A New Dawn in Nigeria
This past week has shown that my country Nigeria has come of age as a mature democracy with the opposition winning the popular vote and the people making their voice heard in selecting who they want to take the country forward. I usually try not to wade into murky political waters when I write – and there has been a lot of murkiness over the last few years. It is easy to point fingers at one person or group of people, but the truth is there is enough blame to be passed around. From people like us who have chosen to make our home in the diaspora and decide to opine on domestic Nigerian events from afar, yes, I am talking about myself. As I reflect on the chain of events over the last few days, I am reminded of this passage in Terra Cotta Beauty (completely fictional but so true):
It is late now, and my eyes are not as young as they used to be, so sometimes I need help seeing things…Yesterday, I went to vote for the first time in my life. I voted for a man whose name is Goodluck and whom everyone seems to think is the one who will bring much-needed hope to our country. Time will tell…..It is late and my eyes are failing me, but I can still see how bright the future is.
All Nigerians at home and abroad, have so much to look forward to.