Presidential Handover

On 29th May 2007 Nigeria witnessed the official end of Olusegum Obasanjo’s eight-year presidency and the inauguration of Alhaji U M Yar’Adua as its new leader, with Deltan Goodluck Jonathan as his Vice. This was watched with doubtful eyes by international community observers and journalists who had declared the recent democratic electoral process a farce. Nevertheless the occasion was marked with a two hour ceremony full of pomp in Abuja’s Eagle Square, attended by a large crowd of PDP party supporters, several African leaders and foreign dignitaries who enjoyed colourful marches and synchronized dances in between the swearing-in of the new leaders.























“I offer myself as a servant leader. I will be a listener and doer, and serve with humility”
Yar’Adua’s speech went on to list the seven point agenda from his election campaign: rebuilding physical infrastructure and human capital, accelerating economic reforms, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies and especially police, reducing inflation, maintaining a stable exchange rate, rebuilding basic infrastructure, overcoming the energy challenge. He also pledged that his administration would give urgent attention to the crisis in the Niger
Delta.
Although Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa, a major oil producer and rich in resources, its mismanagement, the succession of wars and leaders, inter-ethnic conflict, the corruption and greed of its governors have slowed down the process of development.
The new President is facing a huge challenge. Few steps have been taken toward establishing systems of healthcare and education, developing energy distribution, telecommunications, roads and basic infrastructure, or tackling poverty and unemployment.
Once again the Niger Delta, the sensitive region that produces 80% of the Nigeria’s revenue, is the nation’s Achille’s Heel. If the situation with militias and rebels worsens, the nation will be brought to its knees. And this against a backdrop where the majority of the people are already struggling to survive.