It is crystal clear that political power whether at the local, national, or international level is inestimably juicy. It is equally true in all ramifications that before one could clinch victory to occupy Nigeria’s apex position, to benefit its juicy nature; such a person must pass through fiery moments and daunting challenges. As the saying goes “nothing good comes easy. Even gold passes through fire, for it is to be refined and admired.”

Basically, Nigeria’s highest position can be contested by any qualified person from any part of the country in a democratic dispensation. By law, that person must be declared qualified to contest or otherwise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is crystal clear that political power whether at the local, national, or international level is inestimably juicy. It is equally true in all ramifications that before one could clinch victory to occupy Nigeria’s apex position, to benefit its juicy nature; such a person must pass through fiery moments and daunting challenges. As the saying goes “nothing good comes easy. Even gold passes through fire, for it is to be refined and admired.”

Basically, Nigeria’s highest position can be contested by any qualified person from any part of the country in a democratic dispensation. By law, that person must be declared qualified to contest or otherwise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is quite obvious that precious in the sight of some religious and ethnic group members is the enthronement of one of their own to be in the helm of affairs otherwise their flagrant displeasure will know no boundary. Having followed recent political developments in Nigeria, I came to realize the fact that the 2015 presidential election will be one replete with strife, division, altercation and retrogressive developments. I am not in anyway a pessimist. Neither am I an alarmist nor a prophet of doom. Pessimism is beside the point. I am in fact a staunch, unapologetic and an ardent supporter and believer of a progressive Nigeria anchored on peace and tranquility, unity and solidarity and free flow of democracy for sustainable development.

Ahead of the 2015 presidential election, some political gladiators from both northern and southern extractions have started heating if not over-heating the polity by firing salvos that if presidential power does not come to either of them, peace would elude Nigeria thereby paving way for reign of terror. Well! That is to show you how desperate those violently clamoring for power shift have become.

I make bold to challenge those desperate Nigerians to have a rethink. Rather than engaging in needless and unhelpful war of words through the media, they should rather dissipate and channel their energies towards ensuring enduring peace and unity, progress and development. It is outrageous and utterly regrettable that while Nigerians are yearning for peace at all costs, some persons working behind the curtain are bent on executing a destabilization agenda against the good people of Nigeria and against our hard won democracy.

It is pointless calling names, but he who finds himself guilty should urgently wash his conscience and take heed lest we stumble and fall. To be sincere with my readers, I don’t care who occupies the highest position whether a southerner or northerner, whether a Christian or Muslim, whether a traditionalist or free thinker but that person must be stainless, transparent, God-fearing, accountable, loving, caring, patriotic, detribalized, humane, driver of hope out of despair. That person must also possess impeccable pedigree to serve and liberate Nigeria from the shackles of despondency. It does not matter the political platform upon which the person is contesting whether it is ACN, PDP, APGA, ANPP, CPC or Labour party.

I challenge Nigerians to strive against all odds to shape the future and redirect the cause of this nation. Our ship of state is sinking as a result of division, corruption, bloody upheavals, and other daunting challenges. The major task before us all is to ensure we collectively sail the ship towards a more brighter and secure future for the benefit of all and sundry.

North and South must not disintegrate, they must continue to unite and confront the challenges Nigeria is facing.

Long live the corporate existence of Nigeria.

by Dapar Satmak Alexander

Dapar Satmak is a mass communication student of the University of Jos, he writes for ViewPointNigeria from Jos, Plateau state.

He can be reached at the following email address: [email protected]

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2015 Presidency: Between North and South by Dapar Satmak Alexander