As we approach the 2023 general election, politicians have begun to declare their interests in a bid to deceive the masses. In one of the novels of late professor Albert Chinua Achebe titled: 'The trouble with Nigeria', he noted that the problem with Nigeria is the failure of leadership. Since the inception of independence in 1960, the country has been craving for a radical leader. Someone who would have the mindset for modernization. Someone who would help in restructuring the existing status quo. African leaders, especially Nigerian past and current head of states, have been blaming colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism as being responsible for the non-growth in the economic, political, agriculture, security, stealing of public funds, antiquated educational policies, the introduction of favouritism and nepotism in the civil service, and the lack of enabling environment for inventions. The same British, Spanish, French, and Portuguese; who colonized African countries, colonized, India, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. These countries have advanced tremendously in security, education, creativity, inventions, agriculture, technologies, jobs creations, and a conducive environment for talents to strive. That tells me they are internal contradictions that have been hindering the progress of this great nation.  How do we come out of this situation comes 2023? As noted in late professor Chinua Achebe's book, we must crave for modernity. We have to collectively fight for equality, accountability, justice, and proper sharing formula. We have to, as a matter of urgency deviate from tribalism, nepotism, sentiment, and favouritism. We have to force our leaders to create good roads, free and fair election, promote creativities, stop corruption, and strive for a better nation.  The citizens are not exempted from helping to reshape the country. The church leaders, the manufacturers, the wholesalers, the retailers, reverend fathers, traditional worshippers, the civil

Some weeks ago it was seen all over the media where Mary Daniel, the Oshodi amputee pure water seller was hawking on the street to earn a living. According to her she lost her leg in an accident that killed all passengers including her parents when she was a teenager, have been discovered as false. In an interview, she claimed that she was an orphan and narrated how life how tough for her and as a result of that she also dropped out of school and entered the street to look for money for survival. Considering her sympathetic story, so many good Nigerians donated good amount of money into her bank account that was made public. As a result of this, the state government immediately took it upon herself to protect her form been attack by criminals.  Unfortunate for her, the state government later discovered that Mary’s biological father is alive. It is gathered that she has been handed over to the Social welfare officials for investigation. The truth is, Mary Daniel was amputated from birth and not as a result of car accident.

A 31-year-old woman identified as Goselle Manya is fighting for her life after she was administered a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in Nasarawa state. Goselle, a volunteer staff with a Primary health care centre, located in Azuba Bashiyi, Shabu development Area of Lafia Local government of the state is reportedly ill after receiving the mandatory AstraZeneca vaccine in the state. Narrating her experiences after receiving the vaccine, Goselle Manya, explained that she took the vaccine on the 22nd of March after which she experienced dizziness, 15 minutes after she took the vaccine, but managed to get herself home the faithful day. According to her: “After I took the vaccine, 15 minutes later I started feeling dizzy but thought the effect was just a usual sign, not until when I got home I started having severe headache with chest pain. “I never had any sign of illness until the vaccine was administered on me”, Goselle Manya declared. The health workers explained that she reported the effect of the vaccine at the facility where she is serving as a volunteer and was told it was malaria adding that after taking the malaria drug and other treatments the situation became worst. “Three weeks after I completed the malaria treatment, I started having rashes all over my body with persistent severe headache, as the situation continued, one of my church members, a NAFDAC staff, who was concerned about my health situation asked me to come to their office for further examination.

Elections in a democratic context are periodically held to bring in new leaders and new ideas that will bring about good governance and foster development to such a state. No doubt, Nigeria, as a democratic state holds elections every four years. 2023 won't be an exception. It is quite interesting to know that, Nigerians are not same as they were years back particularly, 2019. Before 2019, elections were quite more destructive, but that of 2019 wasn't so as was witnessed in Benue State for instance. This then means that the people are consciously becoming aware of their rights; to hold a government accountable, know who and whom to vote, neglect political unrest instilled by political leaders, ensure fairness, good life etc and won't be maneuveredly bought with foods stuff, money, clothing etc. What is gradually taking over is what such a candidate has to offer than mere political affiliations. It is important to stress that Nigerians are becoming wiser each day and are seemingly becoming aware of the political kleptomaniac leaders who venture into politics just but for their aggrandizement. "The Nigerian State has suffered indeed from bad leadership as rightly pointed out by Prof. Chinua Achebe in his novel titled "Trouble with Nigeria" Thus, it won't be a surprise for Nigerians to crave and yearn for good governance comes 2023. Leaders who are radical both in thoughts and deeds and more practice towards change. No doubt, APC or PDP has failed us all, and its high time trends change from voting mere political parties to voting candidates who can deliver irrespective of political parties, religion, geographical location, and what have you. Needless to point is the sufferings we have gone through for the past five and a half years, as they are numerous and way painful than then.