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![]() Saturday, February 20, 1999 Published at 13:21 GMT ![]() ![]() World: Africa ![]() Lagos hopes for change ![]() Lagos citizens hope for improvements with the switch to civilian rule ![]() By Barnaby Phillips in Lagos.
For three years, he has been the Governor of Lagos state and regularly travels through the city in an 18-car convoy. Colonel Marwa is a soldier carrying out the duties of a civilian politician.
At the city's petrol stations queues stretch for a kilometre. Nigeria is one of the world's leading oil producers but it can not provide enough for its own citizens. A Northerner like many of the Nigeria's ruling military elite, Colonel Marwa, is genuinely popular with the southern Yoruba people he governs. He may now enjoy a high profile but says he is happy to return to barracks under civilian rule and that the democratic process must be sustained. Military limitations
"We know that everyone 's tired with us, and we in the military are also tired of being in governance. Operation "Sweep", aimed at cutting Lagos' frightening crime rate is perhaps Colonel Marwa's main achievement. But it also shows the military's limitations. Although 24-hour checkpoints and patrols have reduced crimes significantly, innocent civilians have also been killed by "trigger-happy" security forces. Bola Tinubu, the Colonel's civilian successor who takes over in May, has a different background. Lagos chaos
A former executive with the oil company Mobil, Mr Tinubu aims to apply technocratic expertise to the chaos of Lagos. "There are going to be problems and frustrations along the line," he says. "But if we are consistent in application of our policies, if we are patient, if we persevere, we will definitely get there." The realities of Lagos may thwart Mr Tinubu's ambitious plans; the city is collapsing as fast as it grows, disappearing under a mountain of rubbish. Bold action has been taken before. One huge rubbish incinerator cost millions. It never worked. Grand projects
As Mr Tinubu's advisers inspect the derelict site of incinerator, it is a thought they should bear in mind as they formulate plans for a Lagos metro system. Successive governments have spent millions in an attempt to leave their mark in the city, leaving grand projects that were either never finished or never worked.
State governors were elected in January and now campaigning is finally under way for the crucial national elections. The people will have their say. Previously Lagos and Nigeria have been failed by both military and civilian rulers. Change is coming again. There is plenty of good will, but there is little room for failure. ![]() |
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