Nigeria

Making a change in a country’s government can either break a country apart or make it stronger. Nigeria held its first free election after about twenty years of military dictatorship. Making the change into a representational democracy from a military dictatorship was needed in order for the country to become stable. Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae were the two candidates running for presidency, and in May 1999 Olusegun Obasanjo became the new president of Nigeria. Obasanjo was voted to be Nigeria’s first President because he promised to protect the people, their country and their rights as citizens.

Although the elections, which brought Obasanjo to power in 1999, were not fair Nigeria had improved in attempts to tackle this new system of government. Obasanjo showed willingness and determination to fight corruption, and create a stable government. Olusegun Obasanjo had a lot of responsibilities and began making changes right away. Nigeria was dysfunctional even before Obasanjo came to power, so he started off with problems. Even though the country had problems of its own, the citizens of Nigeria now had an opportunity to join together and make mutual decisions. Most civil society leaders and a majority of the Nigerian citizens saw a marked improvement in human rights and democratic practice under Obasanjo’s power. The press enjoys greater freedom than under previous governments.

The decision to convert into a democratic government was a mutual decision made by the society towards the end of Shehu Shagari’s regime. The Shagari government was viewed as corrupt and incompetent by virtually all of the Nigerian society, so when the idea of a change in government came across it was generally viewed as a positive development by most of the population.

Nigeria becoming a representational democracy was one of the best and helpful decisions that they made that created a stronger bond between the

government and the people. Although at first, dealing with integrity and electoral system made the change in their system of government more difficult, these major issues were resolved and made it a point to get through it.

Nigeria becoming a democratic government made a huge impact on what the country has become in present day. In the 2003 the election to find a new president was successful. They had taken their problem from the election of 1999 and used that as a guideline and avoided similar issues. Becoming a democracy was a great decision that made both ruler and society satisfied and at peace.

The decision made to turn Nigeria’s military dictatorship into a representative democracy was in this case a major success.

Government have decisions which can drastically change a society in a positive or negative light. Nigeria’s choice to become a democratic government over a dictatorship led the country to higher points. They have achieved greatness from this decision as well as others that have followed.