BROUHAHA OVER CLINTON’S COMMENTS ON      NIGERIA

       The outrage against the comments made about democracy and corruption in Nigeria by the United States(US)Secretary of State,Mrs Hillary Clinton when she held a Town Hall Meeting with a cross section of Nigerians during her seven-nation tour of Africa was unfair.Instead of applauding the thought provoking comments she made about Nigeria,criticism was directed to her  and this has also caused a row between the US and the Nigerian government.It was adjudged in government quarters as an attempt to dictate to Nigeria.Or unnecessary intervention in Nigeria political cum electoral process.

      The aftermath effects of the Clinton’s comments on Nigeria is  an evidence of insensitivity of our leaders.It is unfortunate that the visit which supposed to further cement the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States eventually end up staining and straying the relationship.Those that considered the Clinton’s comments as ridiculous are the beneficiaries of the Nigeria sickly democracy and those that believe in sustainability of lopsidedness of  the Nigeria federal structure.

         The insinuations in the government circles that Mrs Clinton seems to have taken her briefs from individuals or groups and other failed politicians who have an axe to grind with the government is opposed to reality;therefore,it is condemnable.Even if the Clinton’s is viewed as an intervention,it does not in any way undermine the nation’s sovereignty.It only points to issues of national development,try to identify causes of Nigeria under-development and focuses the crisis of Nigerian leadership.

            The intervention however could not have at a better time than now that there is  a popular clamour for electoral reform.Evidently,the government is  in a state of dilemma as regards the implementation of the report and the recommendations of Muhammed Uwaiz led political reform Committee.Their fear is partially the possible consequential political development  that the reform may generate;hence,the desperate desire to doctor the report.

       With the uproar that greeted the comments,impression is being created that Nigeria is a nation of pretenders.I agree entirely with Mrs Clinton that “the most immediate source of disconnect between Nigeria’s wealth and its poverty is a failure of governance at the federal,state and local levels…’’.Besides,lack of transparency and accountability were similar factors she identified to be eroding the legitimacy of the government and contributing to the rise or groups that embrace violence and reject the authority of the state.

           Whoever listens to the top diplomat while addressing the audience during the visit would share her concern for Nigeria and Nigerians.It is Needless to re-emphasize therefore that culture of violence,as become a political norm in Nigeria  due to leadership failure.   

             Surprisingly,the Nigeria Senate President,Senator David Mark could not hold his discontent and anger when he heard the comments,he grudgingly toed the line of his party,peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in condemning Mrs Clinton,the most senior official of Obama’s administration.Mark seems to be too personal and emotional in his reaction.His claim that the Nigeria electoral system does not fall short of global standards is a ruse.There is nothing said by Clinton which amounted to misinforming Nigerians on the government efforts to correct the democratic abnormalities as alleged by the Senate President.

         It is also imperative to respond to the pertinent question asked by Mark that what is the problem with the electoral system?Obviously,there are several blemishes in the electoral system.The electoral system as currently being operated has been admitted severally too by President Yar’Adua  to be full of flaws.

          It follows therefore that the contents of the electoral Act without effective political Institutions cannot guarantee a good governance.Also,ability to conduct successful election has not made election to be credible.Simply,democracy is not just about election but it includes popular participation in the process of governance, leadership accountability,free,fair and peaceful electoral process.For a political system to satisfy the international democratic standard,it should be such that is capable of helping the nation fix the country for the betterment of the majority.

            The argument raised by Mark that nothing in the electoral Act allows a person to snatch the ballot boxes  and run away with it during the electoral process sounds logical;yet,the electoral provisions have not truly served as panacea to nation’s electoral problems.The mere fact that Mark had benefited from the weaknesses in the nation’s political and electoral systems is not a good basis for making a shameful denial of urgent need for a genuine electoral reform.This is the point Clinton was trying to re-echo. Indeed,the challenges of the Nigeria political life,however,is beyond the provisions of the electoral Act.It is about the attitude of the political elite and their desperation for power.Essentially,desperation for power is an offshoot of monetized political system,this determines the colouration of the nation’s electoral process and the character of the Nigerian politicians.

         Candidly,Mark’s reaction portrays him as a leader with parochial political culture.I strongly suspect that he is being entangled in a desperate power game which is the hallmark of the Nigeria political life.

           In venting his anger over well considered opinion expressed by Clinton about crisis of leadership in Nigeria,Mark presents a narrow view on sovereignty.Of course,being a sovereign  Country does not prohibit the externals from  making fair comments about Nigeria.Is David Mark trying to argue against the need for genuine reform of Nigeria political system?It seems the Senate President is happy as the nation is drifting towards one party system following the domineering influences of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

          Perhaps,he expects the explosive cross-carpeting to the  ruling party,PDP, to be perpetual.This is where Senator Mark  missed the point.

           Again,the fallen off observed by  Clinton while evaluating  the activities and the performances of the EFCC  during the interactive session  is sacrosanct.This  further raises  the question of transparency and accountability in governance.For the nation to move forward,Nigerian leaders must learn to embrace criticism,tolerate opposition and project  a better image of  a nation striving to achieve economic  and political development.This task must be accomplished for Nigeria to be prosperous.

          In the final analysis,the comments were instructive and worthy of further rumination rather than condemnation.Her offer of support on behalf of the US government in fighting corruption was necessary for the creation of the kind of business environment needed for the growth and development of the nation.

                                  BY

      ONIKE  RAHAMAN

CELE AREA,ISHOKUN TITUN,OYO,OYO STATE.

He is a Public Affairs Analyst