nigeria democracy

The majority of Nigerians have striven for democracy for a great deal of their political history and certainly for the past 15 years of military rule Nigerian Democracy-A realistic achieve It is a welcome change to hear the Deputy Information Attache at the Nigerian High Commission in London, Mr Greyne Anosike, speak enthusiastically and promisingly of his Government, "We are very impressed with General Obasanjo's attitude towards intended change and are very optimistic that he will turn things around. Obasanjo is being praised by the people both within Nigeria and those Nigerians abroad. This is a very exciting development". This is a sentiment shared by Nigerian nationals and defines succinctly what the recent elections in Nigeria represent. Many Nigerians have expressed hope that the election on February 27 1999 of retired General Olusegun Obasanjo will bring major changes to their country. There are hopes that democracy will triumph over the former military dominance within Nigerian government which had for years hindered the nation of the development and progression which its people deserved. Democracy is not simply a political buzzword but something very definite for the majority of Nigerians, something that they have relentlessly striven for for a great deal of their political history and certainly for the past fifteen years of military rule.

Those years have been marred by the unabashed ambitions of a military junta intent on maintaining their leadership of a nation with detrimental repercussions. Their leadership, for the most part, has existed on the basis of the siphoning of profits from Nigeria's lucrative oil business into their pockets with little remorse for the majority of Nigerians encountering poverty, low literacy levels, an unstable economy and the closure of many of their schools and hospitals as a result. Nigeria’s decline had seemed interminable with little hope of change. However, a new course seems to have been mapped out with the death in June 1998 of former military dictator, Sani Abacha, and with the election and subsequent reforms of General Abdulsalaam Abubakar. The next phase in Nigeria's attempted route to democracy has now emerged. The first civilian election in fifteen years heralds a new beginning for Nigeria. Many outsiders are optimistic though doubts still prevail in light of Nigeria's tarnished history. Perhaps, the most apparent show of confidence for the future of Nigeria is the Commonwealth's decision to consider re-admitting Nigeria as a member. This decision will only be taken if Nigeria can satisfy those concerned that its road to democracy is sustainable. Since 1990, progress towards democracy has been marred by weak state-society relations and economic disequilibrium. Following the death of Sani Abacha last Summer, Abubakar endeavoured to push forward the democratization process in Nigeria, freeing many political prisoners and pledging to restore democracy by the end of May 1999. In recognition of the recent reforms taking place in Nigeria, ministers of leading Commonwealth countries have recommended the lifting of sanctions against Nigeria. Abubakar, promising a return to genuine democracy, has been instrumental in that decision. Commonwealth leaders will consider readmitting Nigeria as a member this year after the completion of a credible transition to democratic government.