Femi Ajayi's Outlook

Give the country this day its daily bread as its leaders continue to suffer from their undelivered five-month pregnancy; and lead its leaders not into an everlasting temptation of acquisition of wealth, but deliver them from the evil of cultism, and voodoo politics, for hell is their kingdom, the power of money to destabilize their friends, because all glory belongs to God not human beings, for never would Barack come to Nigeria if things continue like this....

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Sunday, July 19, 2009



Prof. Femi Ajayi

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NIGERIA, THE CRY BABY OF AFRICA ON OBAMA'S VISIT TO GHANA

uring the discussion in one of our internet marketplaces, on the issue of Obama snubbing Nigeria and to visit Ghana, an individual disdainfully stated

"The best snub for Nigerians is for Obama and other Western Countries to deport all Nigerians in America and Europe to their country to fix it."


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Someone responded again that

"{It} Sounds great and very funny ... Provided they also will be willing to return our wealth - trillions - and in addition we bar all those Western collaborators and their imports, including aids, from our country."
It would sound comical.

If we may ask, who took the wealth to America and other western countries, Obama or his ghost? Nonetheless, if there is no crack on Nigeria walls no one would dare pass through it and get away with Nigeria money. Only NIGERIANS would develop the country, not Europeans, Americans, or Asians.

Nigerians could feel as repulsive as to why Obama snubbed Nigeria to go to Ghana as a result of its corrupt practices. According to President Obama, this possibly upset the contributors quoted above;

"Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. {Emphasis mine} No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20% off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, which is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end."
What about that?

Why should anyone get upset with Obama for passing over Nigeria to Ghana? I don't see anything wrong for an American President, the first Black, who happened to be of original African descent, to visit another African country.

Would deportation of Nigerians in America and Europe solve Nigeria problems? Does the Nigeria government have any plan for their return as done in Ghana for its citizens abroad who returned to Ghana? We could see the outcome of that in Ghana today (2009). Would that be what the Nigerian President needs to get Nigerians Abroad back home? Does Yar'Adua have the nerve to control the excesses of those that work under him, and Nigeria as a whole, so as to pave way for Nigerians Abroad safe return to their country?

Amazingly PDP-led Nigeria government alleged that the United States of America government wants to destabilize Nigeria, for its Embassy arrangement for non-PDP members to meet with Obama in Ghana. It made mockery of a cry baby syndrome in a matured society. USA alleged plan to destabilize Nigeria because the truth has been told to straighten up their acts. Obama once warned at the initial stage of his consideration to run for USA President that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse if care is not taken.

PDP would like to advise USA

"not to, by any acts of omission or commission, promote the evil plans of these unpatriotic politicians against a democratically elected government as such would raise questions about its respect for the sovereignty of other countries and the international doctrine of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations."

Why is PDP crying over spilled milk, if we may ask, because Obama did not visit Nigeria? Was that the reaction from other African countries when the past USA Presidents, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush visited Nigeria? Which country would be picking dry bone with Russia for its Presidents visit to Nigeria recently? What has been the gain dividend of Nigeria democracy since May 2007, from this administration?

Planning! Planning!! and Planning!!! President Yar'Adua has promised to shame his critics on his 7-Point Agenda. We pray adequate power supply will be available so that all Nigerian would see the outcome of the 7-point agenda. If you spent three years developing insanity for how long would that madness be displayed to the public?

PDP ought to have diverted its energy on the Greek Ambassador whose claim is that all Nigerians are thieves. I believe it is only in Nigeria that a diplomat, the Greek Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Harris Dafaranos and his wife, Haralambo, would call Nigerians THIEVES and the government would be mute on the public abuse. It is all right for Nigerians to be called different names in foreign lands without the response from the Nigeria Embassy or Consulate office across the world. Nonetheless, not at the tip of our nose that the Greek Ambassador's family would label Nigerians as thieves over a wrist watch she found at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and would not release it to the Security agent of the hotel for safe keeping for the customer, that forgot it at the counter.

Even when Mr. Notore Kolagbodi, the owner of the wrist watch, showed up, the Ambassador was claimed to have stated that:

"Nigerians are thieves. Can anyone of them deny that fact? What is the assurance that you guys did not connive to bring this fellow as the rightful owner of the wrist watch?"
Foreigners do not trust Nigerians, even on their soil. So would Obama be doing in Nigeria?

PDP should not remind Obama that due process and the rule of law are cardinal tenets of democracy and acceptable political behavior anywhere in the world. Nigerians are not opposed to due process which took some Nigerian Governors to Harvard University, because no single Nigeria Professors or Nigerian Education Institutions could provide such program, even not at Kuru. That does not augur well for the Nigeria Governor's Forum to travel all the way from Nigeria to Harvard to seek education approach for good governance? All of these are part of changing our mindset.

A leader goes round and feels the challenges facing his community, and then encourages the Local Governments to provide the peoples' needs in their respective communities. Some practical approaches as done in some States such as Lagos (infrastructure), Kwara (power and agriculture), especially in Ogun State (road network) to challenge each local government to embark on some meaningful and measurable projects, are what we are talking about.

What could match up that within the State as in Ogun would be the opening up of every single community for development, through good road network. It is like the saying in Yoruba that whatever you are going for in Sokoto, a far away City in Nigeria is right there in your Sokoto (pants).

Nigeria does not have to look too far away to get answers to the needs of the people, not even education on good governance. What a misguided priority. Borrowing from Akogun, is Nigeria truly a nation of IDIOTS, MORONS with foolish followers.

Nigeria has been battling with clean elections from ages; ironically it is getting tougher by day conducting fair elections in the country. President Barack Obama snubbed Nigeria and visited Ghana, because he is very comfortable with Ghana's progress.

In his remarks, Obama described Ghana's progress as:

"Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage and participating in the political process."

Thanks to the black and dark days of Jerry Rawlings that wiped out and uprooted the foundation of distraction in Ghana's revolution, and wiped away all testicles of regression from Ghana community. That set a clear message to everyone then that Ghana was ready for real revolution.

It is ironic that in Nigeria, when you perceive someone as your enemy, other known friends of yours should take that individual as their enemies as well. Once any political opponent made a move or meets with individuals, whomsoever is meeting with, is a perceived enemy. If for instance two jolly bosom friends belong to different political parties in Nigeria, that is an indication of fraternal enemy. Should we blame the United States for that also? Where is that TRUST?

The fact that the USA facilitated pro-democracy group in Nigeria to meet with President Obama in Ghana signaled negativism and the ill-feeling of Nigeria Government towards USA.

Governor Oyinlola, the peacemaker, an Apostle of President Jimmy Carter world peace leader, possibly Chief Obasanjo as well, has been working on peaceful resolution in the Nigeria political circle. He has broken the stalemate between Obasanjo and Atiku who were political friends. The efforts made by Oyinlola somehow were not appreciated by some school of thought. So also he is part of peace process in the political challenge in Oyo State politics.

Oyinlola worked again on the most dangerous aspect of public service that could had taken the life of Babangida as the Military President of Nigeria, egoistic leader, the master coup planner then. That was a good move on the part of Oyinlola. I believe some other Nigerians should start working in resolving some very teething problems in the Nigeria political process, instead of blaming USA of its plan to destabilize Nigeria.

This should never be taking as a way of getting on USA because Obama did not visit Nigeria on his first trip to Africa. Nigeria government should start looking inwardly for a good diagnosis of what is actually wrong with the country. It is not to say that Nigeria does not have all it takes to make Nigerians comfortable.

The covetousness in the PDP camp could be this from Obama:

"Ghana's history is rich, the ties between our two countries are strong, and I am proud that this is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as President of the United States. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well."

What a perfect message for Nigeria. Instead of working on real democracy, Nigeria Senators are asking for automatic ticket in the country where kidnappers are sabotaging every effort in Niger Delta.

Nigeria has been turned into the country of many executives, the Militants, the MEND, Unionism, students cultism, lawyers elongated plan for rerun elections, among others. Is Nigeria a country of idiots and buffoons? Akogun, please help us out.

Is Nigeria going to blame USA for the pathetic power supply challenge, the growing crime rate in the country, the Lion den death trap roads, insane security, the 419ers coming with various tactics, the barking unemployment, the crippled education system, the uncared healthcare with the unfortunate fact that the dialysis patient of the President not concerned about his needs, the flamboyant corruption, housing matters are there, and the self-inflicted Niger Delta heavy load. What about the dysfunctional government, transportation systems, cumulated with the breakdown of law and order, and dysfunctional social services? How would the President swing his sword?

Nigeria neighboring countries that are less privileged, so to say, in terms of human and natural resources have adequate power supply. What is really wrong with Nigeria that the country leadership could not think of ways and means of generating sufficient power for its citizens?

Kwara State have spent huge amount of resources to make sure that power supply in the State is improved. There is no excuse for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, a crippled child of Nigeria Electricity Power Authority, NEPA, not to provide Nigeria with full power supply. How would the chameleon baby dance differently from its parents?

The power challenge is what the Federal Government should tackle. How long would Nigerians wait for this administration to declare the state of emergency on power supply. Why is it taking over two years to declare the State of emergency, if the government realizes the importance of power supply in every human daily life? This administration might borrow from the Nigeria civil war slang, to be among the top 20 with the 20/20 vision; power supply MUST and SHOULD be a TASK that must be done.

For God sake everyone is crying to the deafly Africa leaders, especially Nigeria, that

"Across Africa, there is bountiful wind and solar power; geothermal energy and bio-fuels. From the Rift Valley to the North African deserts; from the Western coast to South Africa's crops - Africa's boundless natural gifts can generate its own power, while exporting profitable, clean energy abroad.".

'The Man in the Mirror', should please listen to the voices in the wilderness and make a change. No one is going to change Nigeria, except Nigerians. Nigeria can generate power from the natural resources if and when they use their God given senses and provide power energy to Nigerians.

Government deafening hearing to workers plight created a monster of unethical approaches to employees' need in Nigeria, and should that be blamed on the United States as well. Unionism has taken over Nigeria work ethics. If it is ASUU today, it will be NMA tomorrow and the leper PHCN on strike, next time.

Nigerians could care less about PHCN anyway. According to my daughter, even when they are not on strike of what help is it to Nigeria. They could go and rot in hell with their strike. Trillions of Naira had been sunk into PHCN to improve power supply in Nigeria with negative results. The investments were washed away to their pockets by the torrential rainfall of greed for the benefit of their families. The rainy season that supposed to give Nigerians more hours of power supply is being welcomed with strike. Possibly we could send them to god of thunder for competition.

Post Office was on strike; the strikers are striking very hard at Niger Delta Region, and saboteurs are on the rise against the President, what is going on with Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua? Is that the plan of US to destabilize the country for the government lack any decisive plan or policy to stop the war in the Niger Delta Region?

Strike has become a show of beauty instead of an act of shame to both sides especially some categories of public service. Are these not signs of ugly things happening in Nigeria?

It is quite unfortunate that Nigeria is still battling with ethnic divide in the country. That TRUST among various ethnic groups in Nigeria is completely zilch. When such situation arises the level of progress would be seriously affected. One step forward several steps backward.

Since the end of Nigeria civil wars of no victor no vanquish, we still have the agitation for the realization of Biafra Republic at this period in time. The Government ought to examine itself on what has not been fully or totally accomplished in the reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction processes after the civil war which ended about four decades ago.

Within Nigeria how easy for an Igbo man to comfortably reside in Kano City and possibly be protected at the outbreak of a communal clash? What assurances would a Hausa man have to be fully and gainfully employed in the Itshekiri community? How comfortable is a Yorubaman in the Hausa Community without being labeled 'banza'? Are we very sincere about Nigeria Unity or the US Government is just destabilizing the country? Ethnic Religious plight, Biafra on the loose that they still want the Republic of Biafra realized, Niger Delta militants are bent in destroying the country and the current administration is mute about those. Are these caused by the United States or the 'Enemies Within'?

Things are Falling Apart. MEND International passport within Nigeria - Nigeria is breaking apart for God's sake. After the end of Nigeria civil war, if I may repeat, when we reconciled, reconstructed and rehabilitated our people, the spirit of separation is still very fresh in the mind of some Nigerians. There is the "Biafran International Passport" in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), with immediate effect. What is the President doing about this? Are we going to blame United States for this again?

Religion which ought to have unified Nigeria has been used to further polarize Nigerians. Jos community that had enjoyed peaceful coexistence for decades has been turned into a ghost city for those who do not belong to that community. Continuous religious riots in the North are barometer measuring the extent of destabilizing projects some Nigerian leaders have subjected the country into. Obama equally advised Africans that "It is the death sentence of a society to force children to kill in wars."

Should Nigeria blame President Barack Obama for not visiting Nigeria? Nigeria MUST continue to fight the 'Enemies Within', before blaming any outsider for its shortcomings. A sick man who lies to his Doctor would definitely receive fake treatment.

What a great warning and advice to Nigeria from Obama that

"People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe…..for if people are lifted out of poverty and wealth is created in Africa, new markets will open for our own goods."

Nigeria cannot, or could not, and should not prevent any countries from dealing with any country of their choice, or restrict them from what interests them in any part of the world. Thinking that Obama's visit to Ghana, instead of Nigeria, would disrupt the existing trade between the two countries, lacks some merit. The world is a free zone for development and any country is free to get what it wants from where there is an open door for such needs.

According to the 5th edition of the report just released by Failed States Index 2009, out of the 177 countries surveyed, Nigeria has been ranked the 15th from the bottom and ranked among the most failed nation in the world. Its rival, that is being alleged to be destabilizing Nigeria, USA, is ranked 159th, as the most sustainable country, while Norway (177) is the best sustainable state, Switzerland where some deadly Nigerian leaders take their money for keep, is ranked 174, while Ghana emerged the best state in Africa and ranked 124 as moderate state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola is demonstrating to the entire world that Lawyers could be better in governance than some Medical Doctors from the most recent past experiences of later day saints in all ramifications. The amazing developments and progress in Lagos State testify to the assertion. Lagos City was written off years back that it could never been transformed. However today, it is taking the lead on City growth, development, management and governance. To say that Nigerian leaders are brain dead, I don't think so. Unconcerned, inhuman, selfish, egocentric, we can take that to Bank and it won't bounce. I believe the weight could be too much for the strong neck of Yar'Adua.

Cry my beloved Country, the country is dieing. God please come to Nigeria's rescue. The dark days are over, let Nigeria see the light of the day. Do not punish the country with your bitter anger. Forgo their sins as the country protects its neighbors from darkness. Give the country this day its daily bread as its leaders continue to suffer from their undelivered five-month pregnancy; and lead its leaders not into an everlasting temptation of acquisition of wealth, but deliver them from the evil of cultism, and voodoo politics, for hell is their kingdom, the power of money to destabilize their friends, because all glory belongs to God not human beings, for never would Barack come to Nigeria if things continue like this, neither would 'the man in the mirror', Michael Jackson gone for ever for his memories would linger on for the unborn generation, to see the handiwork of Nigerian leaders, may everyone, especially some Nigeria leaders reap the fruit of their labors, for ever and ever. Every body say AMEN.

"The world will be what you make of it; ….take responsibility for your future ….Africa's future is up to Africans". Barack Obama. I agree with Pat Utomi that "Together we can transform this Country", especially for those who care.