I found it both interesting and hypocritical that Mr. Buhari accuses Mr. Obasanjo of ballot-stuffing when in fact "several parties are likely to have indulged" in ballot-rigging, "including Mr. Buhari's All Nigeria Peoples' Party." Mr. Obasanjo does seem like the "least bad of the two main contenders," as according to this article. He has kept his promises as far as stepping down after becoming military dictator when his predecessor was murdered. He has taken steps to make Nigeria more democratic, specifically by instituting freedom of speech. Obasanjo seems like a pretty good president besides his lack of economic reforms. But, of course, no one can be perfect.
While reading this article, I saw a lot of corruption. First of all, the ballot-rigging is obviously a big problem, whether or not it actually happened. I personally see Mr. Buhari as a "bad guy". He claims that others are doing the rigging, but there is evidence that he was also taking place in this as well. I thought it was interesting about the NEPAD organization. I am not sure that this would work, or even help, but it seems like it could be a good proposal. ALthough there are possible resolutions to all of these problems, I still think that Nigeria obviously has some major work to do.
In this article I definitely agree with the title "THE BUMPY ROAD TO DEMOCRACY." It seems that President Olusegun has failed to do anything but worsen the economy and violence since he was first elected. These violences caused a shutdown of the region's oil production which completely reduced the main source of exports drastically! It seems to me when I first started reading this article I was with Mr. Buhari especially the "ballot rigging" part. However by the end I changed sides. I guess the reason for this is that sometimes it takes a person to try all the wrong options before they end up with the right one and in this case that's what President Olusegun did. He along with Pres. Thabo Mbeki, began a version of the Marshall Plan. This plan will supposedly help eradicate poverty and strengthen democracy, which is basically what they've done the opposite of in the past!!
I find it odd that this article claims that the 2003 elections are a sign of progress for Nigeria. This is a nation where 2/3 of all its citizens make less than $1 U.S. per day and the only thing that presidential candidates seem to care about is consolidating power for themselves. While called a democracy, Nigeria is anything but that as two "honest" former dictators are the only two viable candidates for the presidency; also, both of their parties have obviously taken away the voice of the people via ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. If Nigeria ever desires to be a true democracy, the focus needs to shift away from the sham that are their presidential candidates and more towards the greatly impoverished population of over 120 million people.
Personally, i find it difficult to believe that there is any road to a true democracy in Nigeria. voting corruption, questionably honest candidates, and a horrible economy are all extremely detrimental to the process. Leaders like Obasanjo & Buhari need to be real and honest and allow power to actually be shared. I know that sounds frivolous, especially in politics but nevertheless it greatly contributes to a real working democracy. I do not believe that Nigeria can be successful when they must choose between the lesser of two evils.
After reading "The Bumpy Road to Democracy", the issue I see with Nigeria's attempt to become democratic, is the front they have put on it. Sure in Obsasanjo's first four year term he increased the ability for freedom of speech, and claims are made that those who speak out will no longer "need to fear from being taken away by secret police", when in fact I feel that is most likely still the case. Despite the ruler or the attempts to become democracy, Nigeria is still an extremely violent country; the most viable candidates for ruler are two retired military dictators, who to even win votes must you ballot rigging and bully tactics. I am still unsure as to which guy is the lesser of the two evils, but both Obsasanjo and Buhari are more "bullies" than anything. Nigeria's attempts to become a democratic nation are small and will always be overshadowed, until the country itself and its rulers are able to give up the violence and the turmoil that lies within the various tribes and religions and come together to work, which is what democracy truly is.
While reading this article, I came to believe that first off that Nigeria would actually be better off if it were to split into different nations due to religious differences. While Nigeria is a country that socially, has minimum problems with religious differences, when in comes to political aspects such as the election noted in the reading, where Muhammudu Buhari is from the North and is Muslim and Olusegun Obasanjo is from the South and Christian, the country tends to be split into two different parties due to different religious cleavages. Now, as far as the current "democracy" that is established in Nigeria, what Obasanjo has been during for its people (if we exclude the previous reading about the Nigerian Police) has been in good beliefs, giving its people more freedom of speech and assuring that they would not be condemned for what they speak. But when it came to the election, I believe that his previous duty of military dictator roll comes into play, doing whatever possible, legally/illegally and ethical/unethical, to win the election, and that included vote-rigging and pressuring and threatening voters
This reading was about Nigeria's battle of becoming a democratic country. Just like other countries, the democratic system in Nigeria is poisoned with corruption. The prime example of this would obviously be the issue of 'ballot stuffing'. However, there have been positive changes in the government, for example, the addition of freedom of speech to their constitution. Obviously Nigeria will face many more problems on the 'bumpy road to democracy', but their current leader, Obasanjo, seems to give Nigeria a promising look at the future.
I found this reading interesting to say the least. I found many parts to be humorous, from the ballot stuffing hypocrites to the hired thugs filling out the whole town's votes. The article showed light and darkness for Mr. Obasanjo's presidency from his strengthening the freedoms and liberties of the Nigerian people yet he made little progress in the reformation of the Nigerian economy and poverty. I liked how MK said it. It is an article in which Nigeria is battling for democracy and with the democratic state they have now much of it they can thank Mr. Obasanjo for establishing. I also was really intrigued with the idea of NEPAD. Their so called Marshall Plan. I would very much like to see the outcome and development of it throughout Africa, yet I fear it may end up like "Things Fall Apart".
Not sure why no one has presented the obvious solution...if we just send American troops in to force a democracy then everything will work out, just like it always does. Kidding aside, it is painfully clear from the reading that both Buhari and Olusegun are not capable of restoring an economic stability to the country. To hell with the democratic system right now - it means nothing when the majority of the population is living on less than a dollar a day. This is a system that will remain flawed until a leader is able to step in and successfully implement a plan that works (like the proposed NEPAD). NEPAD seems like the best way for Nigeria to go at the moment, as it may be very beneficial to have larger countries invest, and Nigeria doesn't really have much to lose. The problem is that while Nigeria doesn't have much to lose, other countries aren't going to readily throw money into this. It is a process that will take time and lots of money and attention to repair, so all the Nigerians can do is to hang on during the bumpy road to democracy.
It seems like there really wont be an answer to the corruption of Nigeria with these two politicians around. Im getting the feeling that as long as one party is being politically dishonest, the other party will also feel the need to do so. Both parties seem to have the the intention of improving the economy, which is a good start, but neither of them are showing democratic ethics while trying to push towards a democracy. They are both dictators at heart, and i believe to get out of the current situation, they made need to be ruled by a dictator until the people can sustain a progressing economy on their own.
Like most democratic countries, there are some obvious signs of corruption. A major one would be the ballot boxes stuffing. I agree with Kasey about how this problem will probably not be able to be corrected as long as we have these two around. I do feel that Nigeria is showing signs of progress though, they will just have to continue to grow on "this bumpy road to democracy"
After reading this article, I felt the title was clearly an understatment of the situation in Nigeria. It is obviously very corrupt and the article proves that the push for democracy has failed just within the first few sentences. The elections are claimed to be rigged and the violence is horrible. After Mr. Obasanjo was elected it says that violenece kept getting worse between tribes and religions. Since the attempt of restoring a democracy in 1999, 10,000 people have been killed due to those issues. The elections there were not honest or fair and the example the leaders of the country have shown are reflected in the way the people of the country act. While it has taken many many years, the country does show some pregress but will continue to take a lot of work to move forawd off the "bumpy road to democracy" -molly
One of the least stressed points in this report that I belive is the most important is that this "democracy" only effects less than 1/3 of the population. The other portion is so poverty stricken that the governments actions has absolutely no effects on them. Mr. Obasanjo seems to portray some democratic aspects but his background as military dictator leads me to belive he wants total power, regaurdless of what form of government is in place. Real political accomplishments have yet to be seen as the report says "needed reforms have been left undone and Nigeria's (economy) has continued to slide backwards."
Nigeria is clearly a developing country, they are by no means a democratic state...yet. They are plagued with rigged elections, voter intimidation, welfare, and dictatorship just to name a few. Although I do not think they are a democracy yet they are headed in the right directions thanks to the past two leaders who actually stepped down when they said, and NEPAD. NEPAD is a great idea not only for Nigeria but Africa as a whole, it just will take alot of trust and money in African countries.
I found it both interesting and hypocritical that Mr. Buhari accuses Mr. Obasanjo of ballot-stuffing when in fact "several parties are likely to have indulged" in ballot-rigging, "including Mr. Buhari's All Nigeria Peoples' Party." Mr. Obasanjo does seem like the "least bad of the two main contenders," as according to this article. He has kept his promises as far as stepping down after becoming military dictator when his predecessor was murdered. He has taken steps to make Nigeria more democratic, specifically by instituting freedom of speech. Obasanjo seems like a pretty good president besides his lack of economic reforms. But, of course, no one can be perfect.
ReplyDelete-Julia S
While reading this article, I saw a lot of corruption. First of all, the ballot-rigging is obviously a big problem, whether or not it actually happened. I personally see Mr. Buhari as a "bad guy". He claims that others are doing the rigging, but there is evidence that he was also taking place in this as well. I thought it was interesting about the NEPAD organization. I am not sure that this would work, or even help, but it seems like it could be a good proposal. ALthough there are possible resolutions to all of these problems, I still think that Nigeria obviously has some major work to do.
ReplyDeleteCaroline Bowers
In this article I definitely agree with the title "THE BUMPY ROAD TO DEMOCRACY." It seems that President Olusegun has failed to do anything but worsen the economy and violence since he was first elected. These violences caused a shutdown of the region's oil production which completely reduced the main source of exports drastically! It seems to me when I first started reading this article I was with Mr. Buhari especially the "ballot rigging" part. However by the end I changed sides. I guess the reason for this is that sometimes it takes a person to try all the wrong options before they end up with the right one and in this case that's what President Olusegun did. He along with Pres. Thabo Mbeki, began a version of the Marshall Plan. This plan will supposedly help eradicate poverty and strengthen democracy, which is basically what they've done the opposite of in the past!!
ReplyDelete-Chelsey A.
I find it odd that this article claims that the 2003 elections are a sign of progress for Nigeria. This is a nation where 2/3 of all its citizens make less than $1 U.S. per day and the only thing that presidential candidates seem to care about is consolidating power for themselves. While called a democracy, Nigeria is anything but that as two "honest" former dictators are the only two viable candidates for the presidency; also, both of their parties have obviously taken away the voice of the people via ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. If Nigeria ever desires to be a true democracy, the focus needs to shift away from the sham that are their presidential candidates and more towards the greatly impoverished population of over 120 million people.
ReplyDeleteUrnne
Personally, i find it difficult to believe that there is any road to a true democracy in Nigeria. voting corruption, questionably honest candidates, and a horrible economy are all extremely detrimental to the process. Leaders like Obasanjo & Buhari need to be real and honest and allow power to actually be shared. I know that sounds frivolous, especially in politics but nevertheless it greatly contributes to a real working democracy. I do not believe that Nigeria can be successful when they must choose between the lesser of two evils.
ReplyDeletelast comment was mine
ReplyDelete-Ben E.
After reading "The Bumpy Road to Democracy", the issue I see with Nigeria's attempt to become democratic, is the front they have put on it. Sure in Obsasanjo's first four year term he increased the ability for freedom of speech, and claims are made that those who speak out will no longer "need to fear from being taken away by secret police", when in fact I feel that is most likely still the case. Despite the ruler or the attempts to become democracy, Nigeria is still an extremely violent country; the most viable candidates for ruler are two retired military dictators, who to even win votes must you ballot rigging and bully tactics. I am still unsure as to which guy is the lesser of the two evils, but both Obsasanjo and Buhari are more "bullies" than anything. Nigeria's attempts to become a democratic nation are small and will always be overshadowed, until the country itself and its rulers are able to give up the violence and the turmoil that lies within the various tribes and religions and come together to work, which is what democracy truly is.
ReplyDelete-Caroline H.
While reading this article, I came to believe that first off that Nigeria would actually be better off if it were to split into different nations due to religious differences. While Nigeria is a country that socially, has minimum problems with religious differences, when in comes to political aspects such as the election noted in the reading, where Muhammudu Buhari is from the North and is Muslim and Olusegun Obasanjo is from the South and Christian, the country tends to be split into two different parties due to different religious cleavages.
ReplyDeleteNow, as far as the current "democracy" that is established in Nigeria, what Obasanjo has been during for its people (if we exclude the previous reading about the Nigerian Police) has been in good beliefs, giving its people more freedom of speech and assuring that they would not be condemned for what they speak. But when it came to the election, I believe that his previous duty of military dictator roll comes into play, doing whatever possible, legally/illegally and ethical/unethical, to win the election, and that included vote-rigging and pressuring and threatening voters
Francisco d.
This reading was about Nigeria's battle of becoming a democratic country. Just like other countries, the democratic system in Nigeria is poisoned with corruption. The prime example of this would obviously be the issue of 'ballot stuffing'. However, there have been positive changes in the government, for example, the addition of freedom of speech to their constitution. Obviously Nigeria will face many more problems on the 'bumpy road to democracy', but their current leader, Obasanjo, seems to give Nigeria a promising look at the future.
ReplyDeleteMK
I found this reading interesting to say the least. I found many parts to be humorous, from the ballot stuffing hypocrites to the hired thugs filling out the whole town's votes. The article showed light and darkness for Mr. Obasanjo's presidency from his strengthening the freedoms and liberties of the Nigerian people yet he made little progress in the reformation of the Nigerian economy and poverty. I liked how MK said it. It is an article in which Nigeria is battling for democracy and with the democratic state they have now much of it they can thank Mr. Obasanjo for establishing. I also was really intrigued with the idea of NEPAD. Their so called Marshall Plan. I would very much like to see the outcome and development of it throughout Africa, yet I fear it may end up like "Things Fall Apart".
ReplyDeleteBradley
Not sure why no one has presented the obvious solution...if we just send American troops in to force a democracy then everything will work out, just like it always does.
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, it is painfully clear from the reading that both Buhari and Olusegun are not capable of restoring an economic stability to the country. To hell with the democratic system right now - it means nothing when the majority of the population is living on less than a dollar a day. This is a system that will remain flawed until a leader is able to step in and successfully implement a plan that works (like the proposed NEPAD). NEPAD seems like the best way for Nigeria to go at the moment, as it may be very beneficial to have larger countries invest, and Nigeria doesn't really have much to lose. The problem is that while Nigeria doesn't have much to lose, other countries aren't going to readily throw money into this. It is a process that will take time and lots of money and attention to repair, so all the Nigerians can do is to hang on during the bumpy road to democracy.
Luke Murray
It seems like there really wont be an answer to the corruption of Nigeria with these two politicians around. Im getting the feeling that as long as one party is being politically dishonest, the other party will also feel the need to do so. Both parties seem to have the the intention of improving the economy, which is a good start, but neither of them are showing democratic ethics while trying to push towards a democracy. They are both dictators at heart, and i believe to get out of the current situation, they made need to be ruled by a dictator until the people can sustain a progressing economy on their own.
ReplyDeleteKasey H.
Like most democratic countries, there are some obvious signs of corruption. A major one would be the ballot boxes stuffing. I agree with Kasey about how this problem will probably not be able to be corrected as long as we have these two around. I do feel that Nigeria is showing signs of progress though, they will just have to continue to grow on "this bumpy road to democracy"
ReplyDeleteSummer D.
After reading this article, I felt the title was clearly an understatment of the situation in Nigeria. It is obviously very corrupt and the article proves that the push for democracy has failed just within the first few sentences. The elections are claimed to be rigged and the violence is horrible. After Mr. Obasanjo was elected it says that violenece kept getting worse between tribes and religions. Since the attempt of restoring a democracy in 1999, 10,000 people have been killed due to those issues. The elections there were not honest or fair and the example the leaders of the country have shown are reflected in the way the people of the country act. While it has taken many many years, the country does show some pregress but will continue to take a lot of work to move forawd off the "bumpy road to democracy"
ReplyDelete-molly
One of the least stressed points in this report that I belive is the most important is that this "democracy" only effects less than 1/3 of the population. The other portion is so poverty stricken that the governments actions has absolutely no effects on them. Mr. Obasanjo seems to portray some democratic aspects but his background as military dictator leads me to belive he wants total power, regaurdless of what form of government is in place. Real political accomplishments have yet to be seen as the report says "needed reforms have been left undone and Nigeria's (economy) has continued to slide backwards."
ReplyDeleteLivy F.
Nigeria is clearly a developing country, they are by no means a democratic state...yet. They are plagued with rigged elections, voter intimidation, welfare, and dictatorship just to name a few. Although I do not think they are a democracy yet they are headed in the right directions thanks to the past two leaders who actually stepped down when they said, and NEPAD. NEPAD is a great idea not only for Nigeria but Africa as a whole, it just will take alot of trust and money in African countries.
ReplyDeleteKevin S.