Today, Our Change is Here. Finally!! - Chimezie Anajama

Happy Democracy day Nigerians!!!

*blowing the whistle of change and waving my broom ferociously*

I am extremely happy to witness this.

I woke up today and the first thing i heard was my brother's phone ringing.

"APCeee! Change!"

That is his ringtone. He has been preparing for weeks for today. That was part of his preparation. That his early morning call defined what today means to Nigerians all around the globe. It means more to those at home. It means the most to me. It means the ushering in of a new era for Nigeria. It means collective pride in being a Nigerian. It means that PVC can still talk. The knowledge that the masses can do and undo. Today is for the majority. The day the people will see the power of collective voice. The people's voice has become the voice of reasoning, of God.

In the words of the Roman acclaimed politician, Cicero:

Vox Populi; vox Dei.

I can imagine Eagle square now - the venue of the  The rows of the white in-built seats sparkling, the dignitaries arriving, the different flags of authority hoisted to the glare of the world, the military and police bands taking their stands and delivering the nation's melodies, the feel of being alive, witnessing a rare transition - democracy to democracy, ohh and the surge of crowd, the social current of happiness, of laughter, of victory, of change. That heave of AT LAST! FINALLY!! I am not there but i really do wish i am there. Ohh!!! I wish it to my skin.

Today is the beginning of change fulfillment. Today; we finally get to prove wrong to the world that believes that Nigeria lacks leadership and democracy. Today, i get to celebrate two men. Two heroes in face of democracy.

Irrespective of their differences, irrespective of the fight between the broom wavers and the umbrella shielders, irrespective of what happened during election, irrespective of their social, ethnic, and religious differences, i choose to celebrate both in their equal rights. Irrespective of all forms of allegations of corruption levelled on GEJ and his adminstration, i am still able to pick the following deeds from his adminstration and i wish to celebrate it so in that light.

"*Jonathan, you gave me freedom of Speech - i treasure it.

*You gave me YouWin - i didn't benefit directly but i saw its impact.

*You gave me rail - well it may not be in the best form but it is appreciated.

*You gave me an experience of election - it is an honour.

*You gave me some aspects of democracy - you did not get all of them right but i know you tried".

(my first post election post on 1st April, 2015)

GMB. The People's General!
Congratulation!! I celebrate you greatly. I may not be a fanatic but you have proven to all that determination and consistency
are important ingredients of success.

You remained steadfast in your beliefs and ambitions. You never wavered. I remember in 2003 when you came on the election scene, many scorned and laughed at your ambition. I think i did too.

2007 and 2011, you received your greatest criticisms for your ambition, especially against the backdrop of your words that aided in igniting election violence in Northern region in 2011. But to me, i used the aftermath of 2011 election to do your political homework. You reviewed your strategies and came out stronger.

In addition; I am quite proud of your followers and fanatics. I have to give it to them. I saw a different brand of political participation with them. Social media was awake, i felt their sway; i felt their keypad; i felt their passion too. You are well beloved.

However, like i noted on my post on April 1st, 2015.

" I hope you're quite ready for:

1. the name-taggings and callings: it will come in torrents when your policies starts appearing anti-anything people believe in.

2. MEND and Niger-Delta - i can assure you that they may be your version of Boko-Haram. They know they have the key of the economy. We know oil prices are falling but we still depend on the oil from that region. So do fast and diversify the economy and take away the key from them.

3. Democracy - it allows people to do shits, i hope you're ready to allow those shits; Jonathan has taught us
that a Nigerian president can take the people's shits. Don't make him a saint in the future. I hope you saw how Nigerian reacted to the whole AIT thing.

4. The CHANGE. Nigerians are very and highly impatient. I do very hope you've an awaiting plan-B when your promised Change is not forthcoming because your military background won't be happy with this new Nigerian mentality. At least oga
Jona has taught us that we can kick a leader out with our votes. Please, just deliver on this. Many, including me, count on that.

5. Changing of goal posts. We are already seeing that in your recent speeches. I want to believe that you're not so serious about them. We will hold you accountable to your promises."

So on this note, i am optimistic about your tenure. I am. I want to see you succeed. I want you to put opposition to shame. I want you to shame my silent fears. And i want you to write your name in gold and live to it.

Happy Democracy day Nigerians!!