Time and history occasionally present every nation the opportunity to shape or re-define its destiny, forge a new path for its future and duty behoves a nation to stand up when time calls.

We are at a critical time in the history of our nation when we need to make a decision that will potentially what the future will look like seeing the last 15 years of democracy has left us with so much to be desired.

Elections are here again and we are presented with two choices: CONTINUITY or CHANGE? To those that think the present regime has done so well to be given another chance, you have a choice to make and to those that think we are only a shadow of our potential as a nation, you also have a choice.

But then, there is the sad tale of propaganda been spread all across board and fuelled by none other than ourselves. Politicians are polarizing us along ethno-religious lines; they are diverting our attention from the right yardsticks for measuring the true qualities of a leader.

If we are united with a single unselfish purpose, we will be too strong a force, we wield too much power collectively as a people to determine the path of greatness for our nation but then, that is exactly what the politicians don’t want.

They will rather we are not ‘so’ united and else they are dividing us by clouding and shading our reason and logic through spreading propaganda and then also using us as the tool for spreading them. It is a calculated plot to divert our attention from the core issues that need to be our focus.

Napoleon once said: “religion is an excellent stuff for keeping people quiet. Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” Funmi Iyanda said recently: “Religion in Nigeria feeds fat on the carcass of peoples’ broken lives unregulated by a weakened state.”

It is a fact that religion is a powerful influence and sensitive issue in our nation today that must be carefully dealt with but then, ethnic or religious affiliations is not and never the SI unit for measuring a leader and his potential to deliver? Character, competence and capacity are.

We are all first Nigerians before any other thing else and that should be the first and most important consideration and then the character, competence and capacity to deliver on the dividends of democracy.

Nations have gone past religion or ethnic coloration in determining who to choose to lead. Why should we sacrifice our future on some cheap factors that are less worthy of consideration?

The economy is at a snail speed if moving at all, the common masses are suffering on the streets, the polity is debased, our national institutions aren’t functioning properly, millions of graduates with no jobs, politicians are looting the treasury without remorse; our nation needs healing and we are talking about tribe and religion.

If it is an Ibo Muslim or a Hausa Christian that will take Nigeria to the Promised Land, what does it matter? I’ll vote a Muslim/Muslim or a Christian/Christian whoever can take Nigeria to its desirable destination. A Muslim governor is doing wonders in Lagos and a Christian governor is transforming Akwa Ibom.

At this point, only the coward will stand aloof as neutral when our voice is desperately needed. I am not a card-carrying member of any political party but I know I have a choice to make and I must make it, I must cast my vote and for the right person.

Duty behoves us all to stand and take the right decision that will put our nation on the path to greatness, let’s stop spreading and fuelling false and wrong propaganda.

 @VincentKAnani

VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE SOLELY AUTHOR’S.