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Henrik Angerbrandt is a Swedish researcher from Stockholm University. He was in Nigeria to work on issues surrounding election violence. He has visited Nigeria a few times but his last visit provided a brief and first opportunity to visit Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. At the International Press Centre, Lagos, Henrik met DAYO EMMANUEL and explains what his project is all about and what he feels about Nigeria. He explains more via email. Excerpts:
Can you recap your experience in Nigeria?
I have been to Nigeria several times and every time I am struck by how generous and hospitable Nigerians are. Since this is my first visit to Lagos, it has been very interesting to explore this multifaceted city. The population of Lagos in fact outnumbers that of entire Sweden.
In the first place why did you chose Nigeria for this project?
The research project I am working on is investigating how election violence affects democratic trajectories in Africa. Since Nigeria is not only the most populous country in Africa but also one of the most important in a regional perspective, the trail of Nigerian democracy is significant for many countries. Furthermore, elections in Nigeria are contentious and sometimes violent events and the stakes are high for the contestants which makes Nigeria a critical case to study in more detail for issues relating to electoral politics and violence.
How well have information gathered helped your work?
Quite a lot. During my visit I have met with scholars, journalists, civil society organisations, politicians, community leaders and others and all haven given important information and provided their accounts of the gains and challenges of Nigerian elections. Now, I have a much better picture of the challenges involved in times of elections.
Can you proffer solution to some of the problems you noticed while in Nigeria?
My field of study is politics and ethno-religious conflicts, and I see them as closely associated with each other. To be able to solve the ethno-religios conflicts, there is need for a transformation of politics in the sense that politics must not be regarded as way to distribute resources, but how to provide better conditions for people to pursue their goals and objectives.
Nigeria is largely divided along North and South apart from other dividing factors, can you compare Kaduna in the north to Lagos in the south using your brief stay?
I have often met accounts of the differences between North and South. But what strikes me the most are the similarities, which I see outweigh the differences.
Can you compare Nigerian media to that of your native Sweden? What are the differences?
One difference is that Swedish media gives less space to the accounts of those who provide information. It is very rare that speeches or press releases are provided in full in Sweden. Sometimes the reporters give different perspectives or interpretations of an event, but it is frequently superficial accounts of what has happened and why. There are however some magazines that has more of an in-depth character.
Given another opportunity would you like to visit Nigeria again?
Yes, Nigeria is a fascinating country and there is so much to experience.
What is your most memorable moment in Nigeria?
There are so many. Most memorable are the stories I have been told and the meetings I have had with so many people. But also everyday experiences, which range from having a flat tire in Lagos rush hour to the fascination of the level of constant activity.
