Wednesday 14 January 2015

Nigeria Decides (My view from the sideline and basic principles you should understand)

I am indeed not a politician neither registered to any political party and yet still undecided on who to vote for at the upcoming 2015 general elections.

I must also say this period gives me the opportunity to explore my discipline.
We cry for change which I am in total agreement with. You ask why?
You can’t always do the same thing over and over and expect to get a different outcome. So there is a need for a paradigm shift, but the question that pops to mind is; what kind of change do we really need?

I will leave you to ponder about this on your own.

Ultimately, looking back through the years as they say; “knowledge of the history gives a better understanding of the future”.
Our great nation has suffered so many losses in in terms of resources with huge human resource included starting from the civil war down to this current day.  I’m sure we all have a wide knowledge of this as it will not be the centre of this short essay of mine.
Focusing on what led me to putting pen on paper. A look into the standard practice of Political parties, you will agree with me political parties are institution built on the rock of ideologies.  An ideology in the English dictionary has been defined as “a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy”. These are set of standards and fundamental philosophy that guide activities, aims and focus.

Brief case study:  The Republican Party (U.S) holds the belief that all material things are earned, not owed. This is seen most often in the party's push for lower taxes.  They believe the economy should be open and all to earn what they get. They strongly believe in the private sector in terms of development and empower this means. Citizens are treated equally despite income, race, gender, or religion with an opportunity to fend for self. They also see taxes as a drag on the economy, and believe private spending is usually more efficient than public spending. This ideology is broken down into Social conservatism, economic liberalism, Fiscal conservatism encouraging conservatism in the U.S.

On the other hand: The Democratic Party (U.S) generally supports government involvement in terms of funding those in poverty and those facing social injustice. They believe government initiatives and regulations can develop the economy and reduce business practices they state affect average American negatively. The Democratic Party has been known to support stronger taxation system, progressive social cause and government responsibility in addressing issues such as poverty and access to education and health care. This is broken down into Social liberalism; Progressivism.

First of all it is clear the foundation of our political system is none existent as we see no ideology to hold on to. This explains spontaneous cross carpeting within the political sector. I need not say any further on this.

This leads me to another important political term called Campaign:  Campaign is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are intended to achieve a particular aim. In this context I will say a campaign is an organized effort or system adopted to canvas for votes. This I believe as against all the jamboree activities should strongly carry along the train a Manifesto.

Manifesto: This is a written statement of goals and opinions of a person or a group. The word is derived from the Latin word “manisfestum” which in its literal sense means “clear”.
A campaign without clear stated goals (manifesto) is like a Vision without a Mission to drive it. The phrase “clear stated goals” is highlighted and for this purpose refers majorly to issues and a “how”. This simply explains beyond what I need not write.

It is clear that Nigerians know and understand where the shoe hurts without been told over and over again. However, we cannot say because we are hungry for change we will forget our purpose as citizens. There is a need to keep both ears and all eyes on the offers that are being made to us (If any concrete offer has been laid down so far).
I am patiently waiting on that day we will reach the level where:

1)     Political parties are known for their ideologies with candidates aligned to the same ideology.

2)    Campaigns that will address key issues than lay on the corridors of sentimental appeal.


3)     Manifestos that state not just needed solutions, but how they can be achieved rather than narrating the problems we have long lived with.

Till all these are achieved I take a space on the sideline and watch the movie roll.
Remember, the power to effect the change you desire has placed on your palms, be it change of leader or a changed leader. This however can be brought to life only when we Nigerians decide. 


by Deji Layade