Suchergebnisse

An exploration of various campaigns in Nigeria since the mid-1970s that purportedly sought to mobilize the people against economic & social injustices, which were exacerbated by the economic crisis. The overt goals of these campaigns were based on a neutral ideology of prudence, honesty, & the Protestant work ethic. It is argued here, however, that this ideological neutrality was a smoke screen, & that the people were misinformed in order to mobilize them against their own best interests. The Jaji Declaration of 12 Sept 1977, the Ethical Revolution of 1981-1983, & the War against Indiscipline of 1984/85 are among the campaigns cited as examples of this pseudopopular mobilization. These efforts have actually aggravated both the economic & the legitimation crisis of the Nigerian State. J. W. Stanton

Critique of the ideological content of several government-initiated propaganda campaigns promoting honesty, hard work, and prudence, 1977-87.

Economic and social background of the Apr. 1988 uprising against International Monetary Fund programs.

It is argued that the overthrow of the democratic government of Shehu Shagari by a military coup d'etat in Dec 1983 had broad popular support because of the economic situation & the decimation of social services under Shagari. Subsequently, two military governments had disastrous results when they adopted monetarist policies prescribed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to obtain the loan initiated by Shagari. It is argued that the IMF loan conditions of devaluation, rationalization, & privatization, & essentially the same conditions implemented under the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) -- triggered by a markup in petroleum prices -- precipitated the 1988 uprising that brought Nigeria to a standstill. Further, the future of democracy has been structured by the IMF & SAP; & SAP & related policies have laid the foundation for persistent crises of democracy & consequent justified military intervention. 2 Tables. V. Wagener