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Nigeria on the Precipice of Implosion Print E-mail
Written by J. Patrick Flomo   
Sunday, 28 February 2010
yaraduaNigeria is in the news once again.  This time, the country’s political train seems to be speeding out of control, and it is likely to run of the cliff into a social and political abyss if Nigerian political intellectuals fail to act collectively in the national interest.
The shroud of secrecy that has enveloped the ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua for the past few months seems to have created fire and brimstone within the political establishment.   Umaru Yar’Adua went to Saudi Arabia in December 2009 for medical treatment for heart illness.  He left in secrecy without a constitutional transfer of power, thus causing a political power vacuum and struggle among power hungry cabinet ministers. The absence of the president and the lack of public information about his condition have made many Nigerians very anxious about the future of the country.  Yar’Adua returned home on February 24 in the dark of night, almost like a thief.  The secrecy of his return and the lack of public information about his condition have escalated speculation about his fitness to rule. This type of information control in a democracy has a tendency to become radioactive, especially in a country like Nigeria that is prone to military takeover.  

The Nigerian political crisis perplexes me for several reasons.  First and foremost, Nigeria, the most populous state in Africa, by all accounts is the intellectual powerhouse on the continent.  It is surprising that a country with such intellectual capacity has failed to exercise the principles of democracy and to govern itself democratically. A few years ago, Nigeria was being heralded as the model of democracy that other African countries might want to emulate.  With the current political debacle, I think no country would attempt to do so now.  The current political episode clearly demonstrates that the exercise of Western democracy in Nigeria and, for that matter, in black Africa is laden with complex cultural ethos and tribal customs.  

The Nigerian political question has raised a larger question, in my opinion, for us black Africans on the continent and in the diaspora – a question that is toxic and considered taboo. It concerns the capacity of black Africans to govern their individual countries according to Western style democracy.  In 1957, the year Ghana became independent, Kwame Nkrumah set the stage for colonial Africa’s struggle for independence.  By the late 1970s, the political map of Africa had changed radically from white rule to black rule.  The shackles of colonialism have disappeared from the continent, but the evil of colonialism still is evident throughout.
  
During the decades of the 60s and 70s, Asia, Latin America, and Africa were fraught with similar political and social problems – colonialism, the struggle for independence, military coups, and social unrest.  Today, Asia is the center of consumer electronic production and Latin America is fast becoming an economic powerhouse, with Brazil a member of the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), the twenty-first century economic centers of power.  Africa, on the other hand, still suffers abject poverty, disease, and systemic corruption.  Moreover, most ordinary Africans cannot get their agricultural crops to the market due to lack of road infrastructure. 
Black Africa’s endemic problems are numerous.  But, there are two systemic problems: tribalism (rather than nationalism) and corruption.  Until black Africa accepts the fact that tribalism and corruption are the worst enemies and works assiduously for its remedy, the abject conditions (inept political institutions, poverty, and disease) will not change.   Of the two systemic problems, corruption in government bewilders me profoundly when I take into account that the people in government with strategic responsibility were educated in the West.  Most have worked in the West as administrators and businessmen, and saw how corruption is controlled.  Yet, back in their respective countries, they are far more corrupt than the people who had not studied or worked in the West.  I wonder why this is so?  





Comments (20)
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1. 28-02-2010 14:12
 
Legacy
Good article but your title is wrong.Nigeria will not implode that country has gone through worse and Nigerians are tough people. Also try and remember we are suffering from the legacy left by colonialism. When the Brits left Nigeria they left power with the Muslim Northerners who have perpertuated years of bad leadership. 
 
The situation is the same in Liberia. Liberia experienced "BACKDOOR" colonialism by way of the mullato blacks they sent to Liberia to do their dirty job for. 
 
The whole of Black Africa is in a mess. The case is the same for all black run countries around the world. Legacy of foreign interference has to be broken. 
 
And why is it that we only condemn ourself when foreigner say we are bad then praise ourself when foreigners praise us. This is internal racism and inferiority complex.
 
Felix K
2. 01-03-2010 01:59
 
Black man and political power.
For the LOVE of his people, and the nation of Nigeria, their alling president Umaru Yar’Adua should now see the need to resign. To save his nation and people political future. 
 
So that he can fully concentrate on his health. When it's comes to Black man and political power, there is no consideration for their country or the people, that is sad. Their personal interest is always frist. At the end so many people will die, and millions of dollars in property damage.
 
Thomas Doe
3. 01-03-2010 10:12
 
Black man and political power.
Look who is talking why did your M/sgt. Doe refused to do so? Now you agree with me what I've said in my past posts that M/sgt Doe should have done to save our nation. :grin :grin
 
Gargar
4. 01-03-2010 14:32
 
Black man and political power.
Nigeria is like "Guinea and Mali" combine as one country, before their independent the British told them that the Muslim folks have different culture from you guys but the Ebo rejected to it saying we're brothers but sooner the Ebo detected they were wrong things got ugly many Ebo were killed by the Hausa/fula because they decided to break away. 
 
Ken-sa-wa-re-wa was also killed by these folks... Nigeria oil is from the Southerns(bantus)groups the present acting president is also from the south.
 
The drama Continue
5. 01-03-2010 20:23
 
Not the same situation.
No Gargar, in the case of President Doe, he was not sick, your congo people were forcing him out OF office. 
 
Because he was the head of a group (PRC) THAT HAD FEW CONGO PEOPLE KILLED ON THE BEACH. 
 
The Nigerian leader in question is sick, and not able to perform his duty. 
 
The situation is not the same...
 
Thomas Doe
6. 01-03-2010 20:46
 
Not the same situation.
So Thomas you decide what is safe isn't it? if it is in your interest? so the next guy think also.
 
Gargar
7. 01-03-2010 21:08
 
Not the same situation.
plus, Thomas Doe there have not been any CONGO Liberians who was president of Liberia you don't know your history? it was the Americo-Liberians who became the founders and president.
 
Gargar
8. 02-03-2010 13:50
 
Americo-Liberians Mr. Gargar?
it's funny how some liberians still think of themselves as americo-liberians even though the american government supported to Doe to kill his own black people. White people are very good at that...they rather have black people go after each other than help better their lives. please my so-called americo-liberians,the american government does not know any of guys and stop deluding yourselves.stop living those make believe life and learn how speak our languges.
 
Friday
9. 02-03-2010 20:13
 
Americo-Liberians Mr. Gargar?
Friday, no matter what it is written in history that Africans were enslaved to the America and some of their offspring return to Africa mostly West Africa and help liberate black Africa direct and indirectly, you cannot denial this fact. 
 
Mr. Friday I thought you were interesting in knowing the horror of Nigeria by the Hausa/Fula who turn to coup as business to enriched themselves, since they were the majority in the arm forces of Nigeria because they have no interest in educating themselves.
 
Gargar
10. 03-03-2010 03:12
 
Americo-Liberians
Gargar, you're probably confused. All I'm saying is that, the Nigerian leader HAS GOT SOME HEALTH ISSUES. 
 
Compared to DOE, where he was been forced out of office by Ellen Johnson and others. 
 
In that case, Doe had to do what he had to do, to protect himself, I wouldn't blamed the man. 
 
Friday is right, the few native boys that were house slaves for these so-called American slaves, in returned for education. They preten so much to be congo people. 
 
They'll killed their own native people, to keep the congo man in power, that is sad. At the level of poverty, and suffering that our native masses have to live with in Liberia, especially rural in Liberia. 
 
There are SOME so-called native-congo boys still supporting the Ellen Johnson Corruption club in Monrovia. 
 
During the Tubman era, where only slaves master's names were the only exceptable names in Liberia at the time. 
 
Many natives had to take on a slave master's name in order to be exceptable for employement or national opportunaties. 
 
That was the foundation of the division amoung the Liberian people which is braking us apart today, as people of one nation. 
 
There are some Liberians living under the impression that they're more Liberians, 
then the native Liberians. 
 
The sad part is that, those who proudly like to be called a slave master's names and considered themself to be more Liberians, shows no interest and love for the country. 
 
Every dollar they make or STEAL from Liberia, they'll take it out of Liberia, and invest in other countries. 
 
After 160yrs, the only thing left in Liberia is the name Liberia. The Natives continues to live in poverty,and suffering to support their families from time to time. 
 
Here is my personal advise to your, the suffering masses; 
 
BEFORE YOU RE-ELECT YOUR WARLORD PRESIDENT, THINK ABOUT YOUR POVERTY,SUFFERING 
AND THE FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN.. 
 
DA ME SAY SO!!
 
Thomas Doe
11. 03-03-2010 09:49
 
Americo-Liberians
Thomas Doe I am tired of educating you...Congo-Liberians are those enslaved Africans that was on route to the Americas... their ship was intersected by the U.S and was return to Monrovia. 
 
NOW..what you're referring to is the name Mabin Bassa people called the Americo-Liberians which is "Kongau" meaning selfish. Kongau is different from Congo but it is mix up. Thomas I know you very well you never listen when people are trying to educate you, sometimes street info can be wrong. 
 
Talking about M/sgt.Doe he know very well that the job was too a heavy load for him but refuse to step down the same is Nigeria president but refuse to step down also, they both have some selfish reasons for their decision...Thomas where is your reasoning? 
 
Talking about corruption do you honestly think Liberia was better off during your Khran rule? think again brother, do you have a good road leading to Grand Gedeh county? if not why. West point is still around bushrod Island is still the same I remember days back when HB.Fahbular used to say any government which fail to address west point is a failure. 
 
Thomas Doe how old are you? because you sound like you have never seen things in our country or you were not around in Monrovia...I have heard all of these nonsense spoken by these folks in the past most likely on University of Liberia campus in the late 70's look my friend I am presently 52years of age I know Liberia very well and I've travel across Liberia by the age of eighteen except Maryland county, I love Grand Gedeh county capital she is flat land and beautiful I wonder what kind of development went on there during M/sgt.Doe err? the only thing I did not like about Grand Gedeh county capital was the mountain right in the city for some reason it frighten me, I felt some kind of evil in that mountain. 
 
Thomas Doe you don't see to understand not everyone share your view those who disagree with you don't try to degrade them as you always carry on about other natives as boy for Americo-Liberians it remind me that we are seeing Liberia with different eyes.
 
Gargar
12. 03-03-2010 09:55
 
Mr. Gargar
first of all, i'm not interested knowing about nigeria problem. we have problem of our own in liberia.second of all, i'm not in denial of my history; I know part of our ancestors came from america and settled in the small town which is today liberia. what i'm saying is that, they need to stoping calling themselves americo-liberians and stop living like strangers in their own country.Besides nigeria is far better off than liberia. there are educated nigerians who are doing more for their country than your educated liberians.
 
Friday
13. 03-03-2010 10:18
 
Mr. Gargar
Thomas Doe quote.."There are some Liberians living under the impression that they're more Liberians,  
then the native Liberians". 
 
Ans..Thomas Doe it is in the past we have on every side elites now. 
 
Thomas Doe quote.."After 160yrs, the only thing left in Liberia is the name Liberia. The Natives continues to live in poverty,and suffering to support their families from time to time". 
 
Ans... 
GENERAL SAMUEL DOE 
President of Liberia 
Samuel Doe came to power in a bloody 1980 coup, a Master Sergeant in military gear. Today, he is a self-made General in a suit, living on US aid and corporate kickbacks. But while Doe and his cronies live in luxury, the rest of Liberia dwells in squalor. Under his regime, the gross domestic product has decreased by 13%, the country's health statistics are among the world's worst, 80% of the population is illiterate, all opposition parties but one were forbidden to participate in the 1985 national elections, and those who protest these inequities are jailed or killed. Doe, a pro-American anti-communist, received $500 million in U.S. aid between 1980 and 1985. When Congress threatened to cut off funds because of Liberia's human rights abuses, Doe requested "American financial advice" as a show of good will. The U.S. sent 17 accountants, bank examiners, and economists to help Doe balance his budget, but they realized a difficult task lay ahead when they learned that Doe had purchased over sixty $60,000 Mercedes Benz cars for his government ministers and had given the Liberian soccer team $1 million for winning a match against rival Ghana. Ultimately Doe refused to allow access to records concerning 40% of Liberia's funds, for this "second budget", revenues from gasoline and lodging taxes, goes directly into the President's bank account. The American advisors returned home in 1989, mission not accomplished, and Samuel Doe remains in office, despite early 1990 rumblings of rebel plots against him. 
 
Thomas Doe quote.." 
The sad part is that, those who proudly like to be called a slave master's names and considered themself to be more Liberians, shows no interest and love for the country" 
 
ANS..even the so called slave masters have Jewish names also..common on, why do you called yourself Thomas? plus, there are other Europeans who have names different from their home country, many Africans have English, French and Portuguese/Spanish names. 
 
Thomas Doe quote.." 
There are SOME so-called native-congo boys still supporting the Ellen Johnson Corruption club in Monrovia" 
 
Ans...This is the beauty of democracy the power of choice is in your hand. if you want them to vote for you why not go on board. 
 
 
Thomas Doe quote.." 
They'll killed their own native people, to keep the congo man in power, that is sad. At the level of poverty, and suffering that our native masses have to live with in Liberia, especially rural in Liberia". 
 
Ans...M/sgt. Doe killed more natives in short time than any president in our history he destroy a whole village including chickens, dog, goats. etc-etc. 
 
Thomas Doe quote"Every dollar they make or STEAL from Liberia, they'll take it out of Liberia, and invest in other countries" 
 
Ans..This is humanbeings not only Liberians...if I can recalled I spoke with a Libyan he was so angry with is leader spending their moneys in many countries. 
 
Thomas Doe quote.."  
Gargar, you're probably confused. All I'm saying is that, the Nigerian leader HAS GOT SOME HEALTH ISSUES. 
 
Ans...Thomas Nigeria president problem is his health...M/sgt.Doe problem was he is not qualify to lead Liberia but refuse to step down.
 
Gargar
14. 03-03-2010 10:21
 
americo-liberian
americo-liberians are bunch of lazy people who sit and wait in the corner for the next person to become president so that they will surround him or her like HIV virus and destroy the person leadership ability. some of them hold PhD in business but have no clue how to start business. Why? because their parents did not teach them about creativities. they claim to be americans; yet, their loyalties are not with america. they claim to be liberians; yet their loyalties are not with liberia. who are they? they are lost sheeps with identity problems.
 
friday
15. 03-03-2010 20:43
 
You make me laughed
Usually what is troubling us Africans is that the moment we come from abroad with MBA or Ph.D. and even worked for the IMF or United Nations we MUST get a job with the Government. 
 
Do you see the sad aspect of us Africans? The moment we leave public sector and think about the private sector Africa will change in less than 20 years.  
 
I am not shifting blame, but we Africans must start to  
think private and let`s see what will come out of there.
 
P.Fahn
16. 04-03-2010 05:23
 
Americo-Liberians
Gargar, at 52, I'll think that you'll displayed some understanding of the Liberian situation leading to the civil war. 
 
You believed that the 1980 coup was planed and implimented by Doe? or the PRC as they were called? 
 
The coup was designed to free Liberia from one party dictatorship, into democracy. Today, you know the beauty of democracy? 
 
You believed that Taylor broke Boston jail, and surface at the Liberian border with war Mechincs to destroyed Liberia? You believe that Taylor was qulify to lead Lieria? 
 
The senator from Lofa county just stated that the country is under time bomb. Direct result of Incompentent leadership by the most greedy and corrupt educated pretenting Americo-American. 
 
BEFORE YOU RE-ELECT YOUR WARLORD PRESIDENT, CONSIDER YOUR LIVING CONDITIONS..AND THE FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN. 
 
DA ME SAY SO!!
 
Thomas Doe
17. 04-03-2010 08:10
 
Americo-Liberians
Thomas Doe don't try to out smart me I have been educating this forum on all of the above therefore don't try to repeat me.
 
Gargar
18. 04-03-2010 08:25
 
re:post:13
Mr. P.Fahn, you're damn right sir by the way America should try to up grade their education system because they are given us garbage educators. 
 
our brothers and sisters are not creative when there is no government life is over, I for one never want to work for government if I can't make a change in the lives of my people.  
There are many black dutch guys who are willing to go Africa and invest big time but no body to show them the road.
 
Gargar
19. 04-03-2010 16:16
 
Da you say so, Thomas?
Thomas Doe, 
I have a sense that you're abandoning your proposal to run for president in 2011! I am getting disappointed in you. Guess what? I will continue to hang in there. I will not be totally disappointed in you because you need to be encouraged. Thomas, believe it or not, you have potential. Wake up, Thomas! Don't sit on your turso and complain. Don't give up. But guess again, Thomas. I don't think I will vote for you. My endorsement of you can only go a quarter of a mile, and you should be overjoyed by this.  
 
Thomas, the presidential list is growing at an alarming rate. The Nimba strongman, senator Prince Johnson intends to run. Where are you, Thomas? If EJS had not declared her candidacy, I'd prod Gargar Brown to throw in his tower. But, Gargar is an Ellenite! He eats crabs, but not when the crabs are fried. Best of all, my man does not eat his "deepper" or fufu with "monkey meat" like someone I know.  
 
Thomas, how would you improve the living condition of the Liberian people if you were our elected president? Get on with it, Thomas. Your precious time is being wasted. If you do not run in 2011, there's no one to be blamed, but you.
 
F. S. Hney
20. 05-03-2010 12:11
 
post15
you right Mr.Fahn, we should go private. However, we africans lack confidence and trustworthyness. we excel so well in the class but panic when we face the real world.
 
Friday

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