Obasanjo appeals for patience

Obasanjo urged greater involvement in democracy

Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo has marked the second anniversary of the country's return to democratic rule by appealing for patience with his reform plans.

We must continue to water and nourish the democracy tree and make sure it grows into full maturity

Olesegun Obasanjo

In an address broadcast on TV and radio, Mr Obasanjo said democracy must be seen as a process that requires nourishment to grow.

He also appealed for support in his campaign to root out corruption, which he said was holding back the country's development despite its oil wealth.

Alluding to ethnic and regional tensions, the president called for Nigerians to work towards greater understanding of diverse and conflicting views and interests.

Mr Obasanjo took power on 29 May 1999 when Nigeria returned to civilian government. The day is now celebrated as Democracy Day.

The country was ruled by the military for most of its 40 years since independence.

Democracy call

Mr Obasanjo said Nigerians should do more themselves to strengthen democracy.

I appeal to all Nigerians to oppose corruption wherever they find it

Olesegun Obasanjo

"We must see democracy not as an event but as a process," he said.

"We must continue therefore to water and nourish the democracy tree and make sure it grows into full maturity."

He added that it was up to ordinary people to identify and resist corruption.

"I appeal to all Nigerians to oppose corruption wherever they find it," he said.

"It is not enough to complain or make allegations. Everyone who has useful information should give such information to the anti-corruption commission for follow-up action."

A survey last year carried out by the Berlin-based Transparency International said that Nigeria was the most corrupt country in the world.

Investigations in July revealed massive misappropriation of public money by members of the national assembly.