Kudos to Obasanjo
I have written with concern before about Nigerian President Obasanjo's bid to change the constitution to allow him to have an unprecedented third term. Changing constitutions to retain power is a penchant for many leaders on our continent, and usually ends on political and social turmoil. It is thus with satisfaction that I read that the Nigerian National Assembly denied his request, and equally so, that Obasanjo has manfully accepted the decision.

This seemingly small decision is another milestone for democracy in Africa, and illustrates the growing maturity by which modern African nations are handling their nascent democracies. Obasanjo's respect for the decision - although it came somewhat grudgingly, is equally important in the bigger picture, and he must get some credit for that.