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A Vote For Change In Nigeria

Until last week the people of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, hadn't elected a President in more than 15 years. Instead, they have been ruled by army generals. In that time, Nigeria, once one of Africa's richest nations, has become one of its poorest. Schools, hospitals and roads are falling apart. Phones and electric power often fail. Profits from Nigeria's huge oil deposits are wasted.

On February 27, Nigerians finally got a say in their nation's future. Nearly 30 million people turned out to vote for President. They did so in the hope that civilian leaders could fix the country. Said Enitan Adekoya, 18: "I want to be proud to be Nigerian."

The winner announced last week: Olusegun Obasanjo. But whether he will bring change is unclear. He is a retired general who led a military government in Nigeria in the 1970s.

The fairness of this vote is in question. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other observers were in Nigeria for the election. They said the voting was not entirely fair. Obasanjo's response: "Nothing that is designed by humans is perfect."

But many Nigerians remain hopeful. Said one voter: "Electing a President in itself does not bring democracy, but at least it gives us a chance."

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