The journey to February 14 and the unknown tommorrow

Dear Diary,

Today I woke up with so much energy and vitality, although my night was not without its intricacies, I will spare you the uninteresting mannerism of my bedtime ritual and the excruciating details of how loud i snored. (don't blame me,i work hard). Just at the break of dawn, our over-zealous four-legged watchman began an agonizing string of sharp barks and howls. For a moment there, my heart skipped a beat as i was startled out of my sleep. I groped for my phone and looked at the time, it was about 4.38am. There, i sighed, my much-needed and savoured sleep had finally eluded me. I slipped into a world of conflicting thoughts while listening to the distant calls of the morning prayers in between the persistent barks of the watchman. For a second i thought to myself, maybe the dog was trying to wade off men of the night or had perhaps spotted an impending attack (i hear dogs have some supernatural abilities)? I had to jiggle myself out of that unpleasant thought. Nevertheless, I could not get back to sleep, but instead i laid awake and listened with rapt attention to every bark, sound and movement, (just incase i thought)until i finally dragged myself to the bathroom to prepare for work.

On my journey to the office, i am paranoid and suspicious of anyone(male or female) who looks at me more than once, any car parked by the roadside covered in absolute dust, the woman begging for alms with her children are not spared , I am even wary of the armed military men at the checkpoints. I listen to the conversations of passengers as we all hustle to beat the famous Wednesday Nyanya traffic. Forgive me but the overcrowded road does no good to my caginess and panic as i recall with a shiver the horrible Nyanya bomblast which occurred on April 4, 2014. There should be a way to contain this number of crowd and reduce traffic congestion just incase of.... I jiggle myself out that thought yet again (The paranoia is getting a hold of me or maybe I am just been security conscious?)I listen to the discussion and heated argument between the passengers in the car I boarded. The most popular subject is that of the general elections of course. After arguing endlessly about who deserves to be the next president, the discussion comes back to the most dreaded of all -the post-election period alias The unknown tomorrow.

The countdown and the wait to the general elections, has been characterized with mixed feelings, doubt and apprehension as well as reactions and suggestions towards the favourable outcome of the pre and post election period. One noteworthy of mention is the call by concerned citizens, civil society organizations and some political parties for a public holiday to enable all registered voters collect their PVCs. A lot of Nigerians have not been opportuned to get their PVCs as some may have had to travel miles to access their registration centres. Well, INEC have graciously extended the collection dates to February 8 but one can't miss the lack of enthusiasm from some people on the process of getting the cards. Some people feel that the holiday be extended post-election for security reasons but it seems the federal government does not intend to budge in to those calls. 

The journey to February 14 has seen the top contending parties of PDP and APC touring different states of the federation but has not been without a record of violence of some sort in certain states. Their social media campaigns have also featured spats and banters between their respective ardent supporters which to my delight is ridiculously entertaining albeit informative.

It is constitutionally the right of every registered political party to campaign in any part of the country without the fear of intimidation or conflict, but in a bid to canvass for votes from the electorates there have been cases of violence perpetuated most likely by political thugs of some of these political parties and is some cases some citizens who feel the present administration has failed them. There have also been press releases, documentaries and above all inciteful statements and propaganda all in a bid to outshine the opponents.

Now the undertone of some of these reckless statements forecast that after the winner has been declared, aggrieved party supporters, with or without the backing of their leaders will resort to violence and bloodshed will be inevitable.

Although the incumbent president and his strongest opposition have signed a peace pact, the vibes from the streets and from the ordinary Nigerian (who cannot take his family abroad, or to an entirely safe haven) is that bloodshed is imminent. There are confirmed cases of families who have not returned from the 2014 Christmas/new year holidays and those who are planning to or have already travelled back to their hometowns(not necessarily to vote) but to avoid been caught in the crossfire nor witness a repetition of the aftermath of the 2011 post-election. Infact there has been a mass exodus of Igbos from the North(some to go cast their votes,others for fear of the unknown), some foreign nationals have concluded plans to fly home and away from the impending violence. Some private sector organisations have made plans for a mandatory public holiday during these polls with or without the approval of the federal government.
 I remember vividly the fracas in Zaria, 2011, after the election results were announced. The panic and fear that gripped residents when some hoodlums went on rampage (but for the swift intervention of those in authority who called for calm and promptly arrested its escalation) is still registered fresh in my mind. I have never witnessed a riot or war in its entirety but believe me when I say the anticipation of violence is worse than the act already! It was not a pleasant experience and I do not wish to go through it ever again.

A lot of Nigerians, (i inclusive) are apprehensive about the security of lives and properties after the elections but i do not think that a public holiday will curb the violence that may follow suit, yes a huge crowd is an incentive for violence, but I strongly believe the government must rise up to the occasion and take full command to protect its citizens to the maximum. Pertinent to note here is the fact that mischief makers do not restrict themselves to the streets only. I am not been pessimistic here, I see a new and stronger Nigeria rising but the journey to February 14 will test how strong and united we are deternined to stay as a nation(Its a season of love too,but that is the least of our concern).

Dear Diary, I do not want to lose anymore sleeps (I hardly even get them anyway). I want to walk on the streets and admire nature without the fear of been blown up the next second; I want a Nigeria that i will boldly say ‘Hi, Nice to meet you, i am from the NorthEast’ and won’t get the 'ooh Bokoharam' disgust look or pitiful stares; I want a Nigeria that is devoid of Religious bigotry, discrimination and injustice to the less privileged; I want a Nigeria where no region is sacred or inhabitable regardless of tribe and religious affiliation of the people. I want a Nigeria, my Nigeria, our Nigeria, one that we can collectively call home and not run abroad at the slightest social, financial or health challenge. I am hoping that the good people of Nigeria eschew violence, bigotry, tribalism, selfishness and work together to make Nigeria rise again.

Dear Diary, the journey to February 14 maybe steep but we arise with the hope that a new Nigeria comes at the dawn of an unknown tomorrow!