Rumors circulated last week that Abubakar was mulling remaining in power for as long as 30 months. Olisa Agbakoba, one of the nation's most prominent human rights advocates, said Nigeria's history shows its military is incapable of shedding power. Of the nine changes of government that preceded Abubakar's announcement, two resulted from elections, one from assassination and six from military coups. Simply put, there is no way the military can manage a genuine transfer of authority to civilian society. By jailing politicians and journalists by the score, Abacha made the country an international pariah.
Economic growth is near a standstill.
The electrical grid teeters on collapse. In his address tonight, Abubakar appeared visibly distressed by Nigeria's international reputation. He answered with an array of reform initiatives, from open bidding for government contracts to the possible privatization of public utilities, with the proceeds earmarked for social spending. The general also appealed for patience from the international community, which has been warming to his government since Abacha's death. The Clinton administration, which had largely cut off dealings with Abacha's regime because of its repression and reluctance to move toward democracy, reacted cautiously to Abubakar's proposals.