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.