Our dear country Nigeria,has just concluded elections paving the way for its first civilian to civilian transition since independence almost 50 years ago. These elections have have been adjudged by all and sundry including foreign observers as being anything but free and fair. They were characterised by widespread violence, rigging and manipulation, with the aim of extending the rule of the majority political party (PDP). This indeed is a sad story for Nigeria, which has clearly not gotten its act together after so long. Our "dear" president has succeeded in forcing his handpicked successor on the nation.A successor who is in an obvious poor state of health, confirmed by his collapse at a political rally during the prelude to the elections. Such actions clearly go against the tennets of democracy and smack of nothing but dictatorship.What saddens me the most is the possibility of Nigeria regressing thereby rubbishing the succsses recorded from its recent giant strides in economic development. How long are we going to continue to take two steps forward and then four steps back? I refuse to give up hope, perhaps I am an unreasonable optimist, but I still refuse to give up on my father land. My father land has failed me woefully but I still refuse to give up hope.Even with the temptations of a better life here in the West, I will go back home to join the crop of young Nigerian professionals who are the future of this great country. I end with a word of advice for the ruling class, history teaches us that change is inevitable. A change is indeed going to come and you will all be made to account for your misdemeanours and gross corruption. The souls of millions of Nigerian children who have died from starvation and sickness in a nation blessed with abundant natural resources, will haunt you and you will know no peace. God help our nation!