Africa

Nigerian Census 2006: financial waste and political sham

Written by Dele Adebole in Lagos Tuesday, 06 June 2006

In March millions of Nigerian were forced to stay at home for the day as government officials carried out a head and property count. The regime claimed this would allow for a serious calculation of the level of unemployment and thus allow for “job-creation” to go ahead. The operation was inefficient and plagued by corruption. In the real world Nigerians continue to lose their jobs, pensions, education…

Nigeria’s “Debt Cancellation” – a Big Scam!

Written by Ayo Ayodele Thursday, 25 May 2006

Recently Nigeria paid a sum of $12billion to the Paris Club, thus cancelling its foreign debt. The fact that through the servicing of the debt, Nigeria had already paid back more than it has borrowed is conveniently skipped over. Those $12bn could have been used to improve the miserable lives of most Nigerians.

Nigeria: Flashlight on Present Economic Reforms

Written by Ola Kazeem in Lagos Thursday, 25 May 2006

Pensions have been privatised, 92% of Nigerians are living on less than $2 per day, the interest rate stands at 36%, the (official) inflation rate at 15%, millions are either unemployed or not gainfully employed, life expectancy stands at 45 years, annual per capita GDP at $200 and incredible sums of debt hang over the head of the poor. There is no way out on the path of capitalism.

Reply to "some notable achievements" by 'third-term’ campaigners

Written by Workers' Alternative Wednesday, 17 May 2006

Many arguments have been presented in favour of Obasanjo remaining for a third term. Here we list them together with a reply.

2007: The Options before the Nigerian Working Masses

Written by the Editorial Board of the 'Workers Alternative' Wednesday, 17 May 2006

Yesterday attempts to amend the Nigerian Constitution to allow Obasanjo a third term in Office were defeated. Here we publish the latest Editorial of the Workers' Alternative written before the vote.

Student youth in Morocco march with workers on May Day

Written by the Rank and File Tendency - www.attawajohalkaidi.com Wednesday, 10 May 2006

The Rank and File Tendency of the National Union of Moroccan Students participated in this year’s May Day activities. The following is a report of their activities and provides extracts of a leaflet they distributed on the demonstration.

Nigerian May Day Report: Labour bureaucracy is losing its grip on rank and file

Written by our correspondent in Lagos Tuesday, 02 May 2006

This year’s May Day rallies in Nigeria marked a sharp shift to the left among the rank and file workers. Trade union leaders that were admired and respected until very recently are now becoming discredited and the interest in Marxist ideas is growing.