One of the biggest assets we have as humans is that we can change positively, and one of our biggest liabilities is our abilities to change negatively. It is a rare occurrence to see someone who transit from poverty to wealth without any major changes in their character. Many of us who seem humble today, will metamorphose into proud and unruly beings the moment we have fame and fortune. There have been instances where some women prayed that their husband’s good fortune be reversed to the days when he was faithful, came home after work to eat their food, and gave attention to the children before his financial upliftment that changed his ways. This is the Desmond Elliott in us. And it is not just a male attribute. Many men prefer their wives to be full time housewives because of the fear that if they work and become financially independent, they will no longer be submissive. This occurrence by women have been well documented. Many civil rights activists have been found to become civil rights abusers once they gain a new level of prominence or become part of the government. Festus Keyamo is a classic example. Many youths who have experienced the evil and unreasonableness of the aging gang of African leaders like Muhammadu Buhari and Paul Biya of Cameroon, are found wanting when they get elected or selected. Demeji Bankole the former speaker of the house of representatives and Yahaya Bello the present governor of Kogi State are suitable examples. Many youth special assistants today will insult the living daylight out anyone who call out their principal for any form of malfeasance even if the criticism is constructive.

When Desmond Elliott endorsed godfatherism publicly before the Edo State election while campaigning for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, many Nigerian youths were extremely disappointed. But that was not the first time the actor turned politician had shown his new or true colours. His recent derogative remarks about Nigerian youths was not an accident or random event or an happening that happened because of being overwhelmed by his emotions, as he has claimed. During his apology where he made good use of his acting abilities, he reminded us of what brought him to national consciousness – his abilities to portray characters and emotions that are superficial and just for the camera. It has been said in the Holy Bible that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Hence, we must take Desmond Elliott’s past remarks seriously and wait for him at the poll. It was this same crocodile tears that Buhari faked years ago that swayed the emotions of some Nigerians. Not again. Virtually all politicians who misbehave in office had shown evidence of such misbehavior, years before getting into office. The human rights violations experienced during Buhari’s first stint as head of state is reoccurring. The financial malpractices that happened under his watch as PTF chairman is also reoccurring in a grand scale now as president.

We are all open books. And often it does not take a seer to see the future behavior of those we know. In the case of choice of spouse which is arguably one of the most important decision you can make, most people are carried away by unreliable variables. Character and past behaviors and jettisoned for looks, financial standing and lust that is often disguised as love. Most violent husbands have shown their violence before proposing to their wives. The outcome of our life is dictated by the decision we make daily, weekly, and yearly. We are in the eleventh hour of this year and some of us have still not made up our minds on what we must achieve this year. For starters, I will encourage us to look before we leap. Before starting any venture, know the pros and cons. On the political scene, those who helped to enthrone Buhari are perfecting their plans to re-emerge as progressives. Those who supports Abacha boys like Tinubu and Ibori whose legacy of enthroning their corrupt family and friends like Lai Mohammed and Emmanuel Uduaghan must not be lost on us. If we desire a new and better Nigeria, we must not forget the past deed of those who will present themselves as new breed politicians but have shown us clearly, and unmistakably their past ways and loyalties to corrupt leaders.

Ata Ukuta – Editor, www.towncryyers.com