CNN International: Interview with Nigeria's Obasanjo and USAfricaonline.com Publisher Chido Nwangwu on Democracy and Security Issues

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USAfrica INSIGHT
Nigeria and burden of the fraudulent 2007 elections
By Dr. CHIDI AMUTA 
http://www.usafricaonline.com/chidiamuta.ngrelecfraud.html

Special to USAfricaonline.com, CLASS magazine, USAfrica The Newspaper, Houston and The Black Business Journal

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The convenient argument is that once that process is flawed, those whom it produces cannot command legitimacy. A nation that selects its leaders through a fraudulent electoral process undermines the sanctity of pubic office and compromises the integrity of those who exercise sovereignty on behalf of the people. In the end, the moral credential of the leadership is called to question and the effectiveness of such a government as an instrument for the pursuit of the common good through a rigorous distinction between right and wrong is lost.  The executive becomes a gathering of usurping bandits. The legislative arm has no moral anchor from which to make laws except laws fit for pirates while the judiciary is called upon to salvage its reputation only in civil matters of a private nature, for disputes between organs of the state become disputes among illegitimates. In the worst of cases, every arm of the state is too steeped in muck to even touch the constitution let alone govern by it. 

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May 24, 2007, Lagos: In the unsettling aftermath of the 2007 general elections, we come face to face with a rather uncanny choice: to accept the outcome of an electoral fraud or allow the nation to degenerate into anarchy. Quite understandably, the thrust of domestic political opinion is today is ranged on both sides of this unwholesome divide. Similarly, international impressions about Nigeria are likely to be coloured by the shadow of those bad elections. 

For the triumphant ruling party (PDP), all is fair in politics as in war. What happened was not rigging. It was superior politics and creative electioneering. The better party won. Political hard work has been rewarded. Losers should concede, dry their tears and go home to their disappointed wives and devastated kinsmen. Acceptance of that outcome, questionable as it may seem, constitutes, in the view of the chivalrous PDP  , the basis for continuing national stability. Those who question the moral basis of their victory are 'enemies of democracy.' 

On their part, the incoherent opposition have continued to cry foul. What happened was not an election. It was a massive fraud. Their answer to this fraud is to threaten to contest the legitimacy of the imminent PDP governments if possible on the streets through 'mass action', an open invitation to the kind of anarchy that breeds civil strife. To them, the electoral fraud perpetuated by their triumphant opponents is the real obstacle to democracy and the PDP the greatest 'enemy of democracy.' To go to the election tribunals would amount to dignifying an outrage and mistaking a fraud for an election. 

So far the response of the ordinary Nigerian has been a mixture of helpless acceptance and unspoken revulsion. People have not heeded the call of the opposition for civil unrest not because it lacks merit but because the opposition itself lacks both the credibility and coherence to be taken seriously.  

The PDP stance is an uncanny political one while the opposition's position is mostly ultimately moralistic. Unfortunately, politics and morality do not sleep comfortably in the same room. Elections are about political outcomes. They are not necessarily moral contests. Even in the best of democracies, while a morally correct position can be a political asset, it does not always guarantee electoral victory. Politicians win elections first and preach morality later. 

Interestingly, it would appear that the gradual coming of age of Nigeria's civil society accounts for the relative popular indifference to the conflicting interpretations of the opposing political camps. Quite uncharacteristically and very happily indeed, while both sides can lay claim to some followership, there is, in my view, no perceivable threat to the peace and stability of the nation as a result of this political divide. I cannot see too many Nigerians who want to troop out to die for either the PDP or the so-called opposition.
Most reasonable people, concede that the PDP victory, while understandable, is in many places mathematically nonsensical. Similarly, there are people, even in Mr. Yar'dua's PDP or the larger geographical North, who insist that the opposition as a whole probably stood a chance of getting a few more votes if its rigging machinery was nearly as sophisticated as that of the ruling party. I have not yet come across too many people who are prepared to bet that the absence of creative vote counting by the ruling party would have returned any of the opposition candidates as president.  

No doubt, the subdued partisan grand standing is likely to go on for some time after the inauguration of Umar Yar'dua on 29th May. That is quite understandable. People have lost money, have had their hopes for high political office dashed (some for life). Others have had their lofty egos bruised while yet others cannot face their financiers and followers to explain their loss in an economy so dependent on politics for access to wealth and opportunity.   

But the national interest is best served if we interpret the partisan affray into a contest of antithetical possiblities. Clearly the choice is between accepting an electoral outcome largely compromised by considerable malpractice and outright fraud on the one hand and agreeing to a descent into anarchy as a way of redressing the fraud on the other. Neither possibility qualifies as a basis for the sustenance of democracy or indeed the survival of the nation. 

Electoral fraud belongs in the realm of political fidelity and public morality. Even in the most advanced democracies however, public morality is an area of perennial lively debate. It is immaterial whether the issue is Monica Lewinsky's stained dress, the Florida electoral fraud, the presence of 'Ghana must go' Naira bags at the Nigerian national Assembly. At its extreme, massive electoral fraud as we have seen in the last elections is a scandalous compromise of the most critical ritual of liberal democracy: the electoral process itself. 

The convenient argument is that once that process is flawed, those whom it produces cannot command legitimacy. A nation that selects its leaders through a fraudulent electoral process undermines the sanctity of pubic office and compromises the integrity of those who exercise sovereignty on behalf of the people. In the end, the moral credential of the leadership is called to question and the effectiveness of such a government as an instrument for the pursuit of the common good through a rigorous distinction between right and wrong is lost.  The executive becomes a gathering of usurping bandits. The legislative arm has no moral anchor from which to make laws except laws fit for pirates while the judiciary is called upon to salvage its reputation only in civil matters of a private nature, for disputes between organs of the state become disputes among illegitimates. In the worst of cases, every arm of the state is too steeped in muck to even touch the constitution let alone govern by it. 

But if the institutions of democracy are strong, the moral blithe of an electoral fraud can be healed, over time, by the rigorous applications of the rule of law: petitions, tribunals, litigation, independent research into what really happened and a collective resolve to fine tune and cleanse the electoral process by enlightened civil society. Florida produced the Bush presidency but the US Supreme Court and the Congress largely succeeded in retrieving the moral soul of America from the fraud of Florida.  

A fierce contestation of  political fraud if allowed to shift to the streets  could breed anarchy. Anarchy has devastating and sometimes terminal political implications. In an anarchy, there is neither society nor polity. No institutions. No values. There is no venue for deliberation on morality because anomie is the rule. There is neither security nor order because the law of the jungle admits of neither.

Of course anarchy has an ethic, it creates an ethos and evolves a tragic logic: it includes the dark cycle of rape, murder, arson and brigandry. In recent Afrcan history as exemplified by Sierra Leone, democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan's Darfur region, Liberia and Somalia, anarchy glorifies the hacking off of limps, the dismemberment of infants, the indiscriminate creation of orphans and widows. Child soldiers, endless streams of refugees, sacked cities and treasuries, a sea of destitutes and exiles: these are the standard harvests of an anarchic situation.  

Confronted with these two options, the choice becomes simpler. The nation must survive preferably as a democracy first. Of course it should not build its democratic tradition on fraud or unquestioning acquiescence to crooked ways. But we should also not ruin our chances of collective survival by recourse to political rascality and unwarranted rehearsals in anarchy. Mr. Yar'dua's inaugural address has caught the essence of what needs to be done: reform the electoral system to prevent future fraud. I think the opposition should lead this urgent crusade. 
Dr. Amuta, Lagos-based Executive Editor of Houston-based USAfricaonline.com and USAfrica multimedia networks, is author of the book, 'The Theory of African Literature: Implications for Practical Criticism.' He wrote in April 2007 the essay: Presidential Succession and National Stability following 2007 Nigeria' His column on public policy appears in our special events international magazine, CLASS

The European Parliament on Thursday (May 24, 2007) urged the EU to withhold all financial aid to the Nigerian government until the African country holds new elections. "EU aid to Nigeria should not be given to federal or state structures until new, credible elections have been held," the European Parliament said in a non-binding resolution. Such resolutions are often issued to pressure EU member states and the executive Commission in Brussels.

The EU said last month's state and federal elections in Nigeria, won by the governing party, fell short of basic standards and could not be considered credible, free and fair. The EU has earmarked nearly 500-million euro (about R4,7-billion) over the last five years for different projects in Nigeria, most of them focused on good governance, health and water supply and sanitation. Meanwhile, a coalition of Opposition Presidential Candidates asked Senate President Ken Nnamani to assume executive powers on May 29, when Obasanjo's term is up, and to disband the national election commission.

Why Bush should focus on

Many Nigerians still feel disappointed that a man (Obasanjo) who had gained so much from Nigeria would cling so tightly to power, even against the popular will of the people, moreso with age, energy and fresh ideas for a new era not on his side.

Also, USAfricaonline.com review of Nigeria's recent history show that President Obasanjo seems to be moving rapidly into the zone of ill-repute of his former military colleagues who, like him, refused to leave office when it was time to go. Gen. yakubu Gowon in 1975; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1993; Gen. Sani Abacha in1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. More baffling many Nigerians we interviewed recall is the lessons of the excesses of the late Gen. Abach who jailed Obasanjo while the former schemed to remain in power. For the special report by USAfrica multimedia networks' Publisher Chido Nwangwu, click on 3rd term.

His globalist underpinnings and outlook are truly reflective of the true essence of his Igbo world-view, his Igbo upbringing and disposition. Igbos and Jews share (with a few other other cultures) this pan-global disposition to issues of art, life, commerce, juridical pursuits, and quest to be republicanist in terms of the vitality of the individual/self. In Achebe's works, the centrality of Chi (God) attains an additional clarity in the Igbo cosmology... it is a world which prefers a quasi-capitalistic business attitude while taking due cognizance of the usefulness of the whole, the community. I've studied, lived and tried to better understand, essentially, the rigor and towering moral certainties which Achebe have employed in most of his works and his world. I know, among other reasons, because I share the same ancestry with him. Permit me to attempt a brief sentence, with that Achebean simplicty and clarity. Here, folks, what the world has known since 1958: Achebe is good! Eagle on the Iroko, may your Lineage endure! There has never been one like you!
Ugo n'abo, chukwu gozie gi oo!. Chido Nwangwu, recipient of the Journalism Excellence award (1997), is Founder and Publisher of USAfricaonline.com (first African-owned U.S.-based professional newspaper to be published on the internet), USAfrica The Newspaper, CLASS magazine and The Black Business Journal. He has served as an adviser to the Mayor of Houston on international business (Africa) and appears as an analyst on CNN, VOA, NPR, CBS News, NBC and ABC news affiliates.

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Nelson Mandela, Tribute to the world's political superstar and Lion of Africa   Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's burden mounts with murder charges, trials Why Bush should focus on dangers facing Nigeria's return to democracy and Obasanjo's slipperyslide TRIBUTE A KING FOR ALL TIMES: Why Martin Luther King's legacy and vision are relevant into 21st century. DIPLOMACY Walter Carrington: African-American diplomat who put principles above self for Nigeria (USAfrica's founder Chido Nwangwu with Ambassador Carrington at the U.S. embassy, Nigeria) DEMOCRACY'S WARRIOR Out of Africa. …The cock that crows in the morning belongs to one household but his voice is the property of the neighborhood. -- Chinua Achebe, Anthills of the Savannah. An editor carries on his crusade against public corruption and press censorship in his native Nigeria and other African countries. By John Suval. The Economics of Elections in Nigeria HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY How far, how deep will Nigeria's human rights commission go? Rtd. Gen. Babangida trip as emissary for Nigeria's Obasanjo to Sudan raises curiosity, questions about what next in power play? 110 minutes with Hakeem Olajuwon Nigerian stabbed to death in his bathroom in Houston. Since 1958, Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" set a standard of artistic excellence, and more. By Douglas Killam Why Chinua Achebe, the Eagle on the Iroko, is Africa's writer of the century. By Chido Nwangwu(First written on March 1, 2002, for USAfrica, updated for Prof. Achebe's 74th Birthday tribute on November 16, 2004, and published in CLASS magazine same month): Africa's most acclaimed and fluent writer of the English Language, the most translated writer of Black heritage in the world, broadcaster extraordinaire, social conscience of millions, cultural custodian and elevator, chronicler and essayist, goodwill ambassador and man of progressive rock-ribbed principles, the Eagle on the Iroko, Ugo n'abo Professor Chinua Achebe, has recently been selected by a distinguished jury of scholars and critics (from 13 countries of African life and literature) as the writer of the Best book (Things Fall Apart, 1958) written in the twentieth century regarding Africa. Reasonably, Achebe's message has been neither dimmed nor dulled by time and clime. He's our pathfinder, the intellectual godfather of millions of Africans and lovers of the fine art of good writing. Achebe's cultural contexts are, at once, pan-African, globalist and local; hence, his literary contextualizations soar beyond the confines of Umuofia and any Igbo or Nigerian setting of his creative imagination or historical recall. His globalist underpinnings and outlook are truly reflective of the true essence of his Igbo world-view, his Igbo upbringing and disposition. Igbos and Jews share (with a few other other cultures) this pan-global disposition to issues of art, life, commerce, juridical pursuits, and quest to be republicanist in terms of the vitality of the individual/self. In Achebe's works, the centrality of Chi (God) attains an additional clarity in the Igbo cosmology... it is a world which prefers a quasi-capitalistic business attitude while taking due cognizance of the usefulness of the whole, the community. I've studied, lived and tried to better understand, essentially, the rigor and towering moral certainties which Achebe have employed in most of his works and his world. I know, among other reasons, because I share the same ancestry with him. Permit me to attempt a brief sentence, with that Achebean simplicty and clarity. Here, folks, what the world has known since 1958: Achebe is good! Eagle on the Iroko, may your Lineage endure! There has never been one like you! Ugo n'abo, chukwu gozie gi oo!. Chido Nwangwu, recipient of the Journalism Excellence award (1997), is Founder and Publisher of USAfricaonline.com (first African-owned U.S.-based professional newspaper to be published on the internet), USAfrica The Newspaper, CLASS magazine and The Black Business Journal. He has served as an adviser to the Mayor of Houston on international business (Africa) and appears as an analyst on CNN, VOA, NPR, CBS News, NBC and ABC news affiliates. This USAfricaonline.com commentary is copyrighted. Archiving on any other web site or newspaper is unauthorized except with a Written Approval by USAfricaonline.com Founder.

DEBATE: How Black intellectuals let Africa down, and western stereoptypes complicate the rest. By Cedrick Ngalande at the USC, Los Angeles Africa suffers the scourge of the virus. This life and pain of Kgomotso Mahlangu, a five-month-old AIDS patient (above) in a hospital in the Kalafong township near Pretoria, South Africa, on October 26, 1999, brings a certain, frightening reality to the sweeping and devastating destruction of human beings who form the core of any definition of a country's future, its national security, actual and potential economic development and internal markets. 22 million Africans HIV-infected, ill with AIDS while African leaders ignore disaster-in-waiting In a special report a few hours after the history-making nomination, USAfricaonline.com Founder and Publisher Chido Nwangwu places Powell within the trajectory of history and into his unfolding clout and relevance in an essay titled 'Why Colin Powell brings gravitas, credibility and star power to Bush presidency.' Powell named Secretary State by G.W. Bush; bipartisan commendations follow. AFRICA AND THE U.S. ELECTIONS Beyond U.S. electoral shenanigans, rewards and dynamics of a democratic republic hold lessons for African politics. CONTINENTAL AGENDA Bush's position on Africa is "ill-advised." The position stated by Republican presidential aspirant and Governor of Texas, George Bush where he said that "Africa will not be an area of priority" in his presidency has been questioned by USAfricaonline.com Publisher Chido Nwangwu. He added that Bush's "pre-election position was neither validated by the economic exchanges nor geo-strategic interests of our two continents." These views were stated during an interview CNN's anchor Bernard Shaw and senior analyst Jeff Greenfield had with Mr. Nwangwu on Saturday November 18, 2000 during a special edition of 'Inside Politics 2000.' Nwangwu, adviser to the Mayor of Houston (the 4th largest city in the U.S., and immigrant home to thousands of Africans) argued further that "the issues of the heritage interests of 35 million African-Americans in Africa, the volume and value of oil business between between the U.S and Nigeria and the horrendous AIDS crisis in Africa do not lend any basis for Governor Bush's ill-advised position which removes Africa from fair consideration" were he to be elected president. By Al Johnson Johnnie Cochran will soon learn that defending Abacha's loot is not as simple as his O.J Simpson's case. By Chido Nwangwu Should Africa debates begin and end at The New York Times and The Washington Post? No Cheryl Mills' first class defense of Clinton and her detractors' game  It's wrong to stereotype Nigerians as Drug Dealers Private initiative, free market forces, and more democratization are Keys to prosperity in Africa Apple announces Titanium, "killer apps" and other ground-breaking products for 2001. iTunes makes a record 500,000 downloads. Steve Jobs extends digital magic CLASS is the social events, heritage excellence and style magazine for Africans in north America, described by The New York Times as the magazine for affluent Africans in America. It is published by professional journalists and leading mulitmedia leaders and pioneers.