WAIT UNITL AFTER ELECTION...

April will remain a very memorable and important date in the history of Nigeria. Even though Election 2007 have come and gone, so much talk is still making rounds about how that event went. Views, debate, and all manner of protests flying left, right and center over the election results and all of a sudden, everyone seems to have a brilliant idea of how the election should have been conducted.

These past days, Nigeria's 2007 election have really been making headline in both international and local media. Chartrooms now have new posts inviting people from all over the world to debate issues surrounding the election. One actually read something like: “We just posted a thread about the Election that took place in Nigeria, we would like to know your opinion on this matter”. The election was conducted imperfectly. Did the result make me loose trust and hope in the future on Nigeria? Of course not!

We young people will however not be left out of this new buzz. Passionate opinions are being aired in different forums, revealing how concerned the 21st century Nigerian youths are about the political matters of their country. Let nothing stop you from using your voice and sharing your opinion in good faith.

A Nigerian friend in Scotland sent a text to me last night saying: ...Watz up? Shld I say congrats on the relatively peaceful election held last weeknd? Any gist?-M. It is a shame I have no first-hand experience on how the election went, except of course what the media disseminated. I did not fulfill my civic responsibility of voting during the election, not because I was under-age, but for the distance between where I registered and where I live. Anyway, the Election took place without my vote and we are all living happily after.

Did you experience any “wait until after Election” syndrome? This refers to a kind of standstill in important issues that concerns you due to the tension the election brought last month. For instance, a major exam you have been dreaming of writing and getting over with being postponed due to clash with the election date or your plan to hangout with friends at the newest spot in town was spoiled due to some Election “fever” which eventually made someone sensibly suggest “why don't we wait until after election?”.

So many lives and events that were put on hold as a result of the election are gradually returning to normal. From students going back to school and candidates sitting for the famous JAMB exam to having the usual routine of reserving Saturdays for weddings and parties!
By the way, we are equally wondering for how long uni students in Nigeria would have to wait for ASSU to call-up the strike. Is there hope of the Federal government and concerned stakeholders reaching a sensible agreement anytime soon? This is another “wait until after election” syndrome making waves right now... we really hope this new government-elect will find a final solution to this disease eating into our educational system. What affects one, affects all. The future should not be put on hold!