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The politics takes over again

Bold reform plans are put on hold as the battle for Aso Rock intensifies

The brief interest shown by President Goodluck Jonathan's government in economic reform seems to be waning in favour of a concentration on short-term tactics that might help his electoral chances in 2011. The best ideas of Jonathan's government - the Petroleum Industry Bill and restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, together with a bid to promote private investment in the power sector - are now under threat. Both ideas started under the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's presidency, then ran into opposition from vested interests. As Yar'Adua's health worsened last year, a cabal ran the government, signed contracts and blocked reform....

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The politics takes over again

Bold reform plans are put on hold as the battle for Aso Rock intensifies

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