June 3,2008:
The government is not making much
progress in shutting down the tribal rebels, particularly MEND, in the Niger
Delta. Stealing oil and kidnapping foreign oil workers for ransom has become
too lucrative for too many people for the police and military to cope. About a
quarter of the nation's oil production has been halted by the unrest. A newly president,
who promised to crack down on corruption and ineffective government, is showing
signs of tolerating the same old bad habits.
June 1,
2008: Northern Nigeria is still
suffering an increase in polio cases. While polio declined in some areas,
overall it has nearly doubled nationwide compared to last year. The vaccination
campaign has not been able to undo the damage done by religious fanatics who, five
years ago, spread rumors that polio vaccinations were a Western plot to poison
Moslems. This interrupted, for over a year, a world wide effort to wipe out
polio. Like smallpox (which was wiped out in a similar campaign three decades
ago) the polio virus can only survive in
human hosts. If enough vulnerable people (mostly kids) are vaccinated
against polio, then polio has nowhere to survive, and joins smallpox as an
extinct disease. The Islamic campaign against vaccinations (based on the
accusation that it was all a secret plan to sterilize female children) caused a
resurgence of polio cases worldwide, and a major loss of credibility for the
Islamic radicals. The vaccinations resumed, after vigorous efforts by Nigerian
politicians. This effort is being thwarted by the lingering effects of the
Islamic conservatives in northern Nigeria. Currently, about four percent of the
Nigerian population refuses to let their kids be vaccinated because of the five
year old anti-vaccination rumor campaign. The rumors have acquired a life of
their own, and just might be able to prevent the complete eradication of polio.
So far, the Islamic conservatives actions five years ago have resulted in some
2,000 children getting polio and becoming paralyzed. Some 400-500 children,
mainly in Nigeria, are still catching polio because of the Nigerian parents who
refuse to allow vaccinations.
May 30,
2008: The government is trying to
appoint a former police commander, with ties to corrupt politicians, as the new
head of the anti-corruption commission. The former head of the commission,
regarded as highly effective, was "transferred" to another job six months ago
by the newly elected president.
May 26,
2008: MEND destroyed an oil pipeline
pumping station, and then defeated an army patrol that attempted to interfere.
May 23,
2008: Two foreign oil workers were
kidnapped in the Niger Delta. The two are being held for ransom, the initial
demand is for over 8 million dollars per man. That will be negotiated down, but
it still will be expensive to get the men free. The government, and the oil
companies, are spending more on security, but the high ransoms are making it
worthwhile for the larger criminal gangs to launch elaborate operations to grab
foreigners.