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

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 .

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

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

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