Problems and Prospects of Sustaining Democracy in Nigeria

Book excerpt: The past few years have been very traumatic ones for many Nigerians. With the exception of those in power or close to the seat of power, the changes of 1998 were a welcome relief given the tyranny and repression that the country had suffered under General Abacha. With many people in prison and more in exile, the death of Abacha was received with a sigh of relief. Many observers have seen the resilience that has come to signify the strength and potential of this once 'giant of Africa', as well as the destruction and the socio-political and economic decay of the past decades. The Nigerian people have endured the exploitation of their rights due to the lack of democratic leadership, and with this in mind, they have been called to attention to fight for their country.