Any Nation that refuses to be guided by the principles of nationhood will have to live by struggle of the sword. The continuous imposition of regional sentiment on issues of National interest is becoming a colossal embarrassment to the country Nigeria. Quota system, one evil which continuously cripple the efficiency, proficiency and sound judgment of our leaders, inherently promote mediocrity and discouragement. When one loses to a better contender, words that readily comes to mind is ‘with better sustained effort, I will conquer next time’ We only complain about the effect of quota system, rotation policy et al, when we are at the receiving end, we hear statement like he was the Director General of XYZ, he failed to pick any of his person. Even when it is glaring that the person in question does not have the capacity to perform at that level. We all have a role to play in erasing this scourge.

The recent case of the Consensus Committee of (NPLF), lead by Mallam Ciroma which picked ex-VP Atiku ahead of the likes of IBB, Gasau, and Saraki. This kind of strategy though acceptable in politics, but using consensus and regionalization to win support becomes counter-productive. When we begin to emphasize on a region, we begin to unconsciously tell others that we don’t belong to them; in the light of the present political dispensation we might not be able to see the impact. But when the system frees itself of all slogs, we will pay for actions like this. Everyday our political environment keeps evolving for the better, though many may think to the contrary; but in the near future, votes will count and when this happens electoral conscience will be paramount.

I seek caution from the Ciroma’s of our political scenario. Today they may be relevant but tomorrow they will have no place. We need leaders that will make us see ourselves as one, and not let the imaginary lines of separation be in our hearts. My heart bleeds for this nation as every day we keep making same mistakes of Power Rotation & Regional Consensus which to a large extends is demeaning. It’s a shame that we have put aside credibility while celebrating nepotism and tribalism in the eyes of the world. We will continue to push on as we alienate ourselves from this dehumanizing trend.

We all look forward to a day our leader will be selected on credibility, capability and a renew sense to deliver, when this happens we will become the Nation of our dreams; as we prepare for the polls let Saraki, Gasau, IBB, Jonathan and others drop the cheap strategy to regional sensitization to promote their campaign. Let them sell themselves to the people as they seek their votes. These leaders are not going to lead their region alone but the whole of Nigeria. I foresee a day that the choice of the man who leads this great and beautiful Nation, will not be based on the region he comes from but rather the content of what he is made up of. In time past we had locked out people who could have given us the required change. They were denied either because of where they come from or the region they are from is – not supposedly meant to lead us – not zoned to yet.

A National awareness on the evil of nepotism, tribalism and quota system need be preached by those of us who are touched. We can’t continue to look, as we suffer in silence and watch the future of our young fade away, as our youth waste their strength in vices that debase instead of being productive. We shall fight this evil that is been perpetuated by a very few that influence the growth and development of all of us. Whether some self imposed bodies pick a consensus candidate or not we shall support and vote for the leader of our choice. The power to choose is one of the most gracious powers given to man by God and we will not allow some evil minded individuals oppress and intimidate us to a standstill.

Enough is enough!!!