This is another editorial from the Workers' Alternative,
written at the time of the transition from the previous military
dictatorship to the present civilian regime. At that time there were
many illusions in so-called "democracy", as people hoped it would
rectify the dire economic situation. We are republishing it now, as we
believe it is as relevant now as when it was first published. (June,
1999)
Nigeria is facing the worst crisis in its history. So-called
"democracy" has not improved the lot of the Nigerian masses.
Manufacturing industry is in a state of collapse. And now the financial
sector is also on the brink. In the past two years we have seen two
general strikes and practically every section of the Nigerian working
class has taken part in strike activity. Even the police has been out
on strike and built its own union. And now there are rumours of a
mutiny among the soldiers. Nigeria is facing an Argentine-type
scenario. From the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Marxist journal, the
Workers' Alternative.
This article was first published in the October 2000 edition of the Nigerian Marxist journal, the Workers’ Alternative.
We think the analysis developed here by the Nigerian Marxists is still
valid, and that the development of the MDC in Zimbabwe is full of rich
lessons for the Nigerian and other labour movements. It shows that a
mass party based on the trade unions can be created, and can be very
successful - but also that this is not enough. To prevent the party
from being taken over by capitalist elements, it must be controlled by
the working class and have a socialist programme.