Also, for whatever reason will determine how the next four years will be and the future for our posterity.

Irrespective of our tribal differences, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and the other tribes; let us constantly ask ourselves,” Am i ready to vote for competence over tribe and disregard tribalism for a progressive nation?”

ONE NIGERIA