Can humility save Africa's giant?

Nigeria's new leader brings a quality of character that can fix corrupt voting and delta violence.

from the June 1, 2007 edition

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Even though this election saw the first transfer of power from one elected civilian president to another, Nigerians have slowly lost faith in democracy. The same is true in much of Africa: Multi-party elections have increased but not so the quality of governance.

The previous president was able to improve the economy during eight years in office with such steps as paying off all foreign debt. And somehow Nigeria is no longer considered the world's most corrupt nation on a global index.

Yar Adua must build on this pro­gress by fixing the broken electoral system. Most observers claim the April 21 election was so flawed that it's difficult to say if the new leaders represent the will of the people. Yar Adua acknowledges serious problems during the vote. His instincts are also right in turning to the serious problems of the Niger Delta, the main source of the country's petroleum but an area with few roads, little electricity, and a great deal of lawlessness.

Resentment is high among the delta's poor residents over not gaining a greater share of the region's oil riches. That has fueled local armed groups that kidnap foreigners and bomb pipelines. The violence has diminished investment and led to spikes in global oil prices.

Yar Adua says he will come up with a plan within 100 days to secure the delta. But the politics of divvying up the nation's oil wealth is tricky. He'll need to rely strongly on his personal integrity to bring a sense of national unity while also instilling the rule of law in the delta. "We are all in this together, and we will find a way to achieve peace and justice," he says.

If he succeeds in the delta and restores faith in democracy, Nigeria can assume its natural leadership among African nations.

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