What Nigerians demand from Mr President is the courage and humility to apologise for making us go through this harrowing experience by embarking on the risky project called tenure elongation that led the country to the brink of disintegration. [Nigerian Opposition Party]
Though virtually unreported in America, Nigerians took a bold step for democracy on 16 May when their Senate voted unanimously to reject a constitutional amendment that would have allowed (relatively popular) President Olusegun Obasanjo to remain in office for a third term. After all, despite pleadings from western leaders – including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan – Obasanjo did all he could to elongate his rule; just as African despots from Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire to still reigning Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe have done since the end of colonial rule. But, much to his shock and awe, enlightened and courageous Nigerians, acutely mindful of this African pathology, forced Obansanjo to retreat – to his now firmly-established, term-limited presidential palace – to lick his wounds….
So, here’s to what we hope is respect for constitutional provisions becoming the rule rather than the exception throughout Africa.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Africa Nigeria democracy
Rachel S says
That’s good news. Maybe this will also help enforce the rule of law in Nigeria by showing people that bending or changing the rules is not conducive to the long term well being of the people.
eric says
ALH
Thank you. I wondered if you would recognise this momentous event in Nigerian and all African politics. Though humiliated, Obasanjo ought to be applauded for accepting the will of the poeple.
That’s good news indeed Rachel S.
Anonymous says
this really is a hopeful sign but the we africans have a way of taking taking 2 steps forward and one backward. just look at what is now happening in liberia…again!
for an american, you write really good articles on africa. this is really impressive