We Love Nigeria

by Hakeem Babalola

Love is one passion that can easily be used to swindle people even from their inheritance. And virtually every human believes in the glory of love, though everyone has their own ideas about it. Majority think an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation is love, while another majority believe temporary love of an adolescent is love itself. Perhaps only a few deeply understand.

The love of our country has been a delicate subject of debate since those featherbrained days when the efforts of colonialists to build a Nigerian elite was pervasive. From that befuddled minds onward, we have had neither a blissful sleep nor a scrumptious food. But we must hail thee Nigeria, telling every goat and chicken our vested mania parlance – patriotism.

If only those cynics would emulate an aura of glamour and prestige with which these "patriots" go about town screaming their love for Nigeria! I must confess however, that I often wonder whether it’s the right thing to do. But that’s my prejudice, for there is true love. Then, must they go to the market with a gong or speaker before professing their true love! What about taking a little surreptitious pleasure in the fact that they know the love they have for Nigeria!

Obsanjo usually flaunts his love for Nigeria, so is Atiku. It is a do-or-die love and, or anarchical flavour of love. Many also profess their love for Nigeria. They love Nigeria but Igilandi jungle their last sleep. By all means they must take their share of Queen Elizabeth’s pudding pound sterling. Should the sons and daughters of a former slave be buried alongside their colonial exploiter?

We love Nigeria. It is enough reason to treat common cold or catarrh, or bruise leg in the land of colonial merchants. Our profound love for Nigeria dictates we must kneel before the White House in Bushland in order to measure our worth. Even die-hard separatists love Nigeria so much their stargaze is to become the president. Let me hear you singing the song – we love Nigeria.

Solomon Lar loves Nigeria too. Lar, the first Governor of Plateau State and Pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Chief, once declared that any attempt to frustrate the presidential candidate of Atiku out of the last election would be resisted saying, "No Atiku, no April elections". I don’t remember any Nigerian governor or minister or commissioner or local chairwo(man) that swanks not his/her love for Nigeria. To show their wavering love, they must suffocate her by constricting the windpipe.

Yakubu Gowon loves Nigeria, so is Dim Ojukwu. So is Murtala Mohammed, Buka Suka Dimka, Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, Tunde Idiagbon, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Abubakar Abdusalami and of course the new boy. En, when the new boy appointed himself Minister of Petroleum, he was actually telling us: I love Nigeria pass Lord Lugard and Company.

Don’t you see how much they love Nigeria? It was the love they have for Nigeria that turned them adventurers; they joined the army where they passionately protect her from external aggression. And those that did not go to the battlefield showed their own love through polieatics. Common, sing along. We love Nigeria.

Shout hurrah! Because such stark and irresolute love for Nigeria has yielded result, but of course hidden only to the cynics and die hard Momus. For instance, it has smoothed her roads; provide adequate drinkable water; uninterrupted electricity; health care unsurpassed anywhere in the world; excellent education and good communication system; corruption free society and security of lives; and other achievements I can’t mention due to space.

Even thugs and bandits do profess their love for Nigeria. Dr. Ishola Oyenusi, Babatunde Folorunso and Lawrence Anini, remember them? They were the three notorious Nigerian armed robbers who terrorised our minds with impunity just like the ruthless IBB and other military adventurers. They too proclaimed their love for Nigeria before departing to the House of Hades. So is George Iyamu, a divisional police officer who provided Anini with logistic and ammunition.

Lamidi Adedibu of Molete in Ibadan and Chris Uba in Anambra also have Nigeria at the bottom of their innocent hearts. Both men have shown it in thier thinking and behaviour. It was Adedibu who brazenly told the nation that peace would reign in Ibadan only if he Adedibu wanted. The love we have for Nigeria must tolerate Adedibu’s ignoble utterances because, according to the father of modern Nigeria, Adedibu is too old to be reformed. Equally there’s honour among thieves ala Chris Uba.

America also loves Nigeria. So is United Kingdom. So is China, Lebanon and others. America because of her profound love had politely warned us that Nigeria would soon disintegrate. And has since been following that by constantly interfering in our affairs. For instance, America enjoined Nigeria to release Orji Kalu, former Abia State governor, from prison. Is Kalu the only ex-governor being prosecuted by EFCC (The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)? America is also seeking Translators of Nigerian Languages! What a true love!

But of course, the bard still loves Nigeria, so is the novelist. Niyi Osundare at 60 says he loves Nigeria more than any place in the world including New Orleans where he now resides. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, winner of the U.K Orange Prize for Fiction, at 29 says she loves Nigeria. The author of Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun describes Nigeria further: "it is a vibrant place with wonderful people, a place you love but it’s also a place that sometimes intensely irritates you".

So is Femi Oke, Nigerian by parentage and British by birth. Her passionate love for Nigeria radiates her voice when talking about Nigeria. "The warm thing about the country is that we are very smart, "says the full-time CNN host. "However, there’s so much disconnect about what we have and what we do with it. But I’m glad that wherever we find ourselves, we excel, we are very very enterprising".

I don’t know but it’s Osundare and Adiche and Oke I believe while I discredit other individuals mentioned in this article. Ironically, the three are living abroad. Perhaps it’s sincerity in their tones I have fallen for. "Nigeria is a place I love but also a place I refused to sugar-coat or whitewash," says Adiche. "It’s criticism borne out of love".


The love of our country has been a delicate subject of debate since those featherbrained days when the efforts of colonialists to build a Nigerian elite was pervasive. From that befuddled minds onward, we have had neither a blissful sleep nor a scrumptious food. But we must hail thee Nigeria, telling every goat and chicken our vested mania parlance – patriotism.

Know Your Ministers

Ministry/Portfolio Name
1. Attorney-General/Minister of Mr. Michael Aondoakaa Justice (SAN)
2. Agriculture/Water Resources Abba Sayyadi Ruma
3. Agriculture/Water Resources Adamu Maina Waziri (State 1)
4. Commerce/Industry Chief Charles Ugwu
5. Commerce/Industry (State) Ahmed Garba Bichi
6. Culture/Tourism Adetokunbo Kayode
7. Culture/Tourism (State) Aliyu Idi Hong
8. Defence Yayale Ahmed
9. Defence (State) Mrs Fidelia Njeze
10. Education Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu
11. Education (State 1) Agada Anthony Jerry
12. Education (State 2) Mrs Aishatu Jibril Dukku
13. Energy (State) Power Mrs Fatima Ibrahim
14. Energy (State) Petroleum Henry Odein Ajumogobia
15. Energy (State) Gas Odusina Emmanuel
16. Environment/Housing Mrs Halima Alao
17. FCT Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar
18. FCT (State) John Akpanudoedehe
19. Finance Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman
20. Finance (State) Aderemi Babalola
21. Foreign Affairs Ojo Maduekwe
22. Foreign Affairs (State 1) Tijjani yahaya Kaura
23. Foreign Affairs (State 2) Amb. Bagudu Hirse
24. Health Prof. Adenike Grange
25. Health (State) Gabriel Aduku
26. Information/Communication John Odey
27. Information/Communication (State) Ibrahim Nakande
28. Interior Maj.-Gen. Godwin Abbe (Rtd)
29. Interior (State) Hassan Alhaji Haruna
30. Labour Dr Hassan Lawal
31. Mines/Steel Development Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola
32. Mines/Steel Development (State) Ahmed Moh’d Gusau
33. Transportation Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke
34. Transportation (State) John Okechukwu Emeka
35. Science/Technology Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre
36. Youth Development Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi
37. Women Affairs Saudatu Usman Bungudu
38. Minister/Deputy Chairman National Planning Com mission Sen. Sanusi Daggash
39. Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission Abdulrahman Gimba.

Poor Okonjo-Iweala, Poor Adeniji

by Hakeem Babalola

I received the news with opposing mixed emotions: joy and sadness; fellow feeling and impassiveness; certainty and uncertainty; to be or not to be; reasonable and unreasonable. In fact, contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness refused to leave me alone.

Perhaps the above is not paradoxical, for there’s an intensity of imagination in me that yearns after what is absent, and which grasps at any fleeting image of what I lack. It’s a pity, even a shame because I cannot make the reader understand my exact thoughts.

Confused or not, that’s my state of mind when I read the headline: Okonjo-Iweala, Adeniji to Refund #205m to FG. Okonja-Iweala was Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and briefly Foreign Affairs Minister while Olufemi Adeniji was in the External Affairs Ministry and later Minister of Internal Affairs.

According to reports, Okonjo Iweala was ordered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja to refund over #140m to the federal coffers being excess salary paid to her in dollars during the last regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. Adeniji in a similar manner must cough #64m. No doubt the duo are on the horns of a dilemma, because this is a huge amount especially as a salary refund.

The court held that the two former ministers were not eligible to earn wages above those prescribed by the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act No.6 of 2002 made on December 13, 2002 but which is deemed to have come into force on May 29, 1999. Both were paid in dollars in contravention of the existing law that prescribes only naira as currency of payment for every Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

My question is this: is it their fault? Whose fault is it then? Because Okonjo-Iweala and Adeniji have to cough up a huge amount of money unless the Supreme Court comes to their immediate rescue. Damn it, it’s a chicken change for Nigerian ministers.

The man in charge of everything, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, authorized the payment even though he knew it was in violation of the law. Why did this man abuse such power contrary to Section 15 (5) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 153, which empowered Revenue Mobilization Allocation and fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders?

Did Obasanjo do it deliberately? Was it sadism and masochism on the part of OBJ to have bribed and, or enticed Okonjo-Iweala and Adeniji by paying them in foreign currency? Or what exactly transpired between Obasanjo and these ex-ministers? Listen to what David Jemibewon, a retired general and a former Minister of Police Affairs, says about the Owu man in this regard.

"Obasanjo probably enjoys or derives some enjoyment when he thinks somebody is injured. The closer you are to him, the more he knows you, the more he derives enjoyment from your injury. That’s the way I would put it."

Perhaps in his quest to recruit the best Nigerians, Obasanjo in his resplendent brand abused the Section to quench his thirst or inflame his ego, knowing in advance that the law would soon catch up with the two ministers post his administration.

Now that Obasanjo has put the two ministers in debt, what should be done? Although I wonder why lawyers of the two ministers did not advice them against the consequences of getting their salaries in hard currency in violation of Nigerian law, the truth is how many Nigerians would question such issue if they were in Okonjo-Iweala and Adeniji’s shoes!

I remember this issue generated a lot of controversy back then. It was, in retrospect, one of the worst mistakes Obasanjo and the two ministers ever made. Since the two ministers were there to serve their nation, they should have known the wise thing in this circumstance. It didn’t matter they had left a plum job to be ministers. Service is service. But how would they when the President himself succumbed to financial temptations during his eight-year reign?

If the two ex-ministers must refund #205.6 million paid to them as salaries while they were in office, how much should Obasanjo himself refund as an accomplice or instigator of the crime? What should be done to this man who messed up virtually everything during the period he occupied the seat of his ancestors. It won’t be fair to Okonjo-Iweala and Adeniji if Obasanjo is left in peace at his Ota chicken ranch.

More importantly, this is a virtuous and instructive lesson for all of us. Let’s play it according to the law of the land. Let’s respect the Constitution as we embark on its amendment. We should put our trust on the Constitution rather than the caprice of a President who may not be there for us when the law bangs the false.

Though the fault is that of the President who intentionally violated the Constitution in order to lure the two ex-ministers into his cabinets, I entreat them to refund the money irrespective of whether the Supreme Court upholds the decision or not. By doing this, the two ex-ministers, and especially Okonjo-Iweala would still command our respect. En, let them appease us.

It’s unfortunate turn of events if Okonjo-Iweala who had performed satisfactorily to the admiration of most Nigerians would have to end it all in this manner, because of one man’s malicious satisfaction. I’d like to believe that Okonjo-Iwela and Adeniji are hapless victims of Obasanjo’s inauspicious thunderings which shook heaven during his reign of blustery.

To use Prof. Bolaji Aluko’s words, this is "another nail in the coffin of impunity, another feather in the cap of our judiciary, and an admirable testimony to the doggedness of Fawehinmi in this case..."

The Rape of our College Girls

by Hakeem Babalola


University of Ibadan and that of Calabar were recently reported to have turned back female students whose dress the school authorities believe too sexy. Perhaps majority of adult male policy makers at our Higher Institutions share a sentiment similar to that of Mr. John Ekpang, University of Calabar’s Information Officer.

"Indecent dressing by university students was becoming too rampant and unacceptable," he says. "They distract lecturers, tempt fellow students and also make everyone very uncomfortable. We cannot continue to allow that in this school".

The above comment is all hogwash as far as I’m concerned. Aren’t these teachers suppose to be self- disciplined? Even if a female student walks into a classroom naked, it’s part of being a teacher for a male teacher to control himself. It’s not even about control but being a teacher to the core. Me say to hell with implausible excuses like "teachers are humans too".

First of all, the dress code issue in Nigerian universities shows the level of worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir faire possess by our intellectuals. It also reveals how well they use their mind creatively. If the way a student dresses affects the intelligence or spiritual principle of an esteemed teacher, then I suppose such teacher isn’t serious about his intellectual career.

Teachers who allow the Siren of their students’ way of dress thirst or wet their pants should, in my own opinion, become Eunuchs. If not, then they have no business being employed to impart knowledge or guard our female students. A male teacher who is distracted by a female’s "kinky dress" under any circumstances has betrayed the trust of the profession.

Prescribing dress code for University girls is like enslaving their gender spirit. What code of dress is being prescribed for their male counterparts, or even these wayward teachers who say they cannot impart knowledge unless their female students dress or behave like nuns? If the University authorities want female students to dress as if in a monastery, then the crusade should start from that end.

Says Chinenye, a University of Calabar student who was reportedly dressed in a pair of jeans trousers and spaghetti body-hug with her breasts almost popping out of the body-hug, "The security man said I’m dressed badly. I’m coming from the church, and the pastor never said anything like that". See what I mean? A woman’s body is a religious ornament and should not be covered from head to toe. It is a creation where God brings humans into life. It should be respected and not brutalized with dress code.

Dress code is an attack on their gender intellect as long as the same dress code does not apply to male students. It’s a slap on their freedom of expression as long as their male counterparts have not been accused of dressing in a "kinky" manner that distracts female teachers. Such promulgation is unnecessary, and it further testifies to the domination of male adult policy makers over their helpless female students.

The authorities of the Universities in question have only succeeded in murdering morality they claim to profess or instill in these female students. What is "kinky dress" anyway? Instead of occupying themselves with heavenly agenda like how Nigerian universities would become arena for proper learning, University authorities engage in mundane or unremarkable affair; wasting their energy on dress code.

So what kinds of dress should be worn by Higher Institution female students? I recommend uniform like in the primary and secondary schools; or let them veil their faces like women in Afghanistan so that male teachers’ thirst for sexually dressed female students could be easily curbed. Isn’t it embarrassing? I mean our male teachers telling the world they cannot control their manhood thing unless their female students adhere to a non-sexually provocative dress code?

Higher Institution being a radically distinctive and unequal topographic shrine of learning, a berth for self discovery, a craft to free one’s mind, should not become a capricious idea of male teachers’ roughshod treatment of female students. I support the right of female students to dress anyhow they want. Perhaps it’s the male teachers that should nimble as a deer for a heat therapy as a relief.

Even if these female students wear a full-dress uniform, a brazen and raunchy teacher would still be thirsty for their large bosom and pleasing curves. And this seems to be his undoing; he is simply addicted to any red-hot mama. Haven’t we heard the story of a secondary school male teacher harassing female students who do not wear "kinky" dress? So it’s not about the dress, rather about the seriousness mind of this depraved teacher. He is as filthy as a pigsty.

And why is it always the fault of the female students and not the fault of these addicted teachers? Why is the university community bending on a dress code for female students and conspicuously neglecting a dress code for these male teachers’ smutty nous? Perhaps the crusade should start by penetrating the perverse soul of this earthy and sexually explicit teacher or administrator.

As a Secondary School teacher here in Hungary where even under age girls dress in "kinky" outfit, I have never heard of a dress code oppressive mentality. Male teachers here despite students’ "kinky dress" do not lose focus or their minds in the classroom. In fact I’m vastly disturbed by their incorrigible nasty behaviour than "kinky" dress. Male teachers must adapt to their female students’ way of dressing. Period

However, if we must suppress our female undergraduates’ freedom of dress expression, we should endeavour to start at the earliest stage rather than wait until one morally corrupt teacher tells us he lacks concentration because of his female student’s plushy flesh. Although I don’t favour teacher-student love relationship, if however, they both hide under love tango, it must be absolutely consensual.

So the authorities of Nigerian Higher Institutions should stop their campaign of obloquy against our female students under the pretense of dress code. Our female students should be respected and given the chance to study rather than physically and emotionally assault their gender. A teacher who cannot stop being a dog unless his female students adhere to a code dress disparaging remark should choose another career.

The Gambian Godfather

by Hakeem Babalola

In the early 90's shortly after the collapse of communism, Africans started exploring another part of the world in order to experiment whether the Central Europe would become another haven just like the Western Europe where majority of Africans considered as their second home. Among these explorers were Steve Aboaba and Mufutau Hassan. These two men wanted to remain in Hungary but Foreigners' Police Office wouldn't renew their residence permit, even though both had reasons to stay. Aboaba had Hungarian wife, a daughter and a job. Hassan was then an expectant father and an athlete. But they were told to leave the country.

The two men's plight seemed impossible to resolve until one man came to their aid. Like almost every African living in Hungary they turned to the man who is known across Hungary's vibrant African community as a fighter for their rights. But who is this man? He is Mr. Deen. (That is what they call him). He is a Gambian, who is now Hungarian citizen, but prefers African. One can describe him as the godfather with passion for helping people though some see him as a show father who loves blowing his own trumpet. Today, although Aboaba has left the country, Hassan is now a naturalized Hungarian, living with his Hungarian wife and children.

Unlike most godfathers, this one is not rich, he does not wear ostentatious clothes or jewelry, and he does not kill or inspire violence. Instead he is a fighter for human rights, which is why he founded the Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Movements in 1992 with the aim of fighting injustice, integrating with Hungarians and promoting African culture. Gibril Deen, who turned 60 on February 17, is also the organizer and team manager of Afrikai Star Football Club.

Stocky in build with an imposing presence, Deen left the shore of Africa when many of us here were either in primary or secondary school, or not even born yet. He came to Hungary to study history and political science, and later printing and graphics arts. Like most of his contemporaries, he stayed after completing his studies. He then attended courses on trade unionism and sport management. "I've devoted all of my life to human rights activities and I'll fight for anyone," he says.

And he had fought many of those battles especially in the early 90's when things were rough for Africans living here. For instance, he secured the release of Austin, a Nigerian imprisoned for drug related offenses. "Mr. Deen is a superman," says Austin who is now in Canada. "He did everything possible to get me out. May God bless him."

The godfather's citywide web of contracts had also helped students obtain scholarships that allow them to stay in the country. Abubakar Toure, a Liberian, whose parents were reportedly killed in that country's civil war, describes Deen as a good man. "When all hopes seemed lost, he secured a scholarship for me. I will never forget him."

Although skinhead attacks are not heard of these days, the Mahatma Gandhi Movement was formed partly to combat discrimination by some disgruntled youths as well as official discrimination against Africans living in Hungary. "In the 90's, political freedom encouraged the growth of racism and helped trigger skinhead attacks," says Deen. "They waged war against us and we had to defend ourselves by peaceful means. We are living here, working here, we have family here, and we have been given permission to stay. But the nationalistic thinkers want to drive us away."

According to Deen, more than four hundred African students left Hungary in 1992 because of racist attacks. "Under communism it was safe for everyone to walk the streets, whatever their colour. During the 70's nobody disturbed you or asked what you were doing here. People were sympathetic and friendly in those days, although even now most people still are. But integration into Hungarian society is not easy because of the language, and partly because many Hungarians still find it difficult to accept foreigners in their midst."

Deen says police prejudice against Africans is still there. Not even the godfather could escape police brutality. He once stayed two days in police custody because he did not carry his identity card with him. Deen also cites the case of a Nigerian who was reportedly beaten with truncheons and planks and kicked until he lost consciousness by two police officers at a detention camp. However, the godfather admits some Africans engage in criminal activities, but he believes this does not warrant such hypothetical reasoning that all Africans living in Hungary are the same.

The courts offer no relief. "Judges don't judge things right," says Deen. The godfather also frowns at the way the Interior Ministry treats cases involving Africans married to Hungarian women. "They don't respect intermarriage that much," he says, adding that police seldom answer court summons in such cases. "In fact, the foreigners' law is still difficult for many foreigners to understand. Hence they should always seek legal advice."

Although Deen has helped asylum seekers from Africa and Middle East secure refugee status, he claims many Hungarians "see us as economic refugees", who should go back to their different countries. Even with refugee status, "you're treated as a second class citizen". Deen thinks their prejudice stems from ignorance. He argues that most Hungarians have not met African intellectuals, so they don't really know us that much. Another reason, according to him, is because of the negative reports on Africa. "It definitely takes a strong mind not to be swayed by constant false portrayal of Africa by the Western media."

Unemployment is one of many problems confronting Africans in Hungary. Deen says it's difficult for Africans to secure a reasonable job. Even if Africans find a position, "we would be the first to go in case of redundancy." Although he believes everybody has a future, Deen doesn't see that future for Africans who wants to work in Hungary. "Language," he says, "is number one predicament." He suggests that new African immigrants should "learn the language as quickly as possible."

As a result of unemployment, many Africans have resorted to self-employment, raging from forming their own Human Rights Organisations to selling in the market to having their own shops to forming musical bands. Perhaps it was unemployment problems that prompted Deen to establish Afrikai Star Football Club in 1994. However, one thing is certain: He strongly believes sports and football in particular, is a great way to bring interpersonal awareness. The Afrikai Star Football Club represented Hungary in FIFA's Fair Play Football Against Racism in Europe, which took place in Italy recently. "But unfortunately many Hungarians do not like the fact that Africans are representing Hungary in such competitions," he says with a little grimace.

Although Deen is admired and respected by some, others dislike him for blowing his own trumpet. Biodun Alabi, a pharmacist and former member of Afrikai Star Football Club, says Deen talks too much but sees him as an interesting, responsible and a Saviour. "If Mr. Deen helps you, hundreds of people will know.”

Williams Ejalu, a legal practitioner, agrees with such accusation. He describes Deen as an elderly that should be respected, but unfortunately he seems to always chew more than he could swallow. "He is fond of boasting that, he had helped every African in Hungary,” adding that such behaviour is not a characteristic of elderly person.

While some of his associates see his self-promotion as a fault, Deen sees it as a virtue. "They say I talk too much, but they don't know it is part of my job," he asserts. The godfather does not deny his love of publicity. "They use me. They gain from me. Even they once accused me of embezzlement, yet they want me to keep quiet. The problem is African man doesn’t want another to progress. That is our problem. If they can't thank me, they should leave me in peace."

It does not end there, as some even accused him of being naive. They alleged that Deen often allowed himself to be used by those involved in shady business like human trafficking. "Many have exploited him," says Godwin Njoku, an English teacher cum Human Rights activist. "Deen works a lot and does his job with good heart but can’t keep a client’s secret."

It’s certain the godfather is now guiding against his name being dragged into the mud. "Deen has done his best, and is now protecting his name," says Peter Ihaza, Nigerian Union President, adding that if Deen suspects someone is up to something shady, he’s most likely avoid you. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, they say. Maybe that's the price this man has to pay for caring about the plight of fellow immigrants in a foreign country.

African scholarship students must return to Africa

Winning a scholarship for further studies is for the privileged few. It is obvious that, not every kofi and Adio can get money from government to help pay for their education. Securing a scholarship to study – especially abroad – is meant for exceptionally brilliant chaps. An educational organization or government in recognition of such aptitude is always ready to flame their scholastic skills, and in the hope that such chaps would pay their debts later in life – at least to better their immediate society.

These eggheads become government pikin straightaway (not that kind one o) to the jealous of their contemporaries who are not as brilliant or lucky. Even their parents instantly become the centre of all eyes. "My pikin dey go abroad dey study," the proud parents would be eager to tell anyone who cares to listen. We always hold these young and upcoming intellectuals in high esteem. They are the chosen ones to help develop their respective countries. They would go abroad, learn the white man’s magic, and then return – to make things happen. Hence the main reason every government invest on their eggheads.

Therefore, it is a tragedy if such great expectation is dashed! How could one describe it then if for instance, these students refused to go back to their different countries after their studies! It is important to remind them that, to whom much is given much is expected. Africa needs their knowledge and wealth of experience, which would be impossible to render by refusing to go back to their respective countries. They need to know that such stay-behind action has derogatory connotations, which reveals inferiority complex; and admission of something like "I am not capable upon all my education".

I am forced to ask this question: are they intellectually lazy to make it happen in their continent? Why are they shying away from taking a giant step in contributing their quotas to the development of their motherland? It’s embarrassing for instance, to hear Hungarian minister gloating over African students living in Hungary after completing their studies. "Many African students remain in Hungary with their families after their studies," said Dr. Somogyi Ference, former Hungarian foreign minister.

These students may claim their native countries do not provide a conducive environment for such return. However, an implausible excuse as this actually is where the problem lies, for as eggheads, one would have thought it’s their duties to help create or provide a darling environment. One would have thought they are capable of radical solutions for the development of their respective countries. I doubt if European or American scholarship students in Africa or somewhere else are in the habit of staying behind after their studies. It simply exceeds bounds of reason or moderation.

I understand it’s much easier to finish one’s study, get married to the citizen of host countries, and reside permanently there. But they need to take the bull by the horns. They must pay their debts to their different countries. They owe their respective countries big time. Eggheads should not behave like "hustlers" or street ones as the late Nigerian ambassador to Hungary, Gershon Guyit, reportedly described those of us who are not students.

I remember a former senior diplomat introducing a Nigerian to President Obasanjo as a successful scholarship student who has settled down in Hungary. Obasanjo’s countenance says it all: you must be a compound fool to attribute success to that. Meanwhile, it further shows that many African diplomats do not even know their right from left. I mean how on earth could a scholarship student who has refused to pay his debt described as being successful. Until these rare breeds initiate a certain programme which would alleviate the unnecessary woes that pervade their continent, let them not celebrate.

Refusing to return after their studies is characterized by that laconic chasteness which Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Bob Marley found characteristic of low mentality or mental slavery. African scholarship students should embark on fasting. They need a very fair reflection upon the way in which they must meet the great expectation. Putative as it, Africa desperately needs its sons and daughters who read engineering, medicine, pharmacy and other equally important subjects, to bail it out.

To be fair, I am not quite sure I would be any different if I were a scholarship student. I mean returning to where? Where there’s no provision for jobs, food is scarce, and environment not conducive for human progress! But then, finding solution to these problems suppose to be a task these scholarship students must not run away from. Since they are a rare breed, a fountain head; living in Europe, America, Australia etc, after completing their studies, is a testimony to Africa’s backwardness. Let them bail us out.

Yar'Adua's Babangida's Style

Before he became the anointed Nigeria’s President, I have had cause to compare him to former President Shehu Shagari who was not corrupt but headed a very corrupt government. The two men were once teachers and seem gentle by nature. At the centre of their historic transformation is also an Owu man who is being rumoured to have been fathered by an Igbo man. It was he who handed over his inheritance to both men in a controversial manner. Remember OBJ’s the best candidate may never win ala Shagari, and now "a do or die affair" ala Yar’Adua.

But Yar’Adua seems to be following in the footstep of Babangida’s system of government rather than that of this stubborn Owu man who elevated himself to a Supreme being during his eight-year rule; and who is now reading theology, a field where most Nigerians play to oppress other Nigerians. See, I just won’t leave the poor old man alone.

Hum, Yar’Adua released Asari Dokubo from the gulag of Obasanjo whom Dokubo had accused of trying to bribe him while in prison. There’s no doubt such gesture scored political point. It was also the right thing to do. Let the same generosity be extended to Ralph Nwazurike, who is currently languishing in jail for the same offence. However, such move or gesture reminds me of Babangida who released jailed politicians and journalists during the early days of his agony eight-year rule. It was after all a fancy gimmick.

Babangida was quickly termed a listening military President by the Nigerian elite. His style was obviously in sharp contrast to his predecessors who had brutalized the mind of Nigerians then. While Tunde Idiagbon and Muhammadu Buhari did not see any reason to smile, Ibrahim Babangida stole our hearts with his gap-toothed grin. He cried out, beseeching us to call him President instead of Head of State. We obeyed his gentle but cunning command like the docile masses of an enslaved nation.

Even sage Awolowo was consistently carried along by Babangida’s pretense. Or have you forgotten how he robed my main man, Tai Solarin who had vowed never to put on Agbada. It was an evil genius move which cleared the way for another era of military barbarity that forever exposed hypocrisy in our nature. I remember our Noble laureate also worked under him.

It was a military mentality that dwarfed the intellectual establishment of hopes. Since then Nigeria has never been the same. Like then, Yar’Adua is now courting esteemed Nigerians including Wole Soyinka and Anthony Enahoro through PRONACO, an organization that has affiliated itself to these two prominent Nigerians.

Now the Nigerian elite have started again. They have started commending Yar’Adua over asset declaration. Although it is going to be the first time that a sitting president will be declaring his asset, these people must remember that we are under an illegitimate government. Femi Falana, Human rights lawyer and President of the West African Bar Association (WABA), commended Yar’Adua saying, "The public declaration of assets by President Umaru Yar’Adua has elevated the Presidency, in spite of the legitimacy crisis confronting it as a result of the last elections".

In his own commendation, Gani Fawehinmi noted this would be the first time that a sitting president will start fighting corruption in a right way by publicly declaring his asset. Maxi Okwu, the National Chairman of the Citizens Popular Party (CPP), also shared the same sentiment saying, "It is my believe that this may well be the turning point in the unrestrained and hedonistic looting of public funds witnessed in the last eight years".

Reuben Abati of Guardian described it as "a demonstration of confidence, and a good moral and symbolic gesture". Even Bolaji Aluko of AC (Action Congress) in his article, "That One Billion Naira Public Declaration of Assets by Umar Musa Yar’Adua" praised Yar’Adua in a clever manner. These intellectual elite may be right in the assessment of Yar’adua, yet the question remains thus: was he voted for by Nigerians, or the election that brought him to power was massively rigged? There lies the good conduct.

Their commendation is similar to that of Ray Ekpu of Newswatch who quickly praised Babangida in the early years of his administration. The master dribbler later showed the stuff he’s made of, and the rest is now history. Are Nigerians still as gullible as twenty years ago? Particularly those who supposed to know better. Are they willing to repeat the same mistake? Can’t they see it? That this man is employing the same tactics eyploited by IBB in those troubled days? It’s called a policy of appeasement.

No one alerted the nation then that Babangida was only appeasing the nation so as to be allowed to eat his own cake. Cake? Nigerian cake? Therefore, Nigerians should be cautious in the policy of jumping to conclusion regarding their leaders. I wonder if Nigerians would ever learn from past experience. Here is a man who should not be the president in the first place due to blatant rigging of the elections that brought him to power.

Yar’Adua may be a good guy, but the fact that he is fighting desperately to legitimize himself cannot be overlooked. It is the same reason for his keen in forming government of national unity. Hum, conscience is an open wound. And suffice to say I would not only have praised him, I would have worshipped him for such noble exemplary method had he won the election without blatant rigging of which he had admitted.

Whether Yar’Adua vows to pursue constitution amendment or not; whether he adopts Abiola’s manifesto or not; whatever he does will only amount to a ruse unless the first hurdle – honesty, transparency, free and fair elections – is crossed. I expect Nigerians to understand that a new broom always sweeps clean. I’m not saying Yar’Adua’s declaration of his assets is bad, in fact, all public officials should do the same.

However, the key point of my argument is this: Nigerians should not fall for the bait to legitimize a stolen mandate. Ibrahim Babangida did the same but where did it lead us? Adopting Babangida or Obasanjo’s style or mixture will not help this former Chemistry teacher. Anyway, I see him as a Caretaker President until the Election Petition Tribunal decides otherwise.

Nigerian Embassy in Hungary Should Improve on Information Technology

The world is still aglow with a sense of victory for discovering what is now known as The age of Information Technology. It seems our existence is now largely depends on macroscopic of information. Computer for example is leading in this regard. All one need do nowadays is sit comfortably in front of the screen with keyboard and you have the world at your finger.

How un/fortunate we are. Good or bad, those who fail to embrace this madness would definitely find themselves at the bottom of the totem pole. They become the practical joke of their immediate environment. A father or mother who does not embrace IT craziness often becomes outdated in the eyes of his or her children.

Most especially, organizations are caught in the web of this madness. The smooth path to failure for any establishment is not to adhere to this simple fact, which has elevated IT graduates’ position. The culture of information has shaped our thinking; it has become our trust on how best to comport ourselves. It has improved us in all ramifications. The other day a student of mine was telling me how the internet has helped his Hungarian family find their lost relatives who had fled to the US in the 50’s. What a joyful tear.

Despite this advancement (?), I was dazed to hear that many Nigerian Embassies all over the world did not know about the death of a Nigerian dastardly killed in Spain while being deported. It’s simply an implausible excuse for Nigerian representatives abroad to claim ignorant of such magnitude incident, because Concerned Nigerians Worldwide did a very good PR job. Every avenue was used to its fullest in order for the world to hear and listen to our cries.

So what happens to networking among the Nigerian Embassies across the globe. For instance, what prevented the Nigerian Embassy in Spain where the incident took place to inform its counterparts? Or what exactly is the purpose of a circular letter? Or are Nigerian Embassies as divided as walnut? Are they not in contact with one another especially during emergency?

I was doing a research recently when I stumbled on the websites of the Nigerian Embassies. Whilst that of Germany, Austria, Atlanta, could be described as standard because of the juicy and abundant information, the same thing could not be said of our Embassy in Hungary, which provides scanty information about the services to Nigerians living in Hungary. And if anybody thinks I’m only being mischivious, let him or her visit the Embassy of Nigeria in the The Haque's website to actually catch a glimpse of my argument.

For instance, Citizen Identification, Forum, Q & A, Age Declaration, Qualification Update, should be included. Besides, why can’t the Nigerian Embassy here authenticate documents unless in Abuja whereas its counterparts in Atlanta and Austria render such services even though with extortionate prices? The Nigerian Embassy websites should be unfettered competition in the informative arena.

The websites of the Nigerian Embassies in Atlanta and neighbouring Austria and Germany give more useful information like News, Events, Mission, Gallery, Press Release, Visiting Nigeria, Education in Nigeria, Foreign journalists, and even 419 scam. Why is the Nigerian Mission here in Hungary different? I think it should emulate the aforementioned Nigerian Consulates.

I kinda like the introduction by the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, who states categorically that the website "was created in fulfillment of my promise to Nigerians of the creation of a Web Site that would serve the needs of the information age". And that’s what I’m talking about.

Although the website of the Nigerian Embassy in Hungary extensively focuses on business and investment, it does not provide enough data on factors that may make potential investors shun the country. I mean how can any Nigerian Embassy be talking about business without equally talking about 419 scam which has become an epidemic outbreak of embarrassment for our country.

In fact, I strongly believe and thus recommend that the Nigerian Embassies should always educate their different hosts about this advanced free fraud which is powerful enough to deter potential investors from going to any region in Nigeria. Example of this can be found on the website of the Nigerian Embassy in The Haque where a rejoinder was placed on the news section, disparaging the misinformation about 419.

Does our Embassy here keep records of news concerning Nigeria or Nigerians in Hungary? I should think so. I once did a story titled, "Governments React to Scam " published by the then Budapest Week. I expect such story to be displayed on the Embassy Information Board, or even made available where potential investors could read it. It does not augur well for Nigeria’s image if 419 information or news is not given enough coverage. Worse still, if potential investors have to rely on American or British websites for such information. It is our problem and we must lead in this regard.

Additionally, it would be a thing of joy if one can read Nigerian newspapers, and or magazines at our Embassies across the globe. Well, this may not be that necessary as one could easily read them on the web, and the links are lusciously provided by Nigerian Missions. This is laudable.

Finally, why did it take weeks after the Ambassador’s arrival in Hungary before her name was eventually included on the staff list? Most Nigerians have known, or have seen her here and there before the website was updated. Up till now the Nigerian former President’s name has not been changed to the new one. This is the usefulness of news or press release section which can be used to educate Nigerians. Over to the new Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary, Mrs Adeola Adebisi Obileye (Mni).

Ambassador’s Refusal to Meet the Union Caretaker Committee

So the new Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary, Mrs Adeola Adebisi Obileye, refused to meet with the Nigerian Union Caretaker Committee. To tell the truth, I am not surprised at our Madam’s decision, after all, the position is a sacred one. Only a gullible Nigerian would be so ignorant of the fact that our public officials have gradually switched the aphorism civil servant to civil master.

Even the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, systematically turned himself to God during his eight-year rule marked by unjust severity and arbitrary behaviour. Sarcasm apart, is our Madam right or not? Follow me down the path where you and I must discard sentiment for proper reasoning.

Before I go in perspective, I would like to point out that I intend to be balanced and objective as much as I could. Hum, here we go again; hiding under objectivity to perpetrate crime of subjectivity. Don’t be fooled, for objectivity sometimes means act of subjectivity. See, I am on the horns of a dilemma, precisely the same dilemma which has always disquieted me.

I am going to deal with the Ambassador’s justification for not meeting with the Caretaker Committee. I would try to highlight the reasons as well as proffer solutions. Since the 2nd Secretary, Ms Abimbola Aiyenuro, insisted that a protocol had to be followed, let’s reason together. I would have imagined a situation like this:

The Ambassador could not meet with riffraff. Go and table whatever problems facing you before my able and competent Head of Chancery. He will alleviate your acute mental or physical pain and if he couldn’t, make you carry your wahala go back Nigeria. What are you doing here anyway? You just dey spoil our country name. I beg commot make I see road o jare.

By not passing through the appropriate authority, the C.T.C may have transgressed, which the Embassy abominated. The Head of the Chancery may also have been angered along the way. The man has been here for a while as the head of the mission in the absence of the Ambassador, no one booked an appointment with him; then suddenly the problem became so urgent to meet with the new Ambassador!

Does it mean that the C.T.C would never have tabled the issues unless there’s an Ambassador? It’s what I was saying when I suggested that the C.T.C should tarry a little before meeting with the Ambassador. I had argued it was too early, even unnecessary for now. But I was accused of criticizing the Committee. It should not be lost on us that most Nigerian diplomats are here for Nigeria and not for Nigerians, an attitude antithetical to my beliefs.

I hope the C.T.C has learned a valuable lesson. It is impossible to beat the diplomats in this diplomatic game. This is the main reason I had alerted the C.T.C to trudge with caution. I wonder why the experienced member of the Committee didn’t propose the fineness way to go about it. Perhaps consultation with the former executives would have done the magic.

Dr Husain Omar who had worked at the same Embassy for example, should have enlightened the other members about the significance of diplomatic protocol. Public officials cherish it like my seven-month-old boy breast feeding. In my humble opinion earlier communicated, I had stated that it would have been better if the Committee allowed the Ambassador herself to initiate such meeting. Better still, the Committee should have had her address the Nigerian Community as a whole. But no one listened to a small voice of "dissent".

There’s no doubt the fact that the issues tabled before the Embassy are monumental, and I had written about them somewhere else. Standard Machine Readable Passports (MRP) if procured will definitely solve the problem of proxy passports in Hungary which is tarnishing the country’s image every now and then. It’s quite unfortunate that Nigerians must travel to Nigeria or neighbouring country before obtaining a Nigerian passport.

Likewise the verification and authentication of Nigerian documents. I think the C.T.C asks the right question: "how come we have an Embassy in Budapest and all documents concerning Nigerians have to be authenticated in Abuja?" I shall deal with this in my next article. Consular Day for Nigerians is not a bad idea either which if accepted will be a sign of respect for Naija citizens in Hungary. However, I do not share the sentiment that Nigerian Embassy needs Nigerians.

The C.T.C did make a few general observations though, especially "that the Nigerian Embassy has a very negative impression of Nigerian resident in Hungary". I would add that it’s an open secret that Nigerian Embassies all over the world do not respect its citizens. How would they when the lies we often told have reached their desk. And how do you expect them to even respect the Nigerian Union in Hungary when certain former executives have been caught in the web of shoddiness and, or ostentatiousness.

Meanwhile, I quite understand the C.T.C’s frustration. I mean if the Ambassador had agreed to meet with them, why renegade on her promise? But then her responsibility as the Ambassador is to delegate authority. Isn’t it? Hum, diplomacy palaver. Whatever the case may be, I prefer a "symbiotic working relationship" rather than a "master servant relationship".

Finally, as we await the feedback from the Embassy, let me part with this: leadership, says former Turkish President, is not about being nice but about doing the right thing. I trust both parties would not be swayed by the sentiment they represent.

A Salute to Purpose and Tenacity

The roughshod treatment and eventual death of a Nigerian by the Spanish agents has exhibited perfect lineaments of Nigerians that had been repressed by unknown soldiers or government. That unheralded destruction of Osamuyia on June 9, 2007 evoked the sweetest passions among Nigerians all over the world. It was an unprecedented move which will from now on define how Nigerians are treated abroad.

Having confirmed the truth that led to the unceremoniously brusque manner in which Spanish government stuffed out Osamuyia’s life, Nigerians moved in a swift sense to alert the universe about the way we have been silently killed by different law enforcement officials.

Within a twinkle of an eye, Nigerians all over the world mounted a protest letter, which was signed by over three thousand comforters. They followed this by a peaceful march to Spanish Embassies around the world on Friday 29 – to deliver their sorrowfulness neatly packaged inside the envelope.

I salute these Nigerians. I take my hat off to them. It was an action likely to place them in a golden book when the history of Nigeria is truly told. No intention to exaggerate. I know I’m being sentimental but please allow me to wallow as a relief; you may criticize me later.

My sympathy is not actually for the dead, but for the living. I am mournful and pensive because of you and I. I tell thou the lamentable tale of me because of my children and yours. I am heavyhearted but gladden because Nigerians all over the world have set the pace. They have cried to heaven to stop the primitive culture of torture being exhibited by these western officials.

I salute their purpose and determination. I salute the oneness spirit that gears the hearts of Nigerians to a call. I salute the sweat of our grandmothers who have originated our thought; and so we don’t have to wait for Godot, because expecting manner from our government to protect us is like self mockery.

I salute Ahaoma Kanu of National Daily Newspaper who is also the coordinator of the June 29 protest to Spanish Embassies. I salute Nigerians all over the world. Bennie Attoh, Kingsley Iwu, Simon, Bosede Olatunji, Reginald, Peter, Kaycee K Theo, Peter Clever, Angel, and Benin Union in Ireland, Ugo Daniels and Baba Aeniyi in Cyprus, Chris Isiguzo in Finland, Ogbemudia T Ode-Idahosa in Egypt, Olasupo Babatunde in Turkey, Gbenga Odjo in Burkina Faso, Taiwo Danjuma in Switzerland, Ofonime Andrew in Canada, Elie Smith and Kola Afolabi in France, Adigun Olosun in Germany, Charles Ezugha in China, Adeola Aderounmu, Iriemenam Emeka, Peter, Sola Balogun, Henry in Sweden.

Derrick Dog, Malaysia; Olufemi Oladehin, South Africa; Peter O A Jolad, Brazil; Oguzie J.J, Italy; Sam Adebowale, Spain; Tunde Solanke, NAR, Paul Adujie, Taiwo Olorede, Bolaji Aluko, Oluwaseye Olusa, Anaelechi Onwnwanne, Ogaga, Efrain Perez in USA; Charles Ezugha, China; Victor Oshioke, Austria; Onome Akpodiete, Japan; Walter Obiora, Senegal; Temple T. Nwafor, Algeria; African Community Netherlands; In Nigeria are Eezeebee, Kunle H.T. Olakunle, Okey Martins, Ugochukwu Okafor, Nathaniel Oriasotie, James ezenwa, Gemini T-Okoeguale, Simon Apeh, Ebi, Rose Mordi, Sunny, and Anthony Obonade.

And especially the UK Group. Wale Akin, Uncle Tisha, Angela Bruce, Anoited, Eja, Anne Mordi, Folayan Osekita, Tony Ishiekwene, Ishola Taiwo, Abike-Ade, Victor Akara, Babajide Ojo, Kelechi Akwiwu, Bukky, Owoh, and of course Uche Nworah who anchored the interviews and wrote to many organizations including the Amnesty International. You are all marvellous in this regard because you have infused therapeutic solutions into the veins of Nigerians.

While the death was a harrowing experience for most Nigerians, their government prevents from decaying their usual strong silence. The murder of a Osamuyia in Spain is less important. After all, Nigerian former first lady also died in that region. The culture of dying in Spain with puzzling terseness may gradually becoming an addiction. Interestingly enough, a Spanish citizen, Ruth Diaz-Ufano, strongly condemned the killing saying, ″It is absolutely terrible. I am ashamed to be Spanish″.

Although we have set an example for Nigerian government to follow, the journey has just begun. As from now on, any inhumane treatment of a Nigerian should be treated with integrated social concern. If it pleases our embassies, let them not open their ears or eyes to our cries. But one thing is certain: the era of silent killing or animal-like killing of Nigerians is over. We have moved to curb their untoward ribaldry.

It is perhaps ironically humorous, for it takes this vicious kicks of Osamuyia before one can appreciate the other side of Nigerians. Even if we are not actually doing it for Osamuyia, the message of our grief is clear: we can protect ourselves. We put our differences aside to create a symbolic in depth game worth the candle. I salute what we stand for – in this regard.

Egun nla nii Kehin Igbale. How can I forget Big K (that’s what they call him, and I have an insane wish to see his name longer than this) whose quick response unfolds the protest. These Nigerians are using the power of technology to define the way Nigerians all over the world should be respected like a glorious spring morning. And by this they have managed to divulge further the frivolity of their government when it comes to welfare or shielding them from danger. In case they don’t know, nigeriavillagesquare.com has gradually become a young child whose talents excite wonder and admiration; she is a voice.

The story is the same from Brazil to United Kingdom to America to Lebanon: strong and annoying silence from Nigerian government over the controversial deaths of its citizen in foreign countries. Or has anybody have any information that our government is actually doing something over Osamuyia’s untimely death. Or there’s nothing concern Osamuyia’s government regarding his demise? I just need to know. Hum, Bi oni igba ba se pe igba re, la se ba pe (whatever the owner of the calabash call it is what others will call it for him. I beg where is Wole Soyinka or Chinua Achebe?)

For example, Paul Adujie described how his efforts to make the Nigerian Consul General in New York, Ibrahim Auwalu, stamp the protest letter was cunningly thwarted. But Adujie should have known better. That’s the reason I didn’t bother myself going to our embassy here in Budapest. Says Taiwo Olorode, "There was even a lady employee of the Consulate who went our of her way to alert security people to remind us not to distribute the leaflet (in our Nigeria House fixtures) or anywhere around it".

In his own contribution, Nigerian Deputy High Commissioner in London, Dozie Nwanna, engaged the "protesters in free for all fight that brought the police to calm the situation," according to NVS. Well, twenty days after the killing, Nigeria Tribune reported that Osamuyia’s government gave the order in writing through the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Spain for action. Hum, it’s never too late but I am much more interested in the outcome rather than the beginning, because such investigations had been suppressed in the past.

Meanwhile here in Hungary where I am hiding like a timid rabbit, it’s quite a task to organize a protest of this magnitude, especially when the incident occurred somewhere else. Besides, most Nigerians here often feel unconcerned about an issue unless it directly affects their lives. Please don’t blame us, for the language barrier is another ball game. Anyway, I informed the Nigerian Union Caretaker Committee about the protest but never heard from them. Perhaps they have an important and serious issue at hands for now.

So off I went to the Spanish Embassy in Budapest on Friday 29th after a slightly tentative approach. I called the Spanish Embassy and informed the Ambassador’s office about my intention. Half a loaf, they say, is better than none. I eventually spoke with one Hollai Zoltan who told me I could come to the embassy at noon according to my request. And so I delivered my sorrow and that of others in a neatly parked white envelope.

Life as African Hungarian

Interview by Hakeem Babalola

She's 25 and already separated from her father for 23 years. She often thinks of her father but doesn’t miss him. As a child, only sweet things she heard about him until adulthood when her mother decides to reveal the darker side of the man she once married to. Her mother told her: your father didn’t allow me to pick quinine, so I had malaria four times and you had it twice. It was malaria that killed your younger sister in Nigeria. Your father was not a bit kind to me…Meet Klara Bassey who says she can’t actually judge her father because he’s not here to defend himself.


Please briefly say something about yourself?
My name is Klara Orsolya Eme Bassey. I was born in Budapest in 1983 February 2nd. So now I'm 25. After High School, I tried a University (Eötvós Lorand Tudomány Egyetem) but I left before the first exams. It turned out quite early that I've got nothing to do with teacher's classes neither the library sciences. After a year of thinking, being confused, and having a serious nervous break down, I went to School of Design. Decoration, Interior and Outer shop design (visual merchandising) became my trade. This course only gave me mid-level certification.

During this two years I studied in Pannonia Animation film studio. I learned how to make animated cartoons manually and some animated film history. After Design school, I still didn't feel talented enough to go to the University of Applied Arts so I started another two-year course, but didn't finish. Actually I didn't know what to do with myself. Finally, one of my best friends found me a job where I work as a decorator. Funny, isn't it?
During school years I used to be a dancer at Tunde Komolafe's group - the Bongo Men. I also did some hostess as well as waitress jobs, which I disliked later. My main job is decoration. With the B.O Decoration Corporation we are working for the Pafumeria Douglas. I have been doing this for almost two years, and in spite of my interest in textile designing, I couldn’t make up my mind what to do with my talent. Though I consider my talent in drawing and fashion designing as hobbies, I would like to make it bigger.

On the other hand, I really want to be a mother soon. But this does not depend on me alone. Anyway, I think it's quite clear that I do not know where I am going in general. So I don't want to act as if I knew something special about life. I could describe only one thing as my practical ambition: I'd like to do my best at whatever I do. In an abstract meaning, my ambition is to give fashion a new base. I would like people to see beauty in a compact way. I have had enough of men with perfect bodies, and girls with ill-looking slim frames! Let beauty be more than that. The other thing I'd like to change is the picture people have about eroticism. It's ugly and flat to advertise everything with naked women. Sex is something discreet; should stay between two people. If we consider the truth that eroticism has a wider meaning than sex, then we could exchange nakedness with mystery, which I think could give more than the 'pure facts' of a body! I would design not only clothes but styles and general effect of pictures. After making my own trade mark, building up a style empire, then I could find that utopistic colony where homeless people would find a new home; a new chance to recover like getting new trades, jobs, and a new life entirely.

Do you feel African or European? Please be honest
It's a good question but the answer won't be that simple. I am an African European. As a child I was brought up to be a Hungarian girl, though I wasn't really. I know about my Nigerian root. I know my father’s home town. Yet I've always felt myself European, and it's how I think because of the kind of education I received. The history of arts and the history I studied so hard - all determined my person as European. But the most important subject (from this point of view) was the literature. How could I tell anyone what language means to me, though I am the visual type. If I summarize what I've told you so far, then it even changes the question. I don’t even feel European because I'm Hungarian.

The word "Afro-Hungarian" means nothing for me, as it's just an expression. At the moment it doesn't cover any homogeneous communities. We're just finding our cultural and social base. It's very exciting on one hand, but brings a lot of responsibilities and problems. We (the 1st and 2nd generations of Afro-Hungarian) should not act as many of us do now. I have experienced snobbishness and prissiness that I could not identify myself with. Of course many white Hungarians behave likewise, but I see this type of behaviour more in Afro-Hungarians. We should be much more careful because it's obvious that the minorities are always under heavy criticism.

Well, I know why it is so. I mean it's hard to be African Hungarian here without own culture. We have no clear root or past to guide us through the challenges of life. Many do not even know their fathers. That's why they use their exotic look as a weapon and act like a conqueror, criticizing anything Hungarian and glorifying everything African. I'm not saying this in order to hurt anybody's feelings. And of course I might be wrong. Anyway, I'm sure things would be better in a few years. In our life many changes come. Hungarian borders have opened up a bit, and that gives new opportunities and widens people's horizons.

Would you have preferred your parents to be from the same race?
It is out of question. Of course had they been from the same race, I wouldn't have become who I am and I would not have been in a precious position to give you honest answers.

Are your parents still together?
They divorced after my mother came back from Nigeria (Bauchi). She had lived there for two years. She could not stay there anymore though she loved my father. My father loved her too but he could not put up with the situation in Hungary. It's now 23 years they parted.

Do you have any regret being African-Hungarian?
Jesus, no of course. Even in my childhood when I regularly had bad experiences I never mind that I'm African as well. I used to think I was ugly…inside too. I didn't consider myself a nice girl. Nowadays I have started enjoying it's advantages. I'm rather happy to be African-Hungarian.

Then you must be proud of yourself as African-Hungarian
This has nothing to do with being proud. One can be proud of his/her own achievements. It's not within my power to be born who I am. First, I have to work hard to make my race recognised, and then we can come back to this question. No, really I'm quite happy recently. But I think it's a gift, and trying my best to stay humble.

Your father is from Nigeria and you haven't met him for 23 years. Do you miss him?
Yes, He - Solomon Frank Abassiekong - is from Nigeria, Calabar. As far as I know he lives now in Akwa Ibom State. As I told you before we have been living separately for 23 years now. I was 2 years old when last I saw him. I can't really miss him but of course I think of him. I'm sure he misses me a lot; just as I'm sure if we could meet again he would be as frightened as I would be.

As a kid, Did you feel different?
In some ways I was always different. But it's rather because of my soul structure. I'm very moody and always hold extreme views far beyond the norm. It's easier to be an adult because I have better control over myself.

Have you ever been racially discriminated against either by the Hungarian government or the people?
Yeah, I have many stories that happened to me. Most of them when I was only a child. I'll tell you one that was quite frightening and it happened not so long ago. Two young guys forced me down from a local train. They said 'niggers' should not travel on vehicle; they should use their feet. I was a student at that time. What pained me most was not even the incident but the fact that I was not travelling alone on the train, yet nobody bothered to help me. I hate to remember it, and I hope this kind of things will never happen to me again.

Your teachers?
No teacher discriminated against me, but some of my classmates didn't really like me in primary school. I never knew whether it was because of my colour or my strange manners. In the kindergarten the bigger children hated me and gave me nicknames like the beast, lucifer, etc. Sometimes they hit me on the playground. Kids are cruel. I was not more discriminated against than the girl with glasses, or the boy who is deaf.

Do you recollect what happened in Nigeria?
After I was born here in Hungary, Mom and I travelled with my father to Nigeria. We spent two years there. First, we stayed near the coast in southern Nigerian village, where my grandpa lived. Then we moved to Bauchi, where my mother sufferings began. I don't remember anything; it's mom telling me stories about how it was. She said everybody were nice to her but language was the first obstacle. She could not make friends neither could she find a good and permanent job. Dad's bank account was locked up; food vanished from the market so we had nothing to eat. Mom was pregnant with my younger sister, who died right after she was born. She was only my sister from the same father.

Mom said she could endure everything but that Dad was not a bit kind to her. She told me that Dad became a different person at home in Nigeria. He became arrogant and authoritative. He didn't allow mom to pick quinine, so she had malaria four times. I only had it twice. That was the only reason my sister died. I just couldn't comprehend this. My father is an educated man - agricultural engineer. How on earth could he command his Hungarian wife not to pick quinine? He should have known better than anyone what malaria can do to foreigners.

Another question is, how can a father see his first born suffering? I try not to judge him because he is not here to defend himself. Mom helped him when he was miserably homesick, when he was lost in Budapest during his university years. Mom even left her family for a while because of him. He accepted mom's help, but when she needed him he didn't help her fitting in. I guess he treated us as his properties. Mom told me these things after many years, when I became an adult. As a child I only heard about my father as a great person, who I'm sure he is. However, mom later told me he might have been under pressure at home. In Nigeria he had to show everybody that the 10 years he spent in Hungary did not make him a European.

Do you speak any of Nigerian languages?
Unfortunately I don't speak any of African languages. I only speak English, some of which I understand from pidgin.

Do you have any favourite African dish?
I love gari. I also like kus-kus, fried plantain, and spiced jam. Yeah, I'm not much of a cook, even simple dishes. So most of the West African dishes I have never even heard of.

What can you say about mixed marriage?
Mixed marriage could be great when two similar tempered people tight their lives together. They could enjoy a colourful interesting life together. But they must have great respect for each other. They have to tolerate each other a lot. Sometimes the family causes the problem. I think it's wise to choose a neutral country to live.

What is your preference when it comes to relationship? I mean do you prefer Hungarian or African man?
I have never had any serious relationship with a black man, but I don't think it's because they are African. My mother tongue is Hungarian and that determines my possibilities. I think the most important thing is for the couple to understand each other very well. words cannot express everything but help to show what is inside.

I almost forgot to tell you two of my favourite hobbies after drawing and painting - they are reading and writing. It would be tragic for me if I couldn't share my opinion with my love about a novel or a poem. And I expect him to do the same. So if I don't choose to live with African man, it's not just because of cultural differences, but because of language.

Anyway, thank you for the chance. And I'm sorry for being late for the interview. Oh, I read your article about business men Ball 2006. I enjoyed it a lot. I think you're the journalist who is not afraid to tell the truth.

2007 copyright mysmallvoice@yahoo.com