'SOILED HANDS' & STRATEGY: WHAT NIGERIA SAYS ABOUT DEMOCRACY

Did anyone else notice that despite the criticism received by Nigeria for 'flawed' elections, Yar'Adua's inauguration was attended by many dignitaries from all over the world? It seems to me that democratic values are secondary to economic and political interests.


Yardy's inauguration was attended by South African President Mbeki, President Kufuor of Ghana, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and an entire American delegation. China also sent a special envoy to attend the ceremony. In fact, he didn't even have to become President before he was 'welcomed into the fold' by many foreign leaders. While Presidential-elect, Yardy went on a seven nation tour to Benin, Senegal, South Africa, Libya, Togo and Egypt. He also later took some time to visit Cameroon where he discussed trade with the Cameroonian President Paul Biya.

Despite this, I was surprised at how quickly many countries were and are willing to accept Yar'Adua irregardless of the legitimacy issues he faces. Yes, of course, foreign leaders commented on the elections, but it is clear that the new administration has little to worry about in terms of opposition from foreign governments, leaders or institutions.

'SOILED HANDS'
It seems that there were very few in the international community of adequate moral standing whose criticism would have force and impact. Of the African leaders, Mbeki could say very little as there is speculation regarding a purported attempt to serve a third term despite the South African constitutional limit of 2 presidential terms. (Sound familiar)? Mbeki's reputation and influence has also been jeopardized by his apparent inability to concretely and positively impact the situation in Zimbabwe.

It would have been comedic if the Bush administration had tried to force the election issue considering how President Bush came into office in 2000. It took a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Bush v. Gore) to declare him President and legitimacy questions followed him throughout his first term. I must note though that Bush was criticized for sending a U.S. delegation to Yardy's inauguration. U.S. Senator Feingold argued that sending the delegation was a double standard since Bush has "maintained that the defense of democracy and promotion of good governance are central tenets of [his] U.S. foreign policy."

Even the NEPAD documents and particularly the African Peer Review Mechanism have had little impact, post elections. There have been few calls by participating members for review of the electoral process. Member countries have simply expressed 'concern' and encouraged all to support the new administration despite the 'flawed' election results.

The most one can speak of is the upcoming hearings to be held by the U.S. House of Representatives on the elections in Washington, D.C. But, that will likely lead to very little as there are fears that any alienation of Yardy's government will give room to China to become more influential in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. (Nigerian Guardian Newspaper).

STRATEGY: POLITICAL & ECONOMIC CONCERNS
The quickness with which Yardy was accepted by many world leaders and particularly African leaders is also a reflection of Nigeria's importance to Africa and the world. We all know that Nigeria supplies much of the world's sweet crude and that it acts as a regional leader in many positive ways. Despite the problems faced by the Republic, most countries have purely strategic reasons for aligning themselves with the Nigerian government i.e. Nigeria's ample resources.

The U.S. for instance has concrete reasons to maintain good relations with Nigeria, the most important of which is oil. In actuality, the entire world depends on Nigeria's sweet crude. Nigeria is also recognized as a main provider of minerals, gemstones and other resources. Additionally, the sheer number of Nigerian citizens makes Nigeria a potential market for goods from America and a whole host of other countries. We are a regional leader and have great influence over other African countries and our allies can often rely on our use of such influence. These are just a few economic and political reasons why most countries would think twice before placing too much emphasis on the problematic elections. To do so would potentially affect their standing with an powerful country. In fact, the Bush administration is now being advised that any alienation of Yardy's government will allow China more access and influence. That is a situation America, and many other countries, is not willing to risk.

The 'soiled hands' equation and the strategic reality have simply reconfirmed for me that democracy, though important, will sometimes play a back seat to other concerns. It is a shame, however, because democracy can and does foster economic growth and partnership in a way that would be beneficial to a country's citizenry and it's allies.

Nevertheless, it is more important for Nigerians to rely on ourselves to get the changes we want and to ensure that the future of our nation's democracy is bright. My comments about foreign reaction are simply an observation. My pride requires a preference for homegrown solutions and not international 'meddling' even though I accept that such intervention can have benefits. I can only wait and see what time brings and work in my own small way to encourage and defend democracy in my dear country. I encourage you to do the same.

Further Reading:
- Nigeria, Mugabe & The ICC
- 'Soiled Hands' & Strategy":What Nigeria Says About Democracy
- Yar'Adua, Mugabe & The "Rule of Law"
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Health Issue

- The Consequences of Ya'Adua's Mysterious Health
- Talking Through Both Sides Of His Mouth