It’s been four years since our last elections and a lot has undeniably happened in that time. I remember different groups spewing their permutations about who is best, who will win, who is who, albeit with some hope in their voices. So I thought to document the “celebration of our choosing” that was the 2011 elections in the Ipodo/Seriki Aro Ward of Ikeja, Lagos. We waited, while Hamza – our local grocer – and the groundnut lady spread their provisions to a captive market around a polling booth, some people were surfing the Internet, updating the rest of us on what was happening outside our ward. Hawkish political party agents stood their ground organising; making sure rules were followed, tracking down the ballot boxes and paper, thumb printing ink and whatnot. Everyone for a time watching the security officers watch us watch them. “No one will be disenfranchised” seemed to be our common position. Alas we had our day under the sun and our ballots were counted before dazed eyes, with a majority walking away hopeful and others understandably disappointed. Nigeria made its bed and we all laid in it, rose petals, thorns and all. That season is here again with all its passion. Like a true Nollywood story skipping that thin line from fact into the abyss of phantasm with all its conspiracies, spiritual permutations, loud menacing threats from double speaking sycophants, the usual rhetoric from politicians and the marginally entertaining spew from their well-fed clowns. If you are still alive having walked this wilderness the last 4 years, time and chance has brought us here again. Look past all the distractions however alluring their bright colours and see the image of the Nigeria you desire in clear contrasting black and white. Reflect on your experience, our collective experience and then make your choice for this leg of the journey…it’s that simple. scenesibility.blogspot/2015/01/itsbeen-four-years-since-our-last.html
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 18:48:49 +0000
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