Election Watch: Is President Obasanjo Another Sit-Tight African Leader?

Hatip to Bookerising

Asks Godwin Nanna about Nigeria's president (pictured), observing that many African leaders see themselves as maximum rulers fully capable of reigning over their beleaguered people for as long as they desire:

"These sit-tight leaders are to be found in every corner of Africa from Tripoli to Libreville, Cairo to Harare. They apply every trick in the book from bribery to intimidation, to perpetuate themselves in office. They stay so long in office that mis-governance even when not intended, becomes an inescapable side effect of their unending tenure. Thus we see on the African continent a terrible tale of ignorance, hunger and disease.

Where the rest of the world is moving forward, we see among the African nations retardation into greater squalor and wretchedness at the same time as their rulers and their friends pillory the resources of citizens in distress for fattened bank accounts abroad."Mr. Nanna continues his commentary about Nigerian politics: "While I am not a die-hard proponent of western style democracy, I believe that Africa must evolve its own style of representative governance that is people-oriented and that seeks to project a common goal. By whatever name such government is called, it should be such that ensures that the will of the majority prevails.

Some are already accusing Obasanjo of deliberating heightening tensions in Nigeria so that he can perpetuate himself in office much longer. I do not think that is the intention of the president but I am worried that Obasanjo is yet to know that in a multi-ethnic and highly diverse country like Nigeria, opposition is good for governance.....Obasanjo should allow the people to decide who rules them instead of trying to usurp the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission or manipulating it to fulfil personal desires. Nigerians have seen a lot of crises in the history of the country and are not willing to be subjected to another such ordeal. Let’s build more houses for Nigerians rather than refugee camps."