The President of Niger says he wants to set an example to all African Head of States

The President of Niger, Mohamadou Issofou has vowed to teach all African presidents practiced democracy as he says he is not going to amend the constitution of Niger to stand for the Presidential elections for the third time.

The president who came into power in 2011 says it is time for African heads of states to stand up and respect the constitution with dignity. According to him, most African Heads of states have decided to clinch to power and this attitude has sparked many civil wars and hampered meaningful development in the continent. 

Mr Tangiri Ivo, a political scientist says too much stay on power only helps to fuel corruption and havoc in a country.

“When a president stays in power for so long, an invisible and adaptive form of corruption will slowly be installed. They gradually form an almost insurmountable system that helps maintain them in power” says the political scientist. “In most African countries, Presidents through their crooked systems often manipulate their constitution to permit them stand for additional terms in office and this seems to be a dangerous growing trend” he adds

The cries of Mr Mohamadou and Mr Tangiri, are similar to the voices of millions of Africans suffering in hunger, poverty and unemployment; who want a change in their leadership.

It is said that new blood brings new things, but most African presidents are still to absorb this assertion and leave when their time is due.