SIR: IT is high time that we Nigerians woke up from our sleep; a somnolence which has left us bereft of the wonderful and very useful things which our Creator-Father has given us all citizens of this nation to enjoy from generation to generation – unto children’s children. We must be honest with ourselves and own up that we are groaning under the burden laid on us by years of reckless selfishness and insatiable greed of the civilian and military leaders who have been in turns at the helm of affairs of this nation.

  In consequence we are moving like a rudderless boat on a rough sea and on the portside of the boat not far away, there is a rock of a good length. What we need to do is to choose men and women who are not greedy or selfish, who will give their efforts to work for the good of the nation – bearing in mind the common good.

  Our elections are only a short while away. Candidates at the polls should not dig deep into the national cake, as they are responsible to the citizens who voted them in – to serve and work for the good of the nation.

  We need at all levels of the election candidates, people who will fight tooth and nail to see to it that within the shortest possible time after the election at which they were successful, to have in place an unfailing, dependable supply of electricity to serve industrial and domestic needs as well as the street lights – including expressway lights, and to supply power to a re-constructed railway network.

  Is our petroleum oil reserve to last to eternity? Let us in the meantime make the best of it. We should see that the crude oil available is processed to yield maximally. What is more, gas flaring should stop because the correct industry, which is to replace flaring of gas is functioning well.

  We need to re-arrange our educational system, with all the corrupt practices wiped out. The re-organisation of our educational system must embrace free education from crèche and elementary through to post-graduate level. We must work for free housing in order that we might care for the poor old among us. Agriculture is an essential business. We have the vast land “flowing with milk and honey”. Modern farming is capital intensive. That should not deter us.

   Members of the various Houses should report to their constituencies fortnightly to give assurance that things are working well. Everyone is important with regards to building the nation. Taken together it will be an expensive project. What of it? Money is available and can be made so in actuality. There is so much money of the nation stashed away in foreign banks.

  We must with one voice revoke the practice of individual and personal ownership of oil-blocks. What truly belongs to the whole nation should not be for a minute percentage to enjoy.

   This is the time that we must in essence put aside party politics and rather join together with a determination to work for the good of the country. Successful candidates must realize they are called to serve the nation not to dip deep into the national cake. If our elected servants work with genuine love of the country at heart, the benefits that will ensue will be enjoyed by all from generation to generation 

• Sope Johnson,

 Lagos.