An attempted bombing last year placed Nigeria – and more importantly, Nigerians – on a watch list, with rather unfortunate consequences. At the time, and in months that followed, Nigerians hoped that the attempted flight bombing would be revealed to be a one off. Aren’t we after all, among the world’s happiest people? Aren’t we after all, content to accept our national predicament with good cheer and a sense of humor? Surely, it isn’t in the Nigerian character to kill innocent people.

When bombings happened in the Delta, they were far removed from most Nigerians, at home and abroad. By targeting the capital, the bombers have upped the ante. The problem with slippery slopes is that when you slip, it’s very hard to regain balance. Perhaps out of desperation or – more worryingly – with intent, the Independence Day bombers have fixed Nigeria on a new path. With elections on the horizon, all parties involved must realize that while we have faced disappointments in our first 50 years, the actions we take now, will determine the next 50.