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Irish Times 5/31/99
Nigeria's new President Olusegun Obasanjo won plaudits yesterday for making quick
moves towards dismantling the legacy of 15 years of military rule and giving Africa's
most populous nation a fresh start.
New heads of the armed forces, **police**, civil service and central bank were named
within hours of President Obasanjo's swearing in on Saturday, nearly two decades
after he had stepped down as military ruler to make way for the last elected president.
"I think the appointments are a good signal and confirm that he's on top of
things," said Mr Olisa Agbakoba, human rights lawyer and leading opponent of
years of military rule.
"But the larger question is the whole issue of implementing his promises. We
need to have the practical results of this democracy," he added.
Mr Obasanjo said in a message to the nation of at least 108 million people after
his inauguration: "I am determined, with your full co-operation, to make significant
changes within a year of my administration."
One of Nigeria's most respected soldiers, Maj Gen Victor Malu, was appointed new
head of the army at a time when it faces inevitable restructuring to return it to
a purely military role and prevent further coups.
The vital oil sector is set for change after the appointment of OPEC secretary-general,
Mr Rilwanu Lukman, a former oil minister, as petroleum adviser and a changing of
the guard at state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
A new governor with a reputation from the private sector, Mr Joseph Sanusi, was appointed
to the central bank.
The bank has said little in recent years as military brass pilfered billions of dollars
from state coffers.
Aides said Mr Obasanjo would name his cabinet of ministers later this week, but believed
the new administration would rely heavily on the presidency for important decisions.
The next step in the scheme to restore full civilian control to all levels of government
is the opening of the two houses of the national assembly, due to take place early
next week.
In less than a year since Gen Sani Abacha's sudden death, Nigeria has striven to
shake off a reputation as a pariah state notorious for human rights abuses. High-powered
delegations, including South African President Nelson Mandela and Britain's Prince
Charles, applauded as Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar stepped down on Saturday as the country's
eighth military ruler, vowing he would be the last.
The legacy of years of military misrule is the worst economic crisis since independence
in 1960.
Nigerians are left short of power, communications and fuel, despite living in Africa's
biggest oil producer, while roads have crumbled, few lessons are learned in poorly
funded schools and the public health sector is on the verge of extinction.
Poverty has helped inflame rivalries between more than 200 ethnic groups, creating
local conflicts like those in the Niger Delta where impoverished villagers have threatened
to cut Nigeria's oil lifeline.
A last-minute spending spree by Gen Abubakar's government forced foreign reserves
down to $4.6 billion from more than $7 billion within a matter of weeks, leaving
Nigeria more than ever dependent on a hope of foreign debt relief.
(Copyright 1999)
All rights reserved.
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