|
 LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - Nigerian elections slammed as deeply flawed are deepening voter cynicism about corruption and contributing to intensified violence from gunmen targeting the oil industry, analysts say.
The vote rigging and violence that characterized last month's polls in Africa's largest oil producer have encouraged fighters to show off their strength — and bargaining power — to the new administration, analysts and militants said. They predict government officials, along with the oil industry, will be increasingly targeted as groups jockey for influence during the political transfer.
"There's a 'king is dead, long live the king' syndrome," said Ian Pilcher, the Nigeria country manager of the London-based security risk management company ArmorGroup. "It may be a statement of intent by the militants that ... they are still relevant."
|