NIGERIA HAS DECIDED (2)

Dear diary, 

From my last post, you now have an idea of how the election process went. I'm sure you want to know what the outcome was. After voting, what's next? This post will answer your question.

According to the INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, the results of the election would be announced within 48 hrs of the voting process. The results were not announced 48 hours after but the coalition process had begun. The hours that followed the voting process were probably the longest hours ever for most Nigerians. People were having palpitations and blood pressures were skyrocketing. Up until the 28th of March this year, some Nigerians had no idea that local tv stations existed on their decoders. But following the elections of that day, come and see them flipping through local tv stations like it was going out of fashion. They were even the ones breaking news from tv stations on social media. Weekly TV series and Nollywood movies took the back seat as Nigerians became Political analysts; analyzing what was and what wasn't.

Prof. Jega announced that the cumulated result from each state would be announced live on tv from 12 noon the following Monday. As a result of that announcement, shops and offices closed (that's if they even opened) very early that day. Everybody was rushing home just to watch Prof. Jega live on tv, announcing the result of the election. 

At about 2 pm that day, out first case of Jega timing was diagnosed. He didn't start at noon as he said but no one cared. He was on seat already at the INEC national coalition centre, Abuja, so it was only a matter of minutes before the results would be announcesd and we could return to our regular lives. When the live broadcast started, he apologized for the delay and he informed us that the whole process may take about 10-12 hours. We didn't mind, we were willing to wait. And so the coalition process began. 

Each state had an electoral officer usually a current or former vice chancellor of a university. It was interesting seeing renowned professors and lecturers fumble in public. People had to ask if these set of people were the same people wielding the magic stick over peoples destinies in the university. It just made me appreciate the fact that no human being is perfect. 

About 14 political parties took part in the 2015 presidential elections and when the results from a particular state are to be announced, the electoral officer would call out the parties with their results simultaneously, in their alphabetical order. This process took about 36 hours. 

How is the winner decided? 

1. Total number of votes 

2. More than 25% of votes in a state

Before the coalition process was over, Nigerians already knew who the winner was. What a dramatic evening it was as the streets were filled with celebrations. Chants of "sai baba, sai Buhari" rented the air. 

The fireworks in the sky that night reminded me of New Year's Eve. In a bid to ensure peace, the sitting president Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, called the president-elect, Gen. Mohammed Buhari to congratulate him. That singular act by the president was welcomed by most people as a sign of peace.

The 2015 general elections would be a memorable one for a long time to come. With all the negativity and unfavorable circumstances that surrounded it, it still came out successful. I'm happy I witnessed it all. It's my turn to tell my grandchildren about the famous 2015 elections!

I'll leave you with a quote from Prof. Attahiru Jega; 

P.s: I do appreciate the effort put in by Channels television during the election. Period. Tremendous work!

Picture credit: google, @bayoomoboriowo, twitter.

NIGERIA HAS DECIDED

Dear diary,

In my last post here, I talked about the upcoming General elections. Well, the elections have come and gone but the memories from that day would be taught in our children's History classes. I'm glad I witnessed a "proper" election in Nigeria and I can proudly say Nigeria has decided. The governing election body in Nigeria, Independent National Electronic Commission (INEC), had a humongous task before them and they delivered to an appreciable degree. From PVC's to Card Reader System, this election had something different about it. As usual, yours truly has prepared a photoblog for you just so you can relish the happy moments and not so happy moments from the just concluded Presidential elections. Sit back, crunch those biscuits and enjoy as you read.

The voting process was billed to start at 8:00 am but trust Nigerians and their Jega African timing. While some of the INEC ad hoc staff arrived on time, others arrived their polling units at the close of day. In all of this, Nigerians were surprisingly patient. Nobody wanted to move. They waited around the polling unit until the ad hoc staffs arrived and began the accreditation process. 

This was the first time the card reader system was used in Nigeria. Even though there were some glitches at the beginning, they eventually found a way around it. This system really played a great part in ensuring the success of the election. I only hope that INEC will improve on it so as to ensure a smooth election process. 

As the day progressed, the heavens opened up and showered blessings on Nigerians as the stood at their units but they did not move. They were going to cast their vote come rain or shine.

Trust our celebrities to join the train. They also showed up at the polling units with their PVC's, ready to vote.

While others were waiting in line to be accredited, a couple at a polling unit in Surulere, Lagos got engaged. We couldn't see fancy wedding pictures that Saturday because all weddings were put on hold but at least we got an engagement photo. Congratulations!

The streets were empty! Those that couldn't come out to vote (due to lack of PVC or out of fear) stayed indoors. It was a case of "don't look for trouble and it wouldn't find you."

The most exciting thing for me was seeing elderly people come out to cast their vote. These people witnessed the civil war (with all its woes and throes) and still believe in Nigeria. So much that they had to step out of their comfort zone to perform their civic duty. Truly, Nigeria is ours and we are the only ones that can make it better.

Market ended well for some people that day, as they got more than they bargained for. This was a downturn for me; this picture went viral that day courtesy Nigerian twitter and yes, we all asked the same question you are about to ask "How old is this boy? How come he has a PVC?!" Like play, like play, this dude has become a celeb

People of all walks of life came out to cast their vote. 

Leaders that lead! The candidates that were running for the Presidential seat turned up early at their polling units and casted their votes. Trust the paparazzi, always ready!

Body no be firewood! The security operatives were commendable that day, even though Mother Nature tried to get the best of some of them e.g this guy.

Some polling units conducted elections into the wee hours of the morning due to late arrival and logistic problems. Trust Nigerians and their accomodating spirit. They brought out chairs, pure water and light snacks just to make each other comfortable. 

Some polling units had to move their voting process to the next day. At the end of the day, quite a number of registered voters were able to cast their vote. 

What was the outcome of the voting process? Who won the elections? How were the votes counted? When was the result announced? These and many more questions would be answered in the 2nd part of this post. Watch this space! 😊

Picture credit: Google images, Instagram, Twitter, Mr Bayo Omoboriowo (Talented photographer!) and my lovely BBM contacts :)

ALMOST A BRIDE: BEHIND THE SCENES

Dear diary,

How soon doth the great tide end?

Ihuoma has found her brother Shola.

Our darling series; Almost a bride has come to an end. The search for brother Shola was written by yours truly; Young black woman and Mz perry. You enjoyed the manner of suspense, promptness and accuracy with which it was delivered right? Well behind this beautiful story, a lot of work went into play (see what i did there?) We brought out new episodes with pictures every monday and on time too. A number of people were responsible for the success of this project and we would like to appreciate them. Watch the video to see all the beautiful faces behind Almost a bride.

 

So after watching the video, you must be wondering, "how were they able to get so many people on board?" Well it was quite feasible seeing that we all attend the only university in Nigeria: the University of first choice and the nations pride. Let me introduce to you, the stars of Almost a bride.

TEMITOPE 'SEAN OJELADE;

Twiiter: @topsyojel
IG: topsyojel

When we wanted to start this series, all sort of ideas came up for the title (let me save you the details and not embarrass myself). Tope came to the rescue with the title: Almost a bride and we loved it immediately. A Christian and a Physiotherapist (in view). Tope is also a writer, debater and actress. Check out her blog here

SANDRA IMAZENOBE: 

IG: Ms_imaz

 "A dental student. I love dancing, traveling and singing. i'm a very jovial and easy going person."

What's a story without a picture? We wanted our readers to imagine every part of the story as they read it, hence the release of pictures with every episode. Sandra agreed to be our "Ihuoma" without a hitch. We enjoyed every minute of the shoot with her. Sandra is fun personified!

SEGUN ISIOYE:

Twitter: sm1uknow
IG: segunisioye

"Don't be afraid that your life would end, but be afraid that it wouldn't start."

Standing tall at 192cm, Segun was our "Shola" for the series.I told Segun about the shoot, the exact day we took it. Worse off, i told him on the phone and he agreed immediately. Yeah, he's cool like that. Segun is a cool, calm and collected dude. He enjoys playing football and basketball.

SAMUEL ABIOLA: 

Twitter: @saga_christos

"A 600l medical student by chance, active dreamer by choice. Aspiring Jack of many trades and master of all."

Our photographer! Better known as SAGA (you don't wanna know how this name came about). We needed a photographer for our first shoot and Samuel was it. We had seen his "work" previously and being a friend of the house, it was easy for us to convince him. Samuel is very jovial and care-free to a fault but we love him anyway. Visit his blog and have the laugh of your life.

GRACE EKPO:

Email: ekpococo@gmail.com
Twitter: I don't tweet :D
IG: it's only for fine girls :(

"Book lover, food lover, Dentist, sometimes funny, writer. I'm passionate about planning and bringing ideas to life, either mine or yours"

Poet of life! Remember the poem in Episode 7? Well, it was done by Grace. Ideas, support, and lots more, she gave us to help this project. Somtimes, words are just not enough to show appreciation.

MOYO AJAYI:  

Email: moyosoreajayi@ovi.com 
Facebook: Moyosore Ajayi

"Almost a bride swept me off my feet. A beautiful story line, fine Ihuoma, the drama and heartbreaks dealt one beautiful lady. It's been so much fun, especially the part where i got to listen to unending ideas and offer advice, make remarks and just smile gently in patience. I really appreciate everyone especially my friends and roomies that let me use their devices, i love you guys"

Editor Moyo! As human beings we are all susceptible to errors. Moyo took care of our mistakes, errors et all so we ended up looking clean! A law student, Moyo writes poems, stories, plays, articles e.t.c and she enjoys editing too.

ADAMMA OLISA: 

Email: adammaolisa@gmail.com

"I love to guard my heart with jealousy for out of it flows the issues of life"

A pharmacist, nurse, editor, lawyer and dentist all in one, Adamma is a very disciplined and outspoken young lady. She loves travelling, sleeping, shopping, eating (don't call her fat) and chatting. She also brought ideas to the table to ensure the success of Almost a bride.

JANE IKONDU: 

"I love everything musical. I love listening and singing (still looking to learn the guitar someday. I also love styling people; make-up, clothes, shoes, the complete outfit. i hope to become a professional someday. On make-up: I just love the whole concept of transforming people and making them look more beautiful. I still have plans to go to a make-up  and fashion school, so help me God"

Our very own BMpro! Yeah yeah, we know we have talented friends you don't have to tell us. Janey was our make-up artist for the shoot and you'll have to agree, she did a good job.

SEUN ALAKIJA:

"I was delighted and really interested when i was asked to take pictures of other crew members of the project. I was really captivated by the sub-title: looking for brother Shola and it turned out to be fun at the end of the day"

What a man can do, a woman can do as well (before SAGA will stone us). Almost a bride is unique like that, we had two photographers. Seun was our photographer for the 2nd shoot and we enjoyed the time spent with her. Seun is a medical student and an upcoming photographer. She loves and enjoys taking pictures, meeting new people and eating (she doesn't joke with her food).

I also want to appreciate Olumide Adisa, David, faithful colleagues; Royals XV who kept pushing it, regular readers and commenters (your comments; both online and offline made me happy), friends, family and most especially my father in heaven. To those that retweeted and shared even when i kept disturbing your timeline with #Almostabride, i'm grateful.

To Mz perry, we both know all we went through to ensure the success of this project. The sleepless nights, the arguments, the stupid ideas we shared and lots more are some of the factors that helped us. It was fun writing with you and i look forward to another opportunity to do so. In the mean time, what should we write about next? Almost a groom? :)

There you have it ladies and gentlemen of the Diary, the stars of Almost a bride. i hope you enjoyed the story behind it all.  Share the link with your friends so they can join in the fun. Until we come at you with another mind blowing series, keep your feet of the ground and fly high!