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Clinton vs Obama: Nigerians speak

Posted by By EMMA EMEOZOR, ASHAMU ADEGBOLA and CHINYERE EGBUNIKE on 2008/02/19 | Views: 620 |

Clinton vs Obama: Nigerians speak


United States presidential hopefuls are crisscrossing the country vigorously campaigning. The ongoing primaries will end on June 7, when the Republican and the Democratic parties are expected to announce their respective candidates for the presidential race scheduled for November this year.

United States presidential hopefuls are crisscrossing the country vigorously campaigning. The ongoing primaries will end on June 7, when the Republican and the Democratic parties are expected to announce their respective candidates for the presidential race scheduled for November this year.

The entry of Illinois senator, Barack Obama, an African American under the platform of the Democratic Party has provoked a lot of interest across the African continent. In Nigeria, the debate on the outcome of the ongoing primaries has reached a frenzy. Obama is the third African American to ‘courageously' campaign for the United States presidency.

Congress woman Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm of New York's 12th district was the first African American to vie for the White House seat in 1972. In 1984, civil rights activists, the Reverend Jesse Jackson mounted the rostrum to campaign for the presidency. He failed to garner the required votes to get nominated. But he was not daunted. In 1988, he returned to the campaign ground, seeking another opportunity to be nominated for the race.

Again, he failed. Twenty years later, another African American candidate has emerged, even more determined and daring than the two previous ones. Interestingly, all three are Democrats. But can Obama make history? As the primaries progress to its final stage, Daily Sun went out to sample opinion of the people. The question was: Can Obama make history?

Reagan D. Abodunrin (businessman)
Well, this is the first time such is happening in the American political system, though, some blacks have held some political offices but not presidency. I think it is a plus for Africans at home and in Diaspora. This is an opportunity for the blacks in America to exercise their full support for Obama so that he can win. It is a new dimension in America if Obama wins. It will show to the whole world the kind of democracy America has as a civilized country. Also, if Hilary Clinton wins, then it will be the first time a female president will emerge in America and this is a test for the womenfolk.

Kazeem Adeyemo (unemployed graduate)
Actually, I am very much concerned about Hilary Clinton, because of her husband's antecedents. But if Obama wins, which I doubt, then it will be a good one for the blacks, both at home and abroad. This is a test case.

Peju Oshoffa (worker)
I am surprised that Obama could get this far in American politics, especially his overwhelming support in Iowa. Well, whether the majority would now vote for him to emerge is another factor. He is an African and he is seen as such. If he wins, it could mean much to Africa and maybe, he will change certain things that is wrong in Africa. He has already made history because no African has gone this far, that is something to cheer for the Americans and Africans.

Luke Okonkwo (bookseller)
I do not see him as an African anyway, because as a presidential candidate of America, he is an American. Even though his father is a Kenyan, that should not count. He is likely to win. He needs the support of many Americans to win the election. If he wins, it is a good omen for Africa. But I need to watch their debate to make my final conclusion.

Ann Kalu (law student)
I would be very happy if Obama wins the presidential race. I am not too sure if the whites would give him the needed votes to win. Being the first African to contest for the race, at least, it will send some positive signals to Africans in the United States.

Kabir Y. Gusau (Aeronautical information services staff)
I am following the development in American politics and this is why I like American version of democracy. If only we (Nigerians) in particular and Africans in general could learn from American style of democracy, it will be good. You can see everyone is campaigning and there is no killing of one another. If Obama wins, it will bring positive development to Africa. He is already on the way to victory, we should support him.

Okoye Ijeoma (civil servant)
Because Obama is not a white American, I don't think that he will win the election. Hillary Clinton's husband happened to rule America for eight good years. So, I think she has better opportunity to rule America.

Tony Ofoyetan (lawyer and security expert)
Whether Obama will win is a serious issue in view of the experience of Reverend Jesse Jackson who, though relatively popular could not make a headway. U.S. election is, not just what happens within the parties. One thing is clear and that is Americans are not satisfied with the performance of the ruling Republican party, they certainly want a change. So, a likely advantage for Obama is that the Democratic party is likely to win the election. I have come to observe that during Republican government, there is always chaos in the United States. But whatever be the situation, Obama's position is brighter than what that of Jackson was, perhaps, because of the advancement taking place daily. Of course, Obama is ‘half-white' unlike Jackson who is completely ‘black' and this may explain reason Obama is doing very well. This is not to say the campaign is devoid of racism. But I see Obama coming up strongly.

Dr. Frederick Aja Agwu (Research Fellow, NIIA)
Obama's entry into the presidential race represents a bold statement about the U.S on their determination to transcend their racial past. Obama's capacity to win the race even in the Anglo-Saxon dominated states is critical indication of the fact that America is on a new direction in terms of race relations. It only shows there is nothing as racism. His book, Audacity of Hope, takes into consideration that with determination, success can be achieved. Even if he fails to win the election, it is still a great momentum for U.S It shows that anyone can make it in U.S irrespective of race and social background, unlike what obtains here in Nigeria. I wish him the best. Americans have made a statement that they are putting race behind them. This show that a society keeps on breaking new frontiers.

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