Wednesday 31 December 2008

Ghana's Willing Embrace of Democracy

By Bonka Archie
In Praise of Ghana Election
Once again Ghanaians have demonstrated that democracy can be peacefully practiced and entrenched across the African Continent. Long live Ghana, long live Africa read more

Tuesday 30 December 2008

Re: Embassy Angers Nigerians

Many Nigerians all over the world reacted to my report, Embassy Angers Nigerians. As a result, I have decided to give two of such reactions a prominent display because of the length, tone and seriousness of the opinions expressed by these two Nigerians. One lives in Toronto, Canada and he is an activist; another lives in Budapest, Hungary and he is in the economic sector...read more

Friday 26 December 2008

Kudos to Nigeria Embassy Hungary but…

By Hakeem Babalola

I have made it a ritual to keep in touch with our embassy ever since it got its website, and most especially when the website was recently given a fine face, something quite unusual in the history of Embassy of Nigeria Budapest, Hungary. Although there's need for improvement, I must confess that I find the new website accessible and friendly...read more

Monday 22 December 2008

Woman Finds Root in African Restaurant

Hakeem Babalola Reports

To the invited guests, the place may be about partying, eating and drinking. But to her, it's much more than that. It is her dream; something she had been searching for - all her life. The place has become part of her root she had missed all along saying, “I’ve found what I had been searching for”read more

Saturday 13 December 2008

Charity March to Africa

By Hakeem Babalola
Helping Africa

Ambulance buses were the hallmark of a Charity March concert recently held at BM Dunapalota in Budapest where four of the eighteen buses were stationed and expected to be driven to five West African countries on 23rd March 2009 in a joint project being undertaking by more than twenty Hungarian businessmen who are currently working and residing in Africa read more

Friday 12 December 2008

Hungary: Getting Foreign Documents Recognised

Hungarian affair

If we wish to make use of a legal document (for example an authorisation), in the country of its origin there is no problem because this country has clear rules on the form and content of the document. Based on these an expert or even an educated layman can determine whether the document is suitable for producing the intended legal effect.

The situation becomes interesting if we wish to use the given document in a foreign country, in a procedure involving foreign authorities and bodies which implement the law. Since legal systems are very different across the world, and there can be significant differences between individual rules even in cases where the legal systems are similar, those wishing to make use of a foreign document face a difficult task. Multilateral and bilateral agreements offer a solution to this.

Which foreign docs are OKIn Hungary there are essentially four levels at which foreign documents are accepted:

1. If our country has a direct or accredited foreign mission, the competent consular official can legalise the signature and stamp on the document (diplomatic legalisation) for the authority of the host country. Since the foreign mission operates according to domestic law, this creates the link between the foreign document and the legal system at home.The disadvantage is that it is cumbersome (the foreign mission has to have a sample of the signature and stamp in question), time-consuming, and restricted in terms of location (tied to the foreign mission).

2. If the two countries have signed a bilateral legal assistance agreement, they can stipulate in it that documents issued by the other's authorities that comply with certain formalities do not require further legalisation and may be accepted directly in the other country. This allows more flexible application of the law regarding foreign documents.The disadvantage is that Hungary not have bilateral agreements with many countries, and if the text of the treaty is not unambiguous then difficulties of interpretation can arise.

3. If there is no diplomatic connection between the two countries, the relevant authority, having considered the full circumstances of the case, can decide as it sees fit on whether or not to accept the document in question. If doubts arise the authority sends the document to the Department of International Law, which makes lengthy inquiries before reaching a decision on whether or not the document may be accepted.The disadvantage is that the outcome is uncertain, and flexible and prompt administration can become impossible.

4. The desire for a uniform set of rules allowing wide scale and prompt international use of foreign documents led to the Hague convention of 5 October, 1961 abolishing the requirement for diplomatic or consular legalisation of foreign public documents (promulgated in Hungary by Act no. 11 in 1973 ). Based on this, the members of the multilateral agreement and associate countries determined the sphere of authorities which differ from country to country, and are entitled to place an Apostille certificate, whose format and text is uniform, on documents intended for use abroad. This verifies the quality of the body that certified or issued the document in question. Documents authenticated in this way have to be accepted in states party to the convention even without diplomatic legalisation.

This procedure has resulted in a uniform form of authentication which can be easily checked by all parties. The agreement created the possibility for all countries to join, so the list of states adopting the convention is continually growing.

Based on the above we can say that Apostille authentication is suitable if the country where the document will be used and the country of the body which certified or issued the document are party to the Apostille convention, there is no bilateral agreement between the two countries, and we do not wish to request diplomatic legalisation.

In Hungary the apostille is issued for notarial deeds and certifications intended to use out of Hungary by the National Chamber of Civil Law Notaries (Budapest 1st district, Pauler u. 11. 7th floor, +36-1-489-4880.)– Dr Viktor Máté, deputy civil law notaryFor more information about public notaries and their work please see our website or contact us: (06-1) 476-0270.e-mail: notar@notar.hu

Saturday 6 December 2008

Embassy Angers Nigerians

By Hakeem Babalola
A Report

Quite number of Nigerians in Hungary are not happy that the 48th National Day celebration of their country was marked strictly by invitation in Budapest. This group of Nigerians has questioned the rationale behind such closed door initiative which they simply called discriminatory gesture. The former Nigerian Union President Hungary, Peter Ihaza, was asked for his opinion even though he was in Canada during the celebration. Although he said that it was hard to comment since he was not there, Ihaza believed the Nigerian Union should have advised the Embassy on how to go about the celebration to avoid a situation whereby people became angry...read more

Friday 5 December 2008

Predictions for 2009

Predictions for 2009
One more governor to die, cleric predicts
Prophet Predicts Doom
Yar’Adua needs intensive prayers this year - Adeboye
‘Doom Awaits Corrupt Leaders’—Pastor Tunde Bakare
Five Speakers to be impeached, three SSGs sacked...Primate Ayodele

Quotes

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value...Albert Einstein

There's wisdom in knowing that you do not know...socrates

There must be justice before peace reigns...Common Sense

There is no glory in never falling but to rise each time we fall...Obafemi Awolowo

Leadership means suffering...Tai Solarin

No one speaks the truth when there's something they must have...Elizabeth Bowen

"Men Of God" & Materialism

Controversial pastor says God wants you wealthy
Fresh facts emerge on ‘Redeemed Jet’
OPINION: Pastor Adeboye Bought A Plane to See God
Pastor Adelaja sets the record straight on Ukraine fraud charges story
Ukraine-based Nigerian pastor in fraud charges

Hungarian Legend & Study In Hungary

Hungarian Legend
Well-known Hungarians
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hungary
Visit Hungary
Weather in Hungary

Study in Hungary
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
Corvinus University of Budapest
McDaniel College, Budapest
Semmelweis University

Thursday 4 December 2008

Awo Centinal

Speech By Chief Obafemi Awolowo To Western Leaders Of Thought, In Ibadan, 1 May 1967
Politics And Religion (January 1961)
Only A Truly Federal Constitution Can Unite Nigeria (1962)
Philosophy For Independent Nigeria (sept 1961)
Freedom For All (April 1

Gani Fawehinmi

Guardian Editorial: Gani Fawehinmi at 70
Gani at 70 The struggle of a life
An inimitable fighter for the masses
Gani in the eyes of former employees
Waiting for the ageless crusader
A birthday feast for beggars, the destitute

Murtala Ramat Mohammad

The Roller-Coaster Life of Murtala Mohammed
32 YEARS AFTER MURTALA MUHAMMED
Dimka’s coup announcement – February 13, 1976
Dimka’s planned second speech - February 1976
Why we sacked Gowon’s regime, by Muhammed
Gen. Muhammed was a very simple man, says daughter
Family still feels blow of ADC’s death

2007 & 2008 Prediction

2008: 6 govs, top monarch may die, Ribadu’ll return —Prophet Adedayo
2008: Nigeria’s year of great turning point - Prophet Oluyemi
Adeboye: Nigerians should prepare for new things
Year 2007 predictions that did not come true
“Yar’Adua Would Have Spent Only Three Months In Office”
New Year Predictions: Mark, Bankole may be impeached; Frontline pentecostal pastor, traditional rulers may die; 2 Rep members will die, many senators will be removed etc

Odd World

Woman nabbed for stealing identical twins
DRAMA: Cat Turns Into Woman
Woman, 30, arraigned for cutting boy‘s penis
Father rapes daughter in Enugu
40-year-old man impregnates 18-year-old daughter, insists on marrying her

Articles On Nation Building

APPEAL TO NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA
Turning the ‘Brain Drain’ into ‘Brain Gain’
Study on Nigerian Diaspora
Cleric Charges Women On Nation-Building
STATE-MAKING,
NIGERIA The challenge of nation building and external relations
Turning the ‘Brain Drain’ into ‘Brain Gain’

Nigeria @ 48

Nigeria @ 48
Text of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s broadcast on the 48th Independence Anniversary
Tafawa Balewa: Propagator of a united Nigeria
Ironsi and Gowon emergency regimes
Murtala Mohammed: Missed by many
Why I am slow —Yar’Adua
Nigeria @ 48: NLC Laments State Of The Nation

I have kidney problem - Yar’Adua
Why I am slow - Yar’Adua
Yar'Adua and a worried nation
Democracy: When?...Wole Soyinka
The spectre of one-party state...Edwin Madunagu
One year of the Yar'Adua administration
One year after and freedom day
Editorial: 365 days after obasanjo
How Obasanjo Left Without Handover Notes to Yar’Adua
Features: People now sleep with eyes open...As wave of insecurity rises

Media Matters

Why NUJ election was postponed
NUJ crisis deepens
Eminent Nigerians embrace 'The Westerner'
The titanic battle to save NUJ (1)
Nigerian Journalism And Media Watch
ABC of reporting, by Osoba
‘Technology, changing landscape of journalism’
NUJ petitions Daniel over commissioner’s assault on journalists
The blogger as nemesis
Crisis hits Oyo FIBAN
Reps reject FOI Bill again
Lagos gov, Fashola lauds Nigeria media
FoI: Iyabo Obasanjo Tasks Media On Quality Reporting
The Media and National Patriotism (3) by Prof. Olu Obafemi
The Media and National Patriotism (2) by Prof. Olu Obafemi
The Media and National Patriotism (1) by Prof. Olu Obafemi
RE:The abuse of columnism(3) by Mohammed Haruna
RE:The abuse of columnism(2) by Mohammed Haruna
RE:The abuse of columnism(1) by Mohammed Haruna
‘FOI Bill would have alerted Nigerians on corruption in the power sector’
A case for investigative journalism by Alade Odunewu
OPINION: The Nation newspaper: Journalism On Trial
INTERVIEW: FOI Bill must be forced down Nigerians’ throats – Tony Momoh
NIGERIA UNION of JOURNALISTS
NIGERIAN PRESS COUNCIL
Re: NUJ: Beyond the power shift
OPINION: NUJ at 50
OPINION: The Guild And Journalism For A New Age
OPINION: The abuse of columnism by Olatunji Dare
OPINION: ThisDay's Hack Writer Bares His Soul
OPINION: Media managers as a dictator
Interview: Media houses that don’t pay well have no reason to survive

For The Record

Ironsi’s wife remembers days in barracks as soldiers mount guard of honour
Col. Nyiam replies Major Mohammed on Orkar coup
Why Orkar coup failed
Why the British did not want Awo
My role in Awo's ‘death’
Speech By Chief Obafemi Awolowo To Western Leaders Of Thought, In Ibadan, 1 May 1967
I wrote IBB famous speech
Gowon was responsible for my daughter’s disability
I want to be Yoruba leader –Fasoranti
Obasanjo physically attacked me at Aso Rock – Col Nyiam
Orkar coup: Why we struck — Col. Tony Nyiam
Papa Awolowo and Nigeria (1959) (6)
Papa Awolowo and Nigeria (5)
Revolution only way to save Nigeria...Tunji Braithwaite
Why Bola Ige didn’t make me BCOS Chairman - Debo Gbadebo
Papa Awolowo and Nigeria (3)
Papa Awolowo and Nigeria (1959) (1)
How Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed
How politicians bought 2007 polls - Iwu
Why Abacha gave me N100m –Arisekola
IBB, Buhari, Abubakar's Acquittal Of Abacha Selfish says Abubakar Umar
Abiola killed by Yoruba advisers – Jakande
The Drama of Abiola’s Death (4) by Dele Momodu
The Drama of Abiola’s Death (3) by Dele Momodu
The Drama of Abiola's Death (2)by Dele Momodu
The Drama of Abiola’s Death (1) by Dele Momodu
Abiola’s martyrdom and the Nigerian factor
Henry Okah is my enemy...Asari Dokubo
Niger Delta Summit Controversy: Enough of this nonsense – Clark
Papa Awo’s allocutus and sentence
Why Babangida lured MKO Abiola into the presidential race, by Omowale Kuye (2)
How Papa Awo received his son’s death in prison
The Prophecies Of Awolowo
I annulled June 12 election - IBB
June 12 Annulment : Why I did not mention IBB - Prof. Nwosu
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s Defence (6)
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s Defence (5)
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s Defence (4)
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s Defence (3)
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s defence (2)
Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s defence (1)
June 12 annulment: Hold IBB responsible, says Umar
Oyo politics after the exit of Adedibu
Why I attended Abacha's 10th year anniversary, by Fasehun
I was the first person contacted to abduct Dikko from UK – Capt Sagir Mohammed (retd)
Why We May Never Get Another Awo - Akande
June 12: You lied, Mark, Nyako tell Nwosu
How Abiola won 1993 polls, by Nwosu
Abacha, Mark, Nyako annulled June 12
Why and how June 12 was annulled
Abacha’s role in June 12 annulment, by Humphrey Nwosu
Diya: my June 12 story
June12: I’ll unmask those behind annulment ––Nwosu
JUNE 12: How and why powerful politicians rejected the release of Abiola, by Omowale Kuye
Why Obasanjo plotted my departure from office, ruined my brother’s bank, denied me national honour - Wabara
And the new Yoruba leader is…
‘WHY WE CRATED UMARU DIKKO’...Jokola
Ojukwu saved me in prison ––Yomi Akintola
Awo was never a Yoruba leader.....Akinjide
How I survived Obasanjo’s sledge hammer – Anyim
Adesanya, other Awoists supported Abacha govt — Babatope
Why I want God to prolong my life — Gani
How Abiola won 1993 polls, by Nwosu

Sunday 30 November 2008

Mariam's Moving Story

Help Mariam
This is Mariam Stanford who is an albino being admitted at Murgwanza Hospital in Ngara District where she is under treatment after her both arms were cut because of superstition that albino’s bones are useful in local mineral mining and fishing. She was admitted on October 17, 2008 in Ward 4 (Surgical Ward) in private room.

Mariam (28) is the third child of the family of nine children of Mr. Stanford Bandaba, the resident of Mkatoke Hamlet, Ntobeye village, Ngara District in Kagera Region.

Mariam is the first among three albinism daughters of Mr. Bandaba’s family. Others are Jane and Odetha. She was born in 1980; she was educated for only four years at Ntobeye Primary School reaching class IV. She did not complete primary education. Later she became a peasant, digging for her daily needs by selling ripe bananas at small market at Ntobeye.

She was married in 2004 to a non-albinism husband. In 2005 they had their first son who was normal/non-albinism. Life continued until June last year when her husband’s relatives including father and mother-in-law told her that she was a curse to their family and rejected her out-rightly because they were afraid that her children would also be albino.

Mariam did not want to leave because her husband loved her so much and kept comforting her. But she soon lost her patience and returned to her parents with her son. However, she did not know that she was pregnant, something she knew a month later.

When she was four months pregnant, her husband asked her to come back. This was after Mariam had informed him about the pregnancy. She agreed to go back on the condition that they would both stay away from her husband’s relatives. Her husband promised to do so by October 28, the time he will have found a new place to stay peacefully.

The worst day in her life came on October 17. It was 1am (0100hours) Friday when she felt that she was dreaming after something happened. She was excited to see a light in her room where she was sleeping alone.

Without knowing what was happening, she heard the sound of her young ones crying “Open for us”. She heard the sound aside telling her to’ wake up and go outside because there is something for her to be told. She refused, but later she identified the sound of the one who was calling her. She asked him (the caller) what he wanted to tell her in the midnight that couldn't tell her when they met during the day when she was back from shop. And so she refused. At the same time she heard some people walking around their house while her young ones were crying for a help.

Mariam said that a young boy who is a resident of that village (Ntobeye) put down the torch and held her right arm which he cut. While she was screaming and asking for help, her right arm was thrown outside to others. Before the second arm was completely cut; her parents, brothers and sisters had heard the noise and ran to Mariam’s room. The bandit who was cutting the second arm decided to run away. On the way out, he collided with Mariam’s father. This enabled Mariam’s brother (who was coming from inside) to catch him while other bandits ran away with the right arm.

Mariam was taken outside with blood gushing from all parts of her body. Nobody believed she was alive. Her mother, Gaudensia, called her twice without reply. Later Mariam replied saying that she heard her calling but she was unable to reply due to the great pain she had. Neighbours also offered assistance, while the bandit who was caught by Mariam's brother was thoroughly beating.

She was taken to hospital but unfortunately doctors failed to replace the second arm (left) and so they decided to cut it too. Now Mariam has lost her left and right arms.
.............................................................................................
Please read the following e-mail (unedited) and decide if you want to help Mariam or not. But you should exercise caution in doing so.
Dear
Congratulation for Christmas and New Year 2009

This is the true incidence. This story was first broadcasted in Kiswahili by REDIO KWIZERA which is based in Ngara District working under JESUIT REFUGEES SERVICE. I just translated it. I invite you to read it.

I have visited Mariam several times in last and this year. On behalf’ of Mariam and her relatives, I ask your aid/assistance to her due to the fact that currently when she is admitted in hospital and after her discharge she will no longer have ability to work herself and her son. Currently is cared by her mother. Unluckily few days ago she aborted.

Mariam told me that when she will get discharge she is not willing to go back home (Ntobeye) for fear of her security. She said she want to remain in Ngara town (District HQ). With others she was asking for artificial arms and a house for her residence in Ngara. Fortunately she has already got a donor to go to Referral Hospital named Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) to get artificial arms. Ngara District Council promised to offer her freely a plot for building her residence in Ngara town.

Please send your support through her personal account No.3211601173 with National Microfinance Bank Ltd, Ngara Branch named Mariam Stanford. Support of materials or anything which is not money needs communication for some arrangements on how to reach to her.

Kindly, (for your willing) I ask you when you do so; inform me and a copy to the coordinator of the aids in REDIO KWIZERA, Mr. Emmanuel Buhohela with the mail: ebuhohela@yahoo.com

The RADIO KWIZERA announces who supports Mariam. Please, if you do not want to be announced let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Charles Mbeikya

Saturday 29 November 2008

Ghanaians should vote for a real change

By Archie Bonka
Ghana Election

As Ghana elections draw nearer, Archie Bonker looks beyond and warns his nation the danger in "playing tribalism card" which he passionately believes underscores Ghana's development. Bonka pleads with the leading parties to avoid teetering on the edge of the abyss of war mongering that would make the masses suffer read more

The Crook Game

By Hakeem Babalola
Nigerian Affairs


It seems certain influential Nigerians simply derive pleasure in making fun of their country and its people. They are obsessed with their country even though they often claim love, and certainly they can't stop the jokes on their motherland (or is it fatherland?). The master of them being Olusegun Obasanjo, the man who has it all: women, money, ego, cars, houses, titles, children, wives, concubines, dysfunctional family and many more. He is a ducky son of the land and despite the fact that his ethics or decency is below standard, many Nigerians still hold him in high esteem. After all, he has what millions will never have in their lifetime. Even it could be said that this man has acquired Nigeria .

Those very close to him say that he is a man who doesn't forgive or forget. And he has demonstrated this mental attitude several times like when he took on his former second in command up. Obasanjo blatantly blocked Atiku's chance to become the Nigerian president because the latter had scuttled his third term bid. The Owu chief was reportedly said, "Over my dead body." And so Yar'Adua was given the post. It was this same man who had proclaimed in 1978 when he was the military Head of state that the best candidate may not win. Nigerians did not have to crack their brains, for they knew whom he was referring to. Chief Obafemi Awolowo lost the presidential election. And so Shagari was given the post. Part of the consequences is what Nigerians are facing now.

In both instances it was and still clear that Obasanjo was not necessarily acting in the interest of the nation. Obasanjo bore both men a grudge and so he justified his retaliation. It didn't matter whether his lousy decision was good for the country and its people. And yet this man and his supporters violently believe he is the number one patriot. Even now, things seem to be going in his way. Although he lost the third term bid, and although he may have miscalculated that Yar'Adua would be his stooge, the man still holds the ace. And he has started playing the game - the crook game. It was the same game he played that made him a "civil war hero"; the same game he played that helped him escape Dimka's bullet; the same game he played that made him both the military Head of State and civilian Head of State, the first Nigerian to win such game; the same game he played that helped him survive Abacha's gulag; the same game he played to destroy Afenifere, a Yoruba Social Cultural Group. And it is this game he is now playing on his comrade in crookedness, Atiku. By meeting Obasanjo in his Ota zoo, Atiku has become a roasted chicken to be eaten. It is not that I care, for both of them are two worms in my book.

The man's exaggerated opinion of his own importance is always awake. He wants to preserve his crookedness until his last moment on this earth, and he will do it by all means possible, including shedding blood. Obasanjo wants to remain the first and the last to achieve the "feat" of being both military and civilian president. Unknown to Nigerians, this single ambition matters most to their former president. Obasanjo is aware of history but it seems he doesn't care much. This is because he knows that when the history of Nigeria is eventually written, his actions and deeds will top the crook list. This is perhaps the particular psychological disorder that defines his fake sumptuous living. He simply wants to live; he neither cares about life after death nor how he will be remembered. That is for Gani Fawehinmi of this world.

Of course he is alert to the problems at hand. And that is why he needs Atiku, a man he had called thief and rouge in public. Obasanjo needs Atiku again in order to maintain this psychological disorder of self-importance. In order to defeat other juntas in their bid to overtake him in this crook game, Obasanjo must reconcile with Atiku. Obasanjo has always had game plan. He wants to remain one and only Nigerian ducky boy. He can't stand the situation whereby a Nigerian would surpass his record. But what record? That is why he brought Shehu Shagari, the least qualified candidate during 1979 presidential election to the scene ahead of people like Nnamidi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Aminu Kano. The same reason he searched for another least qualified candidate in 2007 elections.

Obasanjo is marked by ill will; deliberately harmful than imagined. He definitely knows the problem with Nigeria but he derives delectation from Nigeria 's plight. He won't solve it and he’d dabaru any efforts to make Nigeria great. Nigeria 's quandary is Obasanjo's tonic for long life. Do you expect him to love any other person more than himself? It is for this reason there may never be Sovereign National Conference or whatever where Nigerians can get started. As long as Obasanjo lives, Nigeria progress is remote. He has joked about it several times; he has said it in body language. What do you think he meant when he declared, "Do or die affairs?" When the current PDP (Papa Deceiving Pikin) chairman announced publicly that his party will rule Nigeria for sixty years, what do you think he was saying? But history tells us about someone with the same innate ambition who eventually committed suicide. I am talking about Adolf Hitler of West Germany who thought he had absolute power like Obasanjo.

Obasanjo harassed and chased away his comrade from being their party presidential candidate shortly before the last elections. Instead he anointed Yar'Adua, the current "Mr. Go Slow President" whom he thought he could influence shrewdly or deviously. After Yar'Adua got his mandate back from the Supreme Court, he started neglecting Obasanjo. Even when the Ota zoo keeper lobbied for Ribadu's AIG position to be restored, Yar'Adua declined, a response that be-little Obasanjo's swelled-head. Then Yar'Adua audaciously invited Obasanjo's main rival in this game and sent him on ambassadorial mission to Guinea . Such unpleasantly loud and harsh behaviour was too much for a political godfather to overlook. It was a bitter pill to swallow. Yar'Adua had opened a can of worms. Forget about the fact that Obasanjo was at Yar'Adua's daughter's wedding. The fact that Yar'Adua's errand boy, Segun Adeniyi, said that “the President is not losing any sleep over the new romance between Obasanjo and Atiku”, is even an indication that trouble looms.

So it is easy for a man with little or no integrity to align himself - again - with the man he had had a roforofo fight with. Obasanjo is also reported to be meeting with Dariye, ex Plateau State governor whom he solely impeached for corruption. As I said somewhere else, the two men could reconcile if they so wish, but to connect their reconciliation to national interest is part of the crook game. And this is my concern. I am however happy that Nigerians are not buying it. Of course, the main reason is for personal interest. Telling us that their meeting was unconnected with 2011 is part of the plan game. What else could bring Obasanjo and Atiku together other than the crook game? Obasanjo needs Atiku to neutralise Babangida's power; he also wants to teach Yar'Adua a lesson. It is Ibrahim Babangida and Musa Yar'Adua vs Olusegun Obasanjo and Abubakar Atiku. Watch out for this entertaining dramatic movie titled, ‘The Crook Game.’

Obasanjo knows that Babangida may not be all that bright, but he is certainly cunning. Babangida also knows that Obasanjo is a man of diabolical cunning. Both men have helped each other at a point in time. But Babangida made a wrong move by saving Obasanjo from being killed when the latter was in Abacha's gulag. Babangida supported Obasanjo during 1999 elections because the Minna soldier had thought that Obasanjo would handover power back to him after he was disgraced (step aside) out of power. I am glad that Obasanjo came alive from the Abacha's dungeon. If he had been killed, he would have become a national hero. I mean, Nigerians would not have known the real Obasanjo. But now that he lives, the man may die a pauper; a villain. And if his death is peaceful upon the atrocities he had committed against Nigerians, then I will renounce God. No, I've changed my mind because hypocrite and perpetual liar like Obasanjo can never be the reason for any right thinking person to forsake God. But it is sad that people like him will rule Nigeria for the next sixty years. It is sad...

Copyright 2009 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Thursday 20 November 2008

"Police Impregnate us in Prison"

By Hakeem Babalola
Abuse of Female Prisoners

Oroburuku t'oun t'erin… One should better laugh off these things unless one is ready for early grave. Policemen are fathers of more than 80 percent of pregnancies at the prison. How did it happen and how could it happen - in a country that has kings and chiefs? Yes, how did it happen since the police "are not authorised to have access to prison inmates to the extent of having sexual relationship with them"? read more

Friday 14 November 2008

UZOMA OKERE: demoCRAZY in action! A Rejoinder to Hakeem Babalola's Article

By Ronks
A Rejoinder
I watched the video with distaste and anger in my veins. Arguing with my own eyes, (this cannot be true, it must be a movie location, they cannot be humans, and maybe they are aliens from the 13th planet.)read more

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Project against Discrimination in Hungary

MENEDÉK
Press Release


The goal of this project is to find, sanction and ultimately reduce incidents of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, economic status, religion and ideology faced by migrants living in Hungary in order to further their integration.

To map discrimination against migrants and better understand the discriminatory situations they face, Menedék will establish a monitoring network with the participation of NGOs, authorities and organisations that come into contact with migrants on a regular basis. To ensure the efficiency of the monitoring network, Menedék will hold a training where the network's participants can better understand the definition of discrimination, its legal background and the means to reveal and prove discriminatory practices.

The participants of the monitoring network will forward the incidents that appear to be discriminatory to Menedék, who will then conduct fact finding visits and contact the relevant authorities if necessary. During the project Menedék will provide legal representation to the victims of discrimination in a few important cases before the Equal Treatment Authority or in court.

Just as importantly, in a few cases where the suspicion of discrimination arises Menedék will use testing to prove the discriminatory practices. Based on the signals arriving through the monitoring network, Menedék will send an African and a white Hungarian tester to the employer, bar, restaurant or landlord suspected of discrimination.

The testers will receive a thorough training on discrimination and how to conduct the testing in a manner that is the most useful for the purposes of the project. After the training they will visit the selected bars etc. and write a report together with the coordinators of the project on their findings.

In principle one tester would only have to conduct a single visit for which Menedék can pay a small fee. The testers will be invited for training towards the end of January and later to be available during the year for a single visit.

For the purposes of the project the testers need to speak Hungarian well and be willing to conduct the visit and write a short report afterward. Their help will provide invaluable hard evidence in cases against bars, restaurants and others using discriminatory practices.

Contact János Lastofka, Menedék Association for Migrants +36 20 41 42 962

Admiral Arogundade & his Mad Puppies

By Hakeem Babalola
Official Brutality





I am compelled to ask, did Ms Okere's father who is now the Sergeant-At Arms of the National Assembly, also displaced such coarse manner during his time in the military? If so, although it doesn't justify the assault on Ms Okere, it would have been the case of a stone thrown in the market. Even then Ms Okere's case only represents the symbol of official brutality, dangerous arrogance, and disrespect for the land's constitution we are fighting against read more

Thursday 6 November 2008

Obama Saga: A Challenge to Nigerian Americans to Build Own Nation

By Hakeem Babalola
International Politics

Nigerian Americans mustn't sleep until they help build a nation in their land of birth. Obama's phenomenon should have opened their eyes that nothing is impossible which is what this historical victory stands for. Let them help us battle the fear that has rendered their people useless in their own land. Let them fight and flood their land of birth with everlasting energy... read more

Friday 31 October 2008

Ghana's Willing Embrace of Democracy

By Bonka Archie
In Praise of Ghana Election

The practice of totalitarianism by different governments in Africa has always portrayed the region and its people as total failure. In spite of abundant human and natural resources that pervade the continent, it seems the region is caused

On December 7, 2008, Ghanaians went to the polls for a change. But contrary to voters’ expectations, the campaigns were so dirty, especially between the two main parties. They resulted to playing tribal cards which has always jeopardized our development. This scenario had initially painted the whole country in colour - of fear.

The elections itself became the focus of the world since we all know that the aftermath of African multi-party elections is always chaos and anarchy. But this time around Ghanaians proved the bookmakers wrong. They have shown that Africa has embraced democracy; and that it’s not just one party system, tribal wars, coup d tats and famine. Ghanaians has shown the world that Africans can be patriotic, responsible, determined and democratic.

This was exhibited on December 7 2008 when Ghanaians voted in a free, fair, and transparent election. The result was too close to call so neither the two main parties were able to acquire the maximum votes needed. The ruling party lost most of its parliamentarian seats to the opposition National Democratic Congress while it led in the presidential seats with 49.7 % which prompted a run off or what I call a penalty shoot out held on December 28 2008.

The National Democratic Congress eventually won 229 out of 230 constituencies in the presidential run off while the seats in the parliament are well divided. In my view, the balance will pave way for good policy implementation and transparency rather than our attitude of rubber stamping that has characterized African governments across the Continent.

Once again Ghanaians have demonstrated that democracy can be peacefully practiced and entrenched across the African Continent. Long live Ghana , long live Africa .

Thursday 30 October 2008

Re: Embassy Angers Nigerians

Dear Mr. Babalola:

Good day to you. I have just finished reading your article with respect to the above caption. I am not shocked at all. Nigerian officials only exist for themselves. They do not have any sense that they should be representing Nigerians. Having said that, there is really nothing to celebrate about Nigeria's supposed independence.

In Toronto here the story was different. Some of us demonstrated at the party because there was nothing to celebrate and this eventaully prevented the ambassador from attending. He was very angry and tried to get us arrested, but his naivety was exposed by the police who told him there was nothing illegal about demonstrations in Canada - I guess he thought he was in Nigeria.

Next time, maybe you guys should go there and demonstrate, they will hear you then. Trust me. You guys should let them know that next time they try to hold a "by invitation only" independence day dance, your group will demonstrate at the site of such party. You mark it, you will hear from the embassy very quickly - they are chickens who cannot stand demonstrations.
I wish you good luck in your struggle with these irredeemably corrupt officials. Have a wonderful day.

Regards,
Majek Adega
ChangeNigeria Group
Toronto, Canada


Dear Mr Babalola,

I can not but agree with the above comments of my fellow Nigerian (Majek Adega). The celebration of our Independence Day (should) signify our national unity, which is even more important for those of us living in diaspora. I think this negligence sums up what the embassy in Budapest stands for.

A few weeks ago I was invited (unfortunately due to late invitation I personally could not attend) an African Development Forum sponsored by one of the arms of the United Nations, held in Budapest. The aim of this organization is to arouse commercial and investment interests among business people in Hungary.

As you can imagine, the official representatives of our great country were invited. Surprisingly not a single "busy" member of the Nigerian Embassy officials in Hungary could attend - they had better things to do (hopefully something that yield more dividends for their country) than giving a short speech about Nigeria, or talking about the business environment at home, or even encouraging business people to invest in or trade with Nigeria.

When the Hungary organizers asked you to rally around and get Nigerian business people to attend such occasion, you cannot but advise them that their best bet would be the Nigerian Embassy. But alas! They had tried, but our people were too busy...

There are a million ways to hold a celebration party and still have the reputation of the embassy intact. When you do not have enough trust (and respect) for your people, believe me, those foreign dignatories invited will come and politely "toast" with you, but they have no more respect for you than you have for your own people...

Oluremi Durosaiye, Budapest

Monday 27 October 2008

Re: The Arrest & Hunt for Nigerian Online Publishers

From Dr. Bankole Okuwa
A Rejoinder
okuwa1006@cablelynx.com

Nigeria is expected to emerge as a meaningful leader among black nations because of its aboundant natural resources, but it cannot because of its aboundant dishonest and corrupt leaders read more

Saturday 25 October 2008

The Arrest & Hunt for Nigerian Online Publishers

By Hakeem Babalola
Press Freedom

If Jonathan Elendu is involved in money laundering for a South-South governor and in blackmailing a senator with an alleged demand for N20 million to keep some secrets from being published, as reported by Dipo Kehinde of the Compass - then he must face the music. If however the arrest is due to his being critical of the government, then the SSS should be ready to arrest yours truly as well read more

Thursday 23 October 2008

Fund Raising Ball for Refugees & Victims

Archie Bonka reports
A fund raising ball for Somalian refugees and the victims of the atrocities caused by the Lords Resistance Army in the Ugandan town of GULU was held recently at the exclusive SYMBOL restaurant in Budapest read more

Sunday 19 October 2008

Audience Criticise Stereotyped Film on Africa

A film that meant to enlighten Hungarians about Africa and its people eventually turned the audience off at the inauguration of Afrimage, a film project designed to show both the positive and negative sides of the continent. However, some of the audience accused the organisers of what they termed lack of taste and formulaic conception.

The event which attracted mainly Hungarians was held on 14 January at the African-Hungarian Union Office in Budapest where two different films were shown about Africa and its people.

The first film focuses mainly on the hustling and bustling lives in the capital cities of the two Congo Democratic Republics - Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Artisans, craftsmen, market women, painters, and the Congolese National television staff are seeing being interviewed in the documentary.

The second film concentrates much on pigeonhole that stereotyped Africa and its people as lazy and poor. It shows about fifteen Congolese teenagers, including children living in a pathetic condition that makes slum a luxury. Although the moderator had warned the audience about the nature of the film, many still believed it shouldn't have been shown because of its sensitivity and gory message.

Unable to hold back their disbelieve, three Hungarians who had spent several years in Africa criticised the rationale behind such blatant display of a film lacking originality or individuality.

Questioned about the offending film, the brains behind the project, Sorel Kembe-Arthur and David Abia-Okon whose fathers are from Congo and Nigeria respectively, said that better films will be shown as time goes on, adding that this was just the beginning.

Bálogh Sándor, African Hungarian Union president, who is the sole sponsor of the event, spoke about the difficulties facing most African countries, especially the ongoing war in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo which, according to him, has displaced women and their children.

Reports by Archie Bonka
Written by Hakeem Babalola

Friday 17 October 2008

Hungarian couple preserve African heritage in six-acre museum

Society & Culture
Archie Bonka recently travelled to a little known Hungarian village where he discovered a six-acre museum dedicated to Africa by one Dr. Nagy Endre, who before his death instructed his wife, Lady Katalin Endre, to bury part of his body in Africa. This is a report you do not want to miss read more




Wednesday 15 October 2008

Remembering Fela Anikulapo-Kuti @ 70

Remembrance
By Hakeem Babalola

He was known as well for his yabis (lampoon) both in his songs and on stage. The acclaimed winner of a “free and fair” election on June 12, 1993, Late MKO Abiola, did not escape the lethal of Fela’s criticism. In fact, he called Abiola a “thief” while categorising the ITT for which Abiola served its interests in Nigeia as nothing more than “International Thief Thief”. That’s of course is simply a tip of Fela’s acerbic frankness read more

Monday 13 October 2008

A Western Union experience

By Olatunji Dare
Money Transfer Palaver


I gather that my experience is not unusual, and that Western Union keeps changing its rules without the courtesy of informing patrons. Patrons of Western Union arise! You have nothing to lose but the criminal label they have stamped on you read more

Friday 10 October 2008

Open letter to Nigerian Ambassador Hungary

By Hakeem Babalola
Open Letter

I feel constrained to write this letter to you. But before I go in perspective, I would like to state that my intention is neither to question your ability to head our embassy nor to cause any kinds of embarrassment whatsoever - either to you or any of the five diplomatic staff manning the affairs of our nation in Hungary read more

Sunday 5 October 2008

The scramble for Africa's fund

By Hakeem Babalola
Comment & Analysis


For example, France Motumbo, a Congolese who is the president of the Foundation for Africa, admitted that Hungarians are behind his foundation although he is the one running it physically. It seems to me that the practice of uplifting Africa out of altruism has led this continent into a philosophical cul-de-sac culminated in new slavery. Otherwise why should we Africans see living in “Western continent” as a do or die affair? Isn’t it a tragedy for Africa if its brightest minds must escape to the “Western continent” before making use of their intellects? read more

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Nigeria @ 48: A citizen's perspective




















































By Hakeem Babalola
Nigerian Affairs

We wet our eyes with joyful tears. We trekked from the north down south. We were free. We were free – at last. The land now belongs to us and we would manage it more effectively than our white oppressors whom we had successfully chased away. We had chased them away, therefore no more oppression. Ours would never be a case of dog eat dog, so we thought read more














Friday 26 September 2008

Media awareness training held for social workers

By Hakeem Babalola
Reports

One day training was recently held for the social workers, NGO activists, civil society advocates and those actively involved in providing services for disadvantaged people in an effort to enlighten them on the importance of the media. The training which was organised by the Menedék Association for Migrants with the support of Artemisszió Foundation took place at Aranytiz Művelődési Kőzpont in Budapest on September 17 click to read story

Thursday 25 September 2008

Ghanaians should vote for a real change







By Archie Bonka
Ghana Election

Half a century ago, Ghana became the first sub-Sahara African country to gain Independence from the then British colonial rulers. With a great dynamic leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah whose strong vision of seeing a united Africa, declared on Independence Eve that Ghana's Independence would be meaningless unless it was linked with the total liberation of Africa from colonial rule. Ghana was hailed as a model for the African content, which earned respect for Africans and the black race in the western hemisphere. In fact all Africans became Ghanaians then.

But the whole democracy process had a set back when the military junta and the police overthrew the government, plunging the newly gained independence into chaos and near collapsed. This did not only set the country back but collapsed the whole vision for a united Africa. A new multi party election was held in the year 1969 which was won by the then progress party under the leadership of Dr. K.A.Busia, a strong architect of democracy values, but his term of office was again terminated by another military coup setting the clock back again. From then on the military dominated the political scene with a brief democratic rule headed by Dr.Hilla Limann and the people national party from 1981 to 1983.

Another military junta under the leadership of Jerry John Rawlings had to rule the country in a dictatorship manner until 1992 when the floor was once again opened to a multi-party democratic system. An election was held which was won by the National Democratic Congress under Rawlings who had suddenly turned civilian. Surprisingly, this period paved way for real and strong democratic values such as press freedom, human rights and so on. It steered the country slowly back to stability followed by a steady economy growth and rapid development after a total collapse.

And after eight years in power, Ghanaians voters made a bold attempt and voted out the National Democratic Congress out of power. The transition was held smoothly and was hailed as a lesson to African dictators. They were advised to emulate Rawlings in this regard. Ghanaians once again found themselves in a stable and progressive dispensation in a region where dictatorship and brutality had been the order of the day.

As the incumbent president John Kuffour's terms comes to an end this year, Ghanaians once again will be going to the polls to choose a new leader on December 7 this year. Ghanaians for the past eight years have seen their once peaceful country turns into a den of armed robbers, paid assassins, drugs depot and high level of corruptions among the authorities despite the headway in development.

But the bottom line is, as the elections draw nearer both the leading parties are stampeding each other with war mongering. For instance, by playing tribalism card, which is detrimental to Ghana’s development. The fear of civil war has gripped the nation. During a rally, Defence Minister was quoted as saying "it is the masses that will suffer if there is civil war, because the ministers and their families have the means to check out fast from the country".

I think it is high time African politicians learnt from just concluded elections in the United States of America. There was nothing like civil disorder before and after the elections. We will like the whole world to see us Africans or the black race that we have come of age. But if we allow what is happening in Kenya, Ivory coast, Rwanda, Zimbabwe etc, then the feat by having the first Blackman in the white house will be questioned.

I therefore urge all Ghanaians to vote for a real change and ignore any drums of tribalism by both the NDC and NPP political parties, in so doing, history will be made, moving the country and the continent forward. Long live Ghana, long live Africa.