Obasanjo dissolves cabinet

President Obasanjo is stamping his authority on the Nigerian government

The Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has dissolved his cabinet and is expected to name a new government soon.

A cabinet spokesman made the announcement on Wednesday morning.

The move comes at the end of a long period of speculation regarding President Obasanjo's cabinet. Many predicted a reshuffle as the government has been struggling to keep democracy on track.

There has also been criticism of some cabinet members who were perceived as corrupt and incompetent. An official communique released after Wednesday's regular cabinet meeting appeared to be a farewell message.

"President Obasanjo thanked all members of the council for their services and urged them to remain loyal to the cause of Nigeria and Nigerian interests, no matter where they find themselves in the service of the country."

Political fighting

Earlier this year, President Obasanjo himself expressed disappointment with the performance of a number of cabinet ministers.

It is believed that he is keen to appoint a number of technocrats to run ministries efficiently. But he has been having a struggle with his party, the People's Democratic Party, which wants to see its own members appointed.

The president is making the changes to his cabinet with one eye on the 2003 elections. He hopes to head off criticism that the economy is failing to perform.

Federal problems

One of Obasanjo's biggest difficulties has been maintaining the federal make-up of the country.

The introduction of Sharia law in some of Nigeria's northern states has put pressure on the central government in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the governors of Nigeria's southern states have been talking about greater autonomy.

Democracy was reintroduced in Nigeria 19 months ago, after a long period of military rule.