The Nigerian Succession
Two months after taking office after a disputed election fraught with irregularities, Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua finally announced the formation of his cabinet yesterday after weeks of horse trading with the Senate, which has to approve the selections. It is difficult to discern whether this represents good news or bad in oft-troubled Nigeria. On the plus side, it seems to represent collaborative democracy in action, with the senate vetting process going forward as required. But there are also whispers that Yar’Adua’s predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjo still wields too much influence over his successor. Nairobi’s East African Standard fears that Obasanjo might still be “calling the shots” in Nigeria.
Hat Tip to the Council on Foreign Relations.
July 26th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Why are we surprised at what Obasanjo is doing or trying to do in Nigeria. Anyone who has a clear understanding of the political dynamics of West Africa would know that “power drunk” leaders never like to leave the political scene. J.J. Rawlings of Ghana tried the same thing in Ghana by appointing J.E.A. Mills to run for the presidency, but Ghanaians were well awake. Lets just remind ourselves of the noise made before Obasanjo decided not to amend the constitution just so he can go for a third term. That should have told us that the man was not ready to go. We also should not forget that Yar’Adua is NOT the legitimate President of the good people of Nigeria but rather the president of the republic of the Nigerian Electoral Commission.
July 28th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Omari –
I certainly hope that I did not leave the impression that I am at all surprised at the prospect that Obasanjo would meddle in Nigeria’s current affairs! By and large I agree with everything you have contributed here.
Thanks for reading–
Derek
March 10th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
[…] Nigeria is no stranger to Big Men. In that country they usually come from the military, are fond of coups, and do not relinquish power easily. So while it might be disquieting to hear that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo tried to manipulate his country’s power structure in last week’s People’s Democratic Party convention, held in Abuja, it is surely reassuring to find out that the current President, Umaru Yar’Adua, would have none of it. Given that many feared that Yar’Adua was too closely tied to Obasanjo when he came to office, the President’s willingness to deny his predecessor to impose his will (and foist his chosen chosen candidate for party chairmanship) should dispel concerns that his independence is compromised. […]