" 

 == The State of the Nigeria union == 

 :As a faithful and passionate Nigerian, after reading several Nigerian newspapers online,  like The Punch, Nigerian Tribune, The Sun, Sahara Report, I am very happy with  
 overtures going on in our country political atmosphere. I have to admit that though it might not be exactly what we want it to be, you will agree with me that it’s good for the politics of the nation.  The 2011 general election is around the corner; politicians are running for their lives, making each other run for their money, or should I say “looted money;” the old garrison politicians are running to their political godfathers and the new ones are strategizing to stage an upset, while our good ol’ PDP is still fighting over its zoning argument. However, as a future leader, and a lover of politics, I am happy for the country. I must confess, I love this current wave of politics in the country, and I will tell you why. Our beautiful country, Nigeria is now 50th, the hype both home and abroad is remarkable. Though, people like me might say “why and what are we celebrating?"" The reality can’t be changed: Nigeria is 50 years old. Of course, there are many questions to be asked, many things to be fixed, many leaders to be recycled, if not jailed, but we are still here. We survived 50 years of troubles and lootings. Nigeria has survived 50 years of poverty. 
 :However, in readiness and preparation for the 2011 general election, our “new” INEC released its timetable for election. I must confess, when I first saw the timetable I was  
 overwrought. I was so agitated to the extent that the bad news suddenly became normal to me. I found myself asking how can we hold an election in January of 2011, a few months away? It is no brainer that to hold a reliable, free, and fair election, we must give all political parties an ample amount of time. I was disappointed and aggravated that our so-called INEC who prized itself to deliver free and fair election could come up with a timetable that is as unrealistic as that. However, just when I had accepted my faith and I was beginning to roll with the punches, figuring out how to volunteer for a candidate of my choice, Uncle INEC changed his mind. Yay! I read now that the election will no longer be held in January, but later in March or April. As a new-breed and progressive Nigerian, I am flabbergasted. I strongly believe that in order to hold or organize any type of election, we must start preparing at least two years before the time, therefore, allowing all the political parties and their candidates to prepare, raise money, and campaign rigorously. 
 :Consequentially, in recent weeks, I have been so hyped, dancing and singing praises about the prospect of the election. I was enamored with the way all of our presidential  
 candidates declared their interest. In retrospect, I can’t recall the last time I got so carried away like this. In my book, 2011 presidential election is a must watch for every Nigerian. It is not just an election; it is an election that speaks volume. This election will feature and present change in some form. Take a look at some of the major presidential candidates so far: we have the president himself, President Jonathan Goodluck of People Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Dele Momodu of Labour Party (LP), Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki of People Democratic Party (PDP), Ex vice president Atiku of PDP, “The General himself” Ibrahim Babangida of People Democratic Party (PDP), our pastor, Pastor Chris Okotie of the Fresh Democratic Party (FDP), Pat Utomi of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), and General Aliyu Gusau of PDP. Though party presidential primaries are yet to take place, but the buzz these aforementioned candidates have generated is momentous.  While PDP skirmishes its zoning arrangement, Labour Party, Action Congress of Nigeria, and the rest of the oppositions are ready to battle, I believe. One thing that crossed my mind while I was gearing myself up for the forth coming election, however, is the question I asked myself: how sweet and awesome it would have been, if the likes of Atiku, Babangida, Bukola Saraki, Aliyu Gusau, and President Jonathan were all from a different party contesting against each other? I guess some day, maybe next time, and next election. 
 :Nonetheless, working with what we have as at now, with primary elections yet to take place, I love what is going on. I love the fact that this coming election might witness an  
 unprecedented voters' turn out and even an upset. Putting my objective opinions and feelings aside on each candidates, I strong believe that an upset is highly possible. Let’s imagine for a second that candidate Ribadu of ACN or Dele Momodu of LP wins the election, that will be a huge upset and an “in your face” moment to the garrison establishment. All I’m saying is tha