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Last Updated: Friday, 20 April 2007, 09:54 GMT 10:54 UK
Nigerian voters' views: Tarry
Dr Tarry Asoka, 45, is an independent health advisor in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in the Niger Delta.

Woman walks past an oil pipe line that is burning
Dr Asoka says that poverty in the Delta is different to the north
The elections will come and go and then it will be business as usual. I, like most people, will still lack what I deserve.

In my opinion, poverty is the major issue.

The poverty here in the Delta is not the same as the poverty in the north.

Our region is resource-rich. We should all have a share and have the benefits.

But we don't.

The lack of progress in terms of human development, health, education, water and sanitation are the most important issues for people who are struggling to live.

NIGERIAN VOTERS' VIEWS
Map of Nigeria

And the potential for violence here creates fear in our minds. It discourages many from going out to vote, it ensures that people stay at home.

Obviously such as an election cannot be said to be free and fair.

One important lesson from this election that should not be lost to Nigerians is that they must look for new options other than Western-style democracy and political economic approaches to addressing poverty.

I think a Nollywood paradigm would suffice - where raw talent mixed with appropriate technology is creating opportunities for talented people who would otherwise engage in what we call 'smart deals' or 'check out'.

We need new ways of doing things.




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