GOD BLESS

I must admit, it’s been a heck of a year for us as a country, and as individuals. We’ve had to deal, and trek a most arduous journey, with our legendary consummate stoicism. 2011 has been another of those years that promised so much and delivered so little, or nothing. 2011 has, in general, turned out to be another year of lost opportunities. 2011 has been a year the government and the whole political establishment repeatedly fluffed their lines.

I love taking the positives out of adversities but I’m almost lost for one this passing year. I guess if I should fish one out, it would have to be the fairly peaceful conduct of the April General Elections. I suppose one has to commend the INEC for, though faced with enormous challenges, minimising (in almost absolute terms) the potential for disruption to our social order. The doom-mongers were silenced and Nigerians proved our elections don’t have to be bloody, in preparation and conduct. Our collective thanks should go to the INEC. One now hopes that this solid foundation leads to even better and safer atmospheres for future elections.

TurningPoint has, over the course of 2011, commented on a few developments (or lack of, for that matter!) in our country. It is my sincere hope that 2012 will be a year that will elicit profound endorsements of government activities in all areas affecting the wellbeing of Nigerians. TurningPoint may be seen as a contrarian by the powers-that-be and I make no apologies whatsoever for that. I will continue to be, for as long as Nigerians are being short-changed and the survival of future generations is being imperilled. TurningPoint will not relent in his attack on corruption at all levels, nor will it turn its searchlight away from the inadequacies, and inertness, of government. TurningPoint will continue to hold the political class to account on major issues of national importance; and unswervingly question, when necessary, policy directions.

Of course, I will give praise where and when it is due; nothing gives me more pleasure than applauding good strides in performance and accountability.

TurningPoint thanks the ever-expanding readership of 9jainc, and I hope your contributions in the coming year, and beyond, will ensure that our political leadership starts, and continues, to walk in the straight and narrow.

TurningPoint wishes all Nigerians, at home and abroad, and of all faiths and creeds, a happy and safe festive season and a hugely prosperous and safe 2012.

God bless the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.