By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
NyamewaaNyamewaa
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Women
  • Culture
Reading: In praise of the ‘new’ Nigeria
Share
Aa
Aa
NyamewaaNyamewaa
Search
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Women
  • Culture
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2023 | Just Nana Ama
Politics

In praise of the ‘new’ Nigeria

Nana Ama Agyemang Asante
Last updated: 2015/04/01 at 12:37 PM
Nana Ama Agyemang Asante
Share
SHARE

Nigerians have done us proud. They have had an impossible time under the Jonathan government. The country has endured an insurgency from Boko Haram in the North, high rates of youth unemployment, frightening levels of corruption, growing poverty and a weak economy.

This was a real test for the country’s democracy.

Nigerians queued over two days to vote and stayed alert for a three day count and collation. They have elected former Military leader, General Muhammadu Buhari as president rejecting incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and the People Democratic Party (PDP).

IT IS significant because it is the first time in 16 years, Nigerians have voted out an elected government without any drama. The last time an incumbent lost an election in Nigeria was 1992. The Military which was in power annulled MKO Abiola’s win. Rigging, vote-buying and violence have plagued Nigerian elections since then.

Naija 2

The March 28 elections was not without the usual challenges that characterize African elections. Nonetheless, something special happened in this election.

Jonathan did something that is rare on the continent, he called to congratulate Buhari on his surprising win before the final results. Nigerians are thrilled. With this single act, Jonathan has saved us weeks of drama and possible violence.

Naija 1

This is how it should always be. I am so excited and impressed by how Nigerians conducted themselves during and after the polls. So much was said and written about the elections and the possibility of post-election violence. It all came to nought under the watch of the indefatigable Attahiru Jega.

HE saved all of us from the spotlight of the western media. We must commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) especially the Commissioner for a superb job in spite of the challenges.

When a former minister stormed the collation center on Tuesday with wild allegations, Commissioner Attahiru Jega remained decisive and delivered a result that shows the will of the people.

General Muhammadu Buhari celebrating with some Nigerians
General Muhammadu Buhari celebrating with some Nigerians

For us in Ghana, this was special because we’ve been wanting Nigeria to get it right for so long. Ghana is a second home to thousands of Nigerians as is Nigeria for many Ghanaians.

We don’t always get along. Nigeria is like that rebellious older brother you hate to love because he sometimes bullies you, and takes your stuff without your permission. Despite our love-hate relationship and our bitter quarrels over football and jollof, we care about Nigeria.

We trade among ourselves. The arrival of Nigerian banks transformed our banking sector. They contribute so much to the growth of our economy and national development.

It is obvious, when Nigeria does well, we do well. So will the rest of the continent.

Africa has been waiting for this moment from the most populous country and biggest economy on the continent for so long. And as Nigeria usually does, it has delivered with panache.

I am glad they did not disappoint. Scratch that, I’m delighted that they left analysts confused with the voting pattern. They refused to be defined by the ethnic, religious, and partisan lines.

Everyone played their part in moving Nigeria’s democracy ahead. . Everyone – Jonathan Buhari, Jega and ordinary Nigerians who queued to vote and then policed the vote till the final result was received – help carve this new path.

I’m thankful for the shift. Never again will incompetent, corrupt and weak leaders sit comfortably. I hope Nigerians remain engaged after the elections. As we have recently learned in Ghana, staying engaged with the system is the only way citizens can get the development and leadership they deserve.

Well done again to Nigerians!

You Might Also Like

Don’t be Fooled: A Vote for Bawumia is a Vote for Akufo-Addo

Parliamentary Committee Report on Ghana’s Anti-gay Bill

Why is the Ghanaian Christian God so cruel?

In Ghana no life matters — unless you are among the elite

On interns, insults, and ministers

TAGGED: APC, Boko Haram, Ghana, Goodluck Jonathan, INEC, March 28, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria, PDP

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form]
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Nana Ama Agyemang Asante April 1, 2015 April 1, 2015
By Nana Ama Agyemang Asante
Follow:
This is Nana Ama Agyemang Asante or @justnanaama on Twitter (yes, it is still Twitter to me.) You might remember me from co-hosting on Citi CBS. I created this blog to reflect on life in Ghana. Then, I got on radio, and this blog became my safe space to say the “unsayable” with my chest—without the risk of endless meetings (just kidding… or maybe not). Anyway, radio is on hold for now—turns out thinking and writing about Ghanaian politics is just as exhausting as living through it. As for my podcast, Unfiltered? Taking a breather, because multitasking is a myth. I’m currently working on the Ghana Women Expert Project. Oh, and I’m also studying religion, which means I am immersed in a world of questions Sunday School teachers refused to answer and sermons that annoyed me. I will however, be popping by to post some of my unfiltered thoughts on everything from life in Ghana to reflections on religion and religious communities
Previous Article Nana Addo: Shape up or stay out
Next Article Why I am happy Ghanaians jubilated over failed AFCON 2017 bid
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Read

Government blundering making us all seem stupid
Politics
Sex, Sermons, and Submission: Why I Left the Church
Society Women
Christianity is un-African, homosexuality isn’t
Society
Whose vagina is it anyway?
Society
Letter to President Mahama: Fix Dumsor already, damn it!
Politics Society
Otabil’s pricey, unbiblical menu of miracles
Society
In Ghana no life matters — unless you are among the elite
Politics
In praise of Otiko’s refusal to bend
Politics Women
Why is the Ghanaian Christian God so cruel?
Politics Society
Suspended ornament: Why NPP is not serious about involving women in governance
Politics Women
Follow US
© 2023 Just Nana Ama