But the country had not fulfilled his expectation. Seven of 10 Nigerians were living in poverty. He came back, and it was not only 20 years behind, but even 30 years behind. So I can understand the hurry to regain lost ground. But it's going to take time.
Politicians always say what they are going to do but the problem is doing it.
Especially in a democratic system. The crisp pace Obasanjo set in his first 100 days in office has flagged markedly since he was reminded that Nigeria has a new National Assembly as well. And now we realize some of these decisions required legislative action. Exhibit A was a bill intended to douse the political problems raging in the Niger River Delta, home to Nigeria's oil reserves and its poorest and angriest residents. Militant youths there kidnap oil executives so frequently that foreigners travel with bodyguards.