With stories of poverty, corruption, disease, wars and other
troubles dominating the news that comes out of Africa, it is easy
to characterize the continent as a place of unceasing despair.
But in a visit to UCLA on Thursday, the Nigerian vice president
countered these ideas with words of hope about the struggling
continent, describing the role his nation will play in leading
Africa’s renewal.
In an address entitled “Emerging Democracies in an
Emerging World Order: Nigeria and the United States,” Vice
President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar spoke of the progress under way in
the country.
Currently experiencing the difficult processes of
democratization and economic modernization, Nigeria continues to
struggle with the challenges inevitably faced by a developing
nation.
Despite these inauspicious circumstances, Atiku spoke
optimistically about the present state of his country.
“Nigeria is the greatest and largest democracy in
Africa,” he said.
Speaking before a diverse crowd of over 100, Atiku outlined the
historical root for the nation’s current troubles, tracing
the persistent violence and lack of infrastructure in Nigeria to
the legacy of 19th century European colonialism.
Atiku then described the problems currently plaguing Nigeria,
discussing the poverty, hunger, terrorism and national debt
impeding growth in the country, as well as the epidemic levels of
HIV/AIDS.
The vice president also called for an increased voice for the
country and other African nations in global institutions such as
the United Nations Security Council.
Atiku said the structure of the Security Council does not
reflect the global changes that have occurred since the United
Nation’s creation in the aftermath of World War II.
“It has remained small, unrepresentative, undemocratic and
closed,” he said, calling for a consistent African presence
on the important international body.
For Atiku, the resolution of these dilemmas has incomparable
importance.
“Today human civilization stands on the threshold of a
great transformation,” he said.
While providing some details on the specific measures his
administration would take to resolve these challenges, Atiku said
the full solution requires a broader scope.
“Success lays within the recognition of our common
humanity,” he said.
The conclusion of his speech was met with enthusiastic applause,
but not everyone in the audience was satisfied with the vice
president’s appearance.
“He’s courting American politicians, so he’s
telling them what they want to hear,” said Professor Andrew
Apter, chair of UCLA’s program in African studies.
Apter said he was disappointed by Atiku’s omission of
certain topics ““ such as political corruption and the lack of
investor confidence ““ that have great significance in Nigeria
today.
Apter also was skeptical of the manner in which a brief Q&A
session was conducted after the address. Questions were collected
from the audience, with three questions, all of a less
controversial nature, posed by event organizers. Apter described
this technique as “very tightly controlled.”
Questions regarding alleged corruption in the government ““
a chief concern of many attendees ““ were not addressed, much
to the frustration of some in the audience.
A different sense of discontent was expressed outside the
conference room, where a group of protesters stood silently with
signs that were critical of the current Nigerian government.
The protesters refused to speak with anyone.
Some in attendance were more supportive of the vice president
and his speech.
“I think it was very impressive because he identified all
the issues facing the country and the continent,” said Ruben
Jaja, president of the African-U.S.A. Chamber of Commerce.