I Promise Fresh Air

"I assure you of fresh air" is one of the popular campaign slogans for President Goodluck Jonathan that has caused me some amusement in the lead up to today's first electoral polls.  Nigeria has been big on the uptake of the saying "a breath of fresh air" but it's certainly been somewhat twisted as though filtered by a little game of Chinese whispers. There's nothing more gratifying than receiving the compliment "you're such fresh breath to me!"

So in keeping with the popular theme, the "Coalition for Fresh Air in Nigeria" has erected many a billboard reminding us that Goodluck "is the messiah sent to bring fresh air to all Nigerians."  At face value, this is one mighty electoral promise!  Check out the state of our air in these photos.

Putting literal translations aside, there still seems to be some confusion though.  Since President Goodluck Jonathan has been in power since the May-2010 death of the former elected leader Umaru Yar'Adua, it's hard to see how a vote for him is a vote for new politics.

But as I woke up this morning on this important day in Nigerian democratic history, the clouds had lifted and the message was clear.  Non-essential businesses are closed and travel is banned for the next three voting Saturdays.  It's pitched as a means to control security and ensure a peaceful process but it got me wondering whether anyones thought about the green implications.  Maybe the People's Democratic Party really can promise "fresh air" in shutting down business and keeping the countries 158 million people off the roads?