The Nigerian government, headed by President Goodluck Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party, faces two major crises — brought on by renewed ethno-religious violence and the abolition of fuel subsidies. These may appear distinct but are, in fact, interconnected. The population of Nigeria is made up more or less equally of Christians and Muslims, with a small minority following traditional religion. The first crisis was triggered by deadly Christmas Day bombings near the national capital, Abuja, and in the city of Jos, about 200km away; 49 people were killed and scores injured. In addition, 52 people, including several children, have died in communal violence in the south-eastern Ebonyi state. In response, President Jonathan has imposed an emergency in four states, closing all the relevant borders. The Islamist group, Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for the bombings. The second crisis can be traced, in part, to International Monetary Fund pressure to end fuel subsidies. The proposal has generated widespread opposition, despite the fact that Nigeria intends to put the projected $8 billion savings towards creating domestic refining capacity, and possibly towards limiting the influence multinationals such as Shell have on Abuja's policies.
Nigeria is one of the world's major oil producers. It is also one of the world's most corrupt countries. The connection between the communal violence and the fuel price issue lies in the fact that the benefits of oil have not reached the majority of the 160-million population. One result is serious dysfunctionality in public services and institutions. Survivors of the bombings have accused the emergency services of slowness and incompetence; the services even sent text messages to journalists at the scene seeking their help in getting more ambulances. Secondly, persistent and widening inequalities, with poverty especially severe in the Muslim-majority north, alienate citizens and give fundamentalists ready audiences. Moreover, leaders of Boko Haram, which demands the nationwide adoption of an extreme form of the Sharia law, claim that al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has assisted them; AQIM has also publicly praised the Nigerian group. If the central government is to respond effectively to these challenges, it will need to dig deep and draw on the democratic and secular spirit of the Nigerian masses, who struggled valiantly to end military rule and have — since the restoration of civilian rule in 1999 — voted decisively on political, not religious or ethnic, lines.
The case for subsidy removal is most compelling as Nigerians have
witnessed with the introduction of the GSM and subsequent general
availability of phone lines in contrast to the NITEL times. However,
the Nigerian Government, for inexplicable reasons, have failed to
articulate and communicate their position well to the people. I am not
aware that Boko Haram has made any categorical statement detailing its
charter of demands. If that be the case, it behoves the organization
to say what they want and give the authorities the chance to address
the issues. That is the right way to go. Bombing harmless masses
without making their demands known is just not it.
The editorial correctly diagnoses the problems faced by Nigeria. In one way or the other, Nigeria should have become a economic superpower by now after having overthrown the military regime in 1999. That the government in this north African country has been unable to deliver the goods is an indication of how much the country is seeped in corruption and a precursor of how long it will take to become a power, worthy to play a global role. Communal violence coupled with inequitable distribution of wealth and resources has been the bane of Nigeria. What's more, radicalisation of a certain section of population has added to Nigeria's problems. If it can make use of its resources judiciously and see to it that the fruits of economic development reach all sections of society, then it can, well and truly be,on the road to become an economic powerhouse.
The Nigeria is the emerging economy of world it share best economic partnership with U.S.A.petroleum share 40% in economy and 80 % in earning of money to country.mineral rich country and influencing in space sector by launching three satellite .The problem is due to Muslim and christian right .If the new elected president utilise the resource and prevailing four type law integrate and provide right to livelihood .the infant mortality and maternal death rate high to this blind continent. the gift of population provide by nature. The present scenario after 1960 continue promotive this year represent independence year to country.
The timing of the Editorial is apt.The country is on the verge of a nationwide protest against the removal of fuel subsidy.When there was a hike in petro prices in 2007, a similar call by the national labour congress evoked strong response and the whole nation came to a standstill and there was a near paralysis for a week. It is most unfortunate that the ugly face of terrorism is slowly but surely seeping through.The entire muslim dominated North in this country is facing this crisis. As an offshoot of this mere announcement of removal of fuel subsidy, has led to a steep increase in petro price from N 65 per ltr to N 150/ltr. The people back home in India, will do well to realise the kind of subsidy burden the central government is carrying on its shoulders, which is breaking its back.To say that Nigeria is the most corrupt , by an Indian newspaper, looks odd. India is not far behind on this issue. In Nigeria, we have seen a few governors lose their seat. any such luck in India?
Babatunde Adewale a legislator representing Apapa in the House of Representatives in Nigeria, in a recent interview speaking about challenges faced by his country has stated that 'our problem is governance...the government as a whole, the legislative arm and executive.' Years of misrule and corruption has take its toll on a vulnerable and hapless society broadly divided between two religions always at loggerheads with each other, and the constantly warring various ethnic and sub ethnic groups are plagued with poverty and ill-health despite being a resource rich country. Resources are either untapped or exploited by multi- nationals and with their wealth not being distributed ethically the people of that country had fallen victims to the fundamentalist and disruptive forces that has time and again unleashed a reign of terror with lots of violence and blood shed. This most populous nation of Africa suffers due to lack of resourcefulness on the part of those who govern.
This is indeed a sad case for Nigeria. Despite its oil rich lands, it has not been able to combat the forces of extremisim which is today fast spreading in Africa. This clearly is a problem which Nigeria must address on its own, it must not entertain international players to interfere in its political affairs. The government must ensure that they have the trust of the people who voted by maintaining law and order. Even India has not escaped the arm twisting techniques of multilateral bodies in her past, but she has shown remarkable resilience and has today earned a place in the coveted list of powerful countries. Nigeria must follow the path of action and arbitration to root out corruption and stop insurgent forces like Boko Haram and AQIM.
well written, this is a nice write up that explains the problems we have in Nigeria. May God help us.
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