BN Hot Topic: North Africa Political Uprising: Lessons for Nigeria?
Posted on Friday, February 25th, 2011 at 10:51 AMBy Glory Edozien
This year, Africa has taken centre stage on every news platform for all the right reasons.
Denied the opportunity for ‘real’ democracy and basic human right opportunities, our North African brothers in Tunisa, Egypt and Libya have taken matters into their own hands. We watched as millions of citizens from these countries stood up to the powers that be and demanded a new form of governance for themselves.
These protests have in some cases led to the toppling of long standing African leaders and rising fear in neighbouring countries where similar forms of unrest are beginning to raise to the surface. In Nigeria, the contest for the April presidential elections has begun in earnest. We have completed the voters registration process and we are gearing up to select the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Not only is the whole world watching to see just how transparent the April elections will be but Nigerian’s themselves are also eager for the benefits of such democracy to be felt right at the grassroots. There is no question that, who ever becomes the next president of our great country, will have a lot of expectations to live up to. Lack of power, dwindling refineries and industries, poor housing and sanitation conditions, high rise of crime and insecurity, inflation, fuel shortages, mass unemployment, education are just some of the issues that have plagued Nigerians for decades.
There is no doubt that the average Nigerian contends with a fair chunk of these issues on a daily basis, prompting the birth of various organizations such as the Enough is Enough movement, Light Up Nigeria, etc.
So at this pivotal time, where the outcome of next election could determine the future of our country, and with the various uprisings in our fellow African nations, what lessons should Nigeria and Nigerians be holding on to? There are various schools of thought on this issue.
Some believe that Nigeria should use the same method as our North African brothers to bring about the needed democratic changes. They suggest that Nigerians have enough anger and frustration to push for the changes she desires.
Others however advocate a more subtle approach, arguing instead that a military take over, like that of Egypt, would only bring about a political vacuum which Nigeria can ill afford. They suggest that it is the Nigerian leaders themselves who need to learn these lessons and that future leaders should live up to the expectations of the electorate or face the risk of such uprisings on their door steps.
But what do you think?
Are there embedded lessons for Nigerian within the recent North African political uprising? What are these lessons? Should such protests be repeated here? What benefits would that bring? Or are the lessons instead for our future political leaders?
Photo Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images via New York Magazine
Let’s analyse!
Tags: BN Hot Topic
A more subtle approach is advocated but what we truly need is a cleansing like what happened in Ghana years ago. the corruption has eaten real deep into the system such that sending only one man(President) away will not fulfill the intended purpose.
Cosign!
Frankly, those who advocate that Nigerians follow the models of uprising in those Arab-African countries surprise me. Our situation is nowhere close to theirs; they have no press freedom, most of them have gov’ts which can crack down on foreign travel as they please, there were repressive rules on marriage, and it was a completely authoritarian rule. Granted, Nigeria has issues, but these are money and policy issues. If Nigerians paid taxes (yes, citizens…roads and public schools need money to operate) and there were less corrupt leaders who craft policies which are appropriate for Nigeria’s labor-abundant society and do not view public office as a fast means of enrichment, we would be far ahead right now.
If Nigerians educated themselves on their civil rights and stood up to police officers who think they’re demi gods or media organizations did something like requesting citizens to turn in names of bureaucrats who treat them like crap, we would be far ahead. My point is that democracy and civil freedoms are new to our people, trade barriers are still high, the private sector is recently growing…it would be disastrous for us to destroy the little infrastructure we have (imagine vandalizing electricity poles because you want more electricity). We have a long way to go, but our problems are policy creation and corrupt leadership. Our democracy and economic arrangements are fledgling but promising. Let’s not ruin it. THE END
I do not know if you would be happy for me to add my opinion to your comment as you have said all I truly believe would be our solution. Adding my two cents our people are not ready to die for what they truly know would be in their favour. It does not have to be like what we are seeing in North Africa but being able to look at a corrupt person in the eye and saying to that individual what you know is right. Refusing to bribe anyone, aiming for political offices without the thoughts of monetary gains, giving and creating employment without tribal bias, not believing that the old corrupt way is the only way. Its starts with each one of us
What a high-level of ignorance you displayed there. It’s balderash to claim he uprising starting from Tunisia was caused by ;lack of freedom The trigger was economic.
Now coming to the situation you describe, i will advise you to pay a visit to any north african state like Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria , Morroco or Libya. You will pray that Nigeria standard of living improve to 20% of theirs and that’s not a j0ke. The infrastructure in those countries are a million times better than what you’ve got in that joke country called Nigeria. So is the standard of living. Yet these guys took to the street while you guys live in darkness without electricity. None of those countries you mentioned have not seen loss of power supply in close to 10 years and you dare compares nigeria to them.
Enough said..
In your mind now, you’ve displayed sophistication, abi? Think about it…if their standard of living is pretty good and infrastructure is pretty good, what do you think they’re pissed about? In all the news articles about the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, did the people point to high levels of youth unemployment as the reason for their revolt? Not really…they spoke about not having democracy in their countries, they decried corruption, bad leadership, and they complained about repressive rules and lack of basic freedoms. At the very basic level, that’s what the issues were about.
Tell me you’d like to see your brother or sister’s head smashed in the streets because you’re fighting for constant electricity. Tell me you’d like to see your mother crying over your father’s death because you want better bridges. The problem with people who advocate violence in Nigeria despite our obvious progress is that you don’t personalize the impending doom. Would you like to see the number of orphans increase? You see those policemen who increased their bribes from N20 to N100 and those Navy officers who have no business being at checkpoints, would you like to see them rule your country again?
Some people fail to take a worldview on our issues. When you protest armed with sticks and stones in Abuja, does that change the trade terms set by clueless policy makers at international conferences on our cocoa and mineral exports? Will this somehow increase the value of our currency? How does this help us build investor confidence so as to attract more FDI? And will these fights and riots of ours do much to assure those foreigners who own hotels and businesses that have raised our profile that this is the place to stay?
Yes, I am tired of defending my country to white people in the development field. I wish I didn’t have to cringe every time they mention the failure of Sub-Saharan African nations to develop economically. The lack of constant power is pathetic, and I in no way advocate docility, but we can’t let the fires and shortsightedness of youth push us in the wrong direction.
Our passion should be aimed at getting the right people in leadership positions. We should be pushing for more transparency in how our money is being spent, where our imports come from and increasing exports while creating new markets for our goods in more countries including our neighbors. We should be focusing on creating better policies, on bringing in advisors from countries that are where we want to be. Advocating violence and even more upheaval in our fragile society is definitely not the way forward for us.
I agree with Nkoli that Ghana’s cleansing earned them the democracy they now enjoy! We have to fashion a way to deal with non-performing, corrupt, brainless leaders. I don’t have a clue as to how we can deal with them but I have this very strong beleive that the trend in North Africa would sweep to West Africa, Nigeria to be precise.I’m gonna join the ‘Enough is Enough Group’, if it does exist! I’m tired of spending an average of 6 hours in traffick everyday cos of very unmotorable roads, coming back to Nepa’s constant & consistent black out, ridiculous cost of food items….I want a better Nigeria for my kids, which is not asking much!
abeg o we don not need that fiasco in naija o sho
are u kidding me? You call a revolution that ousted dictators a “fiasco.” My naija people never cease to amaze me. In that case I guess we need a fiasco in Nigeria. I also think we need more accountability from our leaders. They can’t continue to embezzle public funds without check. All corrupt leaders must know that they will be forcefully removed from office by the people who voted them in. No terms are guaranteed!!!
http://lookingglassofanimmigrant.blogspot.com/
we need a revolution in Nigeria but not the type of revolution that has been happening in these African countries.if it was the time of Abacha and if he decided he was going to capture the country,then we can think of such but for now,even though we dont have the best democracy we have some kind of “freedom” which is the fine line between our issues in Nigeria and those countries…there are various forms of “revolution” Nigeria and Nigerians can decide to embark,that wont result in a blood battle.but that revolution must begin with our thinking and from our own compounds.
“It’s not about government. It’s a general collapse in values. Our problems are not hard we just refuse to engage them. We refuse to join hands and repair the road where you drive your jeep in Banana Island. It’s not hard. To give a couple of millions that you spend on random parties to mentors the children of the Dustbin Estate, it’s not hard” this a quote from Chude Jideonwo speech..and it summarizes everything.its just the same way we complain of youths that have turned to various vices,when the family unit,the basis of the society has failed..
we all need to stop complaining in the comfort of our homes,and behind on computers when we havent done anything positive.our revolution like i said earlier doesnt have to be bloody.get busy,contribute your own quota,get involved in something,make enquires if you have to about projects you can contribute to.until we roll up our sleeves,get our hands and minds ready to do something, the change we are all hungry for wont come..
and if there is any lesson i think Nigerians can learn form these revolutions is that,once you put your heart into looking for a change from the way you think to the (positive)activities you engage in,you can create that change you desire.
Remember NO ONE will build your country for you!
God bless Nigeria
God bless you..Very well said…
“If there is any lesson i think Nigerians can learn form these revolutions is that, once you put your heart into looking for a change from the way you think to the (positive) activities you engage in,you can create that change you desire.”
Silence KILLS! We need a serious revolution. All those vagabons in power must leave now. No more guaranteed terms. Why should we keep rewarding people who persistently ignore their jobs?
*SINGING MJ* IM STARTING WITH THE MAN IN THE MIRROR.. IM ASKING HIM TO CHANGE HIS WAYS… NO MESSAGE COULD HAVE BEEN ANY CLEVER IF YOU WANNA MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF AND MAKE A CHANGE!!! CHUNEEEEEE *CLAPPING* *BOPPING MY HEAD* *SMILES*
*COULD HAVE BEEN ANY CLEARER*
The upcoming leaders need to observe what is going on in North Africa, and learn from it. And i do not believe that we need a revolution like those in North Africa because i don’t think it would work. Rather than improving the situation it will further fracture Nigeria.
Hmmmmn, this is a tough nut to crack! If we do go the way of those other countries, we must as a matter of necessity have a system in place to absorb the effects of the uprising.
If we do not go that way, I do suspect this depressive state will continue..
I personally think that the most important thing we need is a flushing out of corruption. A culture that ‘it pays to be honest’ must be initiated. If people know that they would be jailed as they do in other ‘normal’ countries, then they won’t dare to touch public funds.
But the way it is going, I do think an uprising is near!
Democracy is our own option.
Our leaders in Abuja, think that what obtains in North Africa cannot happen here. They say it’s because we have democracy. But they forgot that those countries are also trying to expunge corruption and the disposal of the nations funds in the hands of a few.
They really need to wake up, because the masses are beginning to learn that ultimate power lies with them.
The average Nigerian is corrupt, so be rest assured that many will shout revolution, but when their palms are oiled, the tune changes!
The change we need in this country is that of values…words like character, integrity, loyalty etc are now alien. The only success we understand is wealth, it does not matter how it was achieved… If your uncle is a minister, you expect contracts and jobs, and when he doesnt perform, he is a bad person!
Point is, there has to be a shift in our individual mindsets, and only then will we be able to hold our leaders accountable.
No! No! No!
We can’t afford to destroy the little infrastructure we have ….. I agree that they are trying to make a change but if we do that we will never get out of the uprising successfully…. Yes, we do need change but am sure there are other routes possible…. I mean jobs will be lost, people will go hungrier *if there’s a word lyk that* and it won’t bring much of a positive because no one is going to really help us out of it considering how much imports and exports we do and how much it benefits the world… It can’t be compared to eygpt and the other countries…. People are only looking there because of thier investments and the losses…. No one will look at us and help us out of it….
All those advocating for ‘violent revolution’ do not live in Nigeria! Please democracy is our preferred option.
To borrow a well known quote “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”. I have read most of the comments on this topic and it’s clear to see why our corrupt leaders will continue to boldly exploit us. They believe that we lack the spine to stand up, and not only demand change and accountability, but lack the zeal to follow through. No one wants to rock the boat. We have become complacent with the status quo. So what do we get? Exactly what we deserve! I don’t recall in recent or ancient history any political change that occurred just simply because the citizens wished for it and only talked about it! These things do not happen without a struggle whether peaceful or violent (a la Ghandi or Egypt). Either we do something about it or simply shut up and put up with what we get. Changing faces has pointed out that corruption has eaten into our moral fabric. It has become us; therefore the change needs to begin with us. We are the change we desire. Whether we chose to do it peacefully or violently, bottom line is we need to do something because we cannot continue like this.
You speak the truth…
Sigh…
It is very unfortunate that i hear some people saying that we do not need violence. A deadly cleansing did it for ghana, tunisia, egypt and surely few days or months from now would be the fall of ghadafi. I want to remind everyone on this site that the former governor of plateau state just nine months into his office stole one hundred and twenty million euro. Governor Alamaisia was said to be worth about $300, 000, 000. It is also believed that atiku is presently worth about $1, biliion dollars.
Hosni mubarak of egypt is said to be worth 70 billion dollars and yet more than %70 of the entire population live bellow 1 dollar a day. We know that africa is the richest continent on planet earth, not even america or the entire europe is rich as africa. but look at where we are today. our leaders make mockery of us and yet we have refused to demand for justice and pay the price for our future. The yoruba’s and the niger delta refused to join the igbo man to define this country and today the niger delta does not have a future. Horror, death and poverty and fear has taken them captive.
We are cowards and our youths are cowards period…….haven’t we suffered enough……if you think that without peaceful demostrations or even violence that this country will be free i am sorry for you. Until there is judgment and death on our leaders…there can never be change. If some of you also think that there would be constant electricity in this country or the agboros on the streets would seize, again i am sorry for you. If you also think that goodluck jonathan would fight corruption and arrest those who have stolen money….once more i am sorry for you…..if you also think that the niger delta would one day be free….once more i am sorry for you. If you also think that our christian brothrer and sisters in the not would ever stop facing death…..i am sorry for you. As far as i am concern the greatest person taday who has ever lived in nigeria is mallam nuhu ribadu followed by gani fawemi and wole soyinka including odumewgu ojukwu.
Our religious leaders pray for the country everyday and yet…the have refused to honor malam nuhu ribadu, our civil servants are tired of living a meager life and yet they have refused to make a statue of one man who has fought for corruption like no other in the history of nigeria. Although many say that he was politically motivated, but still no person in nigeria has stood for corruption to the point of death like this man not even our pastors. Ibrahim badamosi babangida is still alive till today. A man that malam nuhu ribadu would have eventually placed judgment on…but our corupt leaders said no and yet our youths are folding there arms.
Cowards thats what we are…….Until we cry out, we can never breakthrough. Fear of death is the worst enemy of success. What is this life without prosperity. Even the united states achieved their freedom with violence.
If we fail to take the destiny of this nation this moment……………there can never be hope for nigeria anyway. thousands may die but we need this nation to be free. This country has suffered enough. Peaceful demostration has to be now that the eyes of the world is in africa. we must never allow this moment to pass us by.
Until our youths, workers cry out
What exactly is your point? That we should revolt with violence or peaceful revolution? Going through the process you just advocated would only bring us back to where we are right now…constructing the foundations of a democracy which we already have. Yes, the Niger-Delta is not reaping benefits from the oil on its land, but that’s because of corruption and that can be fixed by enforcing rule of law and reducing corruption which we are–ineffectively maybe–but the judiciary and EFCC are gaining more strength. Those people could get away with what they did because of the lack of our knowledge and as such public condemnation; let a James Ibori or Alameseigha show his face among his people and watch the chaos that’ll ensue. My point? We’re getting there; violence will not solve this…empowering the democratic institutions such as the media, judiciary and our people’s civic freedoms can get this job done. And the people in the Niger-Delta need to realize that revolting and burning pipelines only reduces the amount of money pouring into our coffers that can be used for development of that area.
When you say our religious leaders cry out and refuse to honor Ribadu and co…kini koko? It’s not a freaking nannny state; who cares if there’s a statue in his honor? That’s another problem with some Nigerians….one should do great things for their country’s growth…it’s our civic responsibilities. I’m pretty sure the man’s not waiting for a statue, he’s achieved enough praise in the international community. Of course IBB is alive, yes he did horrible things, but are you advocating that he be killed? Shouldn’t that be left to a higher power?
Look…radicalism is permissible, activism is great. But we can’t go around advocating extremist beliefs that are founded on nothing. Yes, our people are frustrated and I might be sheltered from much of that. But like I wrote earlier, we need better policies enacted and enforced, strengthening of our democratic institutions, visionary leaders who are checked by people who understand their civic obligations, and private sector growth.
Hi 5 for the points you raised! You practically reflected my feelings exactly…
Even though I am not one for violence – something definitely has to be done. I personally think it should start from the local govt and state levels. These are the first people to be held accountable and demonstrated against if things don’t move well…
About IBB being a free man… it’s such a painful joke that really shouldn’t be…
If only the people supporting a violent revolution would be the first ones on the line of fire.
We do not need a violent revolution, we need a change in values like some people stated previously. Keep in mind that all that has been going on in Egypt and Libya, is greatly influenced by outside factors who are selfishly interested in what they can gain from the aftermath of the chaos. If this happens in Nigeria do you know how many outsiders would be happy, because of what they might gain.
The government officials in Nigeria are not the only ones corrupt, they are a reflection of the mentality of the the people; keep in mind that the government were ordinary people like you and I. We have to start the cleansing from ourselves, our children, and our family. We need to instill in our youths things of value: love, faithfulness, honesty, patience, kindness, respect, etc…
Nigeria is bright, we have so much wonderful things in store for us. We just have to realize it.
Be the first to do what you want others to do, then others will follow.
Mmm Well Think of what you are going to do for Nigeria not only what Nigeria is going to do for u…..Exp The gutter in fron of your house how often do u clean it? The pure water u drink ,,where do u drop the sachet? how often do u tell your friends , business partner and family the truth? If u found a lost cash will you return it?. Do u always pay your taxes? Do u ever refuse to give bribe to get what wanted very fast? Do u ever refuse to que up in the Bank cus u know someone at the counter? ..All these things are not Govt Prob but ours. If we can keep positive of all these stuff …. I don’t like corrupt Govt but lets start from ourselves.
Well said. The change starts from us. We must not wait for somebody else to do it. Let’s follow what Nehemiah did in the bible.
Our leaders love us docile the way we are. But the day we decide to change, the country will change, we’ll have electricity. Not before.
Can we get a new weekly poll please? And the polls archive doesn’t exist. Thank you
There is need for change….policy….this that…..stay there and be waiting for change for the rest of your life.
Be dreaming of electricity……….that would never happen in the next 100yrs……..shame on our youths who refuse to fight……..
I am convinced that the leaders in abuja would keep mocking this nation……..
I still don’t know what you mean. I keep responding ’cause this topic is very important to me. Let’s assume we do what you say….we fight. We get all of them out of power, kill IBB, build a statue in Ribadu’s likeness…then what? What happens next? Do you have a plan after that? Do we just make Ribadu president? We’d have to vote, right? What if the majority don’t choose him? Or what if the state crumbles, and in the ensuing chaos (which is a more likely occurrence), the military takes over. Aren’t we back to where we started? Who’s to say we’ll ever regain democracy? Doesn’t that mean all these goals for electricity get delayed and then you can’t even express your anger freely, because this is the military in power afterall.
You fail to realize that in less populated states up North, power is constant for them, roads are much better, etc. We don’t have adequate electricity in Lagos, Ogun, etc because population growth surpassed existing power capabilities fast, and instead of tackling that problem, our leaders were spending money on other capital-intensive goods like oil. We’ve abandoned agriculture which used to bring in money…the koko of this long story is that if there was lesser corruption, and funds were allocated efficiently to priority departments, we’d be in a better position.
There’s more to this than fighting in the streets; I don’t know what you’re doing with your time, but I’m not “staying” and “waiting” for change. I and many others are in school or working for that change already…we’re learning what my people did wrong economically and politically, we’re learning what others have done right, we’re learning about our strengths and weaknesses, we’re learning the role of the international community and financial institutions in our current situation. And we hope to be part of that change that is occurring in the country as we speak.
It might take a while, but we’ll do it. And we’ll do it with the least risk to the lives of our people.
I completely agree with Ola, there is no comparison between the level of development in North African countries with Nigeria or any other West African country. Regardless of how far they have come in-terms of development the people still feel there is room for improvement and decided to take control of their fate by purging the system. In my opinion this is a perfect timing for us to raise our voice as a nation while the world is watching the transformations going on in Africa. @ Ready while u make a strong point about we as a nation educating ourselves on our rights, changing our attitudes and empowering institutions like the Media, you need to take a look at the countries flourishing around us they fought hard to get to that point, some laid their lives in the process. Nothing good ever comes easy, whether through violence or peaceful demonstration we all need to take action. We can decide to sit down, fold our arms out of fear like spineless cowards and then grumble about the situation but the best time for us to raise our voice is NOW. Like they say “strike the iron while it is hot”.
I get your point…but I still disagree that the trigger for Tunisia’s demonstrations was economic. Yes, Mohammed Abdoulaziz set himself on fire when told he couldn’t keep trading his goods, but that action and the resulting violence was due to frustration with repression.
Some people speak as though Nigerians haven’t died for us to have what we’ve got now…think of all the brutal killings during Abacha’s regime and those who had to flee home. People died for what we have now; we just tend to forget because they weren’t our relatives or people we knew personally. They died for something bigger than electricity and more jobs; I wouldn’t take the risk of throwing all that away and encouraging even more capital flight, dire straits for poor people, and political uncertainty when these issues can be solved without bloodshed.
hmmm…as tubaba sang “Nobody wan die but we wan go heaven”.
Nigerians never cease to amaze me with their level of hypocrisy. I keep seeing and hearing all these talks of revolution, on blogs like these, in papers, on the streets, but the million-dollar question is “who’s gonna get it started?” With all the passion and venom some people cook up to type out their feelings on this site, it’s surprising that we’ve not yet seen in the papers that anyone has set themselves on fire in the streets to protest the state of the nation. I’m not trying to be judgemental, but let’s face it, people, we are too comfortable with the state of things to carry out any action of the sort. We also need to face another sorry but truthful fact: all of us, have at one point in time or the other, benefitted from the rot in Nigeria’s system. You know what I mean, the job or contract you got when there were more eligible competitors because your uncle’s father’s brother was in charge, the queues you jumped with no thought for those that had been standing for hours just because you knew the person in front, your “cuts” from kickbacks at the office or wherever (notice: I didn’t say you took the bribe, but you sha enjoyed from it). Corruption in Nigeria is deeply rooted, and it will take more than some revolts, or rounding up a few people out of the corrupt lot to kill them just because they had led us at one point in time. Besides, I can bet my last two kobo that even if a group of Nigerians decide to mobilize and revolt against the government, it’ll probably be for some selfish reasons – maybe some of them wanted contracts and didn’t get. #end of rant.