The widespread indiscipline and corruption that has been ossified by our leaders,which has led to the slothful development of this nation,can only be decimated if every Nigerian acquiesces to always put this nation first in all they do.

We once resolved that the decay in the system was as a result of the infringement of our right to having a say in who represents us at the various arms of government,but surprisingly nothing significant has changed since every Nigerian adult became a stake holder in governance, via the electioneering process that came as a result of our peaceful transition into the democratic system of government about 17years ago.

It is saddening that some Nigerians sell their votes to the highest bidders for stipends,some tend towards religious and ethnic path while deciding, unwarranted loyalty to political parties and selfish leaders who care less about their sufferings.Some became political entrepreneurs (the Jagabans) conveniently sitting at the top of the food chain, making unchangeable decisions and the (cabals) holding the country to ransom at will. Some politicians sing accolades to these fellows for fear of being politically decapitated while some people endanger their lives fulfilling their selfish ambitions due to their high level of illiteracy, poverty and gullibility while some are just misinformed.
While we watch, the reputable red chamber is gradually being turned into a haven of buffoons and circuses by some of the products of our numerous failures as a people.

The 8th senate has been nothing short of a circus show since its inauguration,is it the way and manner in which the election of her principal officers was conducted? Or the ministerial screening that was insouciantly handled? Even our local food vendors "mama put"would never have screened those nominees in such a laughable manner.How about the charges of alleged illegal assets declaration leveled against the senate president,in which one would have thought that some of our elected senators would have set aside their party/personal interests, putting the nation and the integrity of the hallowed chamber first by joining others to unanimously ask the senate president to step aside pending the outcome of his trial at the CCT, as it is the moral thing to do but rather, they continuously abandon their numerous duties to grace the court, probably to intimidate the presiding judge or just to show solidarity to one embattled senator while national issues suffer. What an utter show of shame!

While a few spend ample time brainstorming on measures to revive the downtrodden economy,thereby coming up with laudable ideas and slogans,aimed at encouraging Nigerians to patronize the local brands in order to strengthen the naira, some are busy making senseless contributions like "made in Nigeria women", some even had the effrontery to suggest to Nigerians to start marrying more wives.
How many schools will the money being spent by someone to mobilize over eighty lawyers to the CCT, build for his people? Or the money one spent on the flamboyant tricycle he's busy driving on the streets of Abuja,which he could have channeled towards the ware-fare of his people.
All this makes one to wonder the basis on which some of this people secured their party's nominations and people's votes. Could it be that they were the highest bidders in their various constituencies?

I say it's time we begin to hold these leaders accountable on their promises and ensure that they're constantly reminded that they're in these positions to serve the interests of the masses.

I say it's not too late for the 8th senate to win back the hearts of Nigerians,they can still restore the confidence we once had in them by focusing on issues that are pertinent to the change we are yearning for.

To aid in the fight against corruption, bills protecting whistle blowers should be sponsored and passed into law, as this will encourage more people to come out and expose misconducts in the system and also curb corruption without fear of being witch hunted. We need laws prohibiting political office holders and their families (Mr president inclusive) from engaging in further foreign medical trips and sending their children to foreign schools as this would force them to pay attention to the decaying medical and education sector in the country. In order to encourage local production and ensure patronage,higher taxes should be imposed on imported goods that can be locally made in Nigeria. Leading by example,government must adopt vehicles locally made and assembled in Nigeria for its official use,thereby Increasing higher local content.

And as citizens,we should be part of the change process by prioritizing competence when voting people into public offices, candidate's integrity and party manifesto should be paramount and we should also ensure that we always do the right thing at the polls.
However, our duties doesn't stop the polls,as there is no country in the world that has ever succeeded with nonchalant/unconcerned citizens,as nothing is more patriotic than being actively involved in all the positive reformations of the government.
God bless Nigeria.

-Sidiku Olusegun Omoluabi

We know the solution(s) to our problems, but we would rather wallow in our tribal or religious sentiments than do the right thing.

In the end, we get the leaders we deserve.