2011 Elections

Months passed as we waited eagerly for the general elections in Nigeria, the politicians concerned were all over the place, chanting their manifestos like incantations (because we have heard all of it before now). All over the media (TV, Radio, Print and even internet) were adverts, jingles and campaigns.

One very important thing to note was that most of the always wanted to outdo the other and/or out perform in the way they reached the people.

On the eve of the first elections, beign that of the Senate and House of Representatives, all hope was high and every body was all expectant, rushing here and there, people trying to go closer to where they would vote in their desired candidate.

Early morning of the elections, I could hear people trooping from all over, all heading to the Polling Station, wanting to be there as early as possible. Skeletal accreditations took off in most of the Polling booths, but alas! hours passed and the materials required were no where to be found.

Then, my very inquisitive mind took me on a search as to why these materials were not available at the desired locations. I took a trekking road trip, all heading towards the local office of INEC in my locality.

On reaching there, the media presence was seen all over, the security agents not missing in action. All rumours kept hitting my ears, but I persisted on getting the fact. Hearing from the horse's mouth would soothe my urge and yearn.

Then, calling for a press conference... he announced that our long-awaited election has been post-poned due to reasons which was beyond his control and that we should wait and hear from his boss Prof. Attahiru Jega for the full information and the new date slated for the long-awaited election.

Disappointment could be seen vividly on the faces of all the media representatives present. And they could not just take no for an answer, pouring one or more questions on the now confused man, who had nothing more to say but repeat his previous lines.

Now tuned in to my TV (how I got home, honestly you do not want to know), to get news of the elections, only to find Prof. Attahiru Jega, appologising to Nigerians and putting the blame on "unknown" agents (the unknown is in my own language, since it is Jega we all know).

The election that was supposed to be held has already been postponed due to logistics reasons. It was postponed to the 4th of April 2011. When we all should be at our work places. We all pray it pans out right on the said date.

My Polling Station

The Anti-Bomb Squad

Non-sensitive materials at INEC

Addressing the Press

          Watch out for part 2...