On treatment meted to Nigerians abroad

The treatment meted to Nigerians living abroad, most especially in African countries, is very sickening indeed. The recent horrible incidents in Gabon , where a Nigerian was brutalised by the Gabonese police, and the xenophobia in South Africa, have confirmed the fact that Nigerians in diaspora are living in fear . When news of the misery of Nigerians in the hands of the Gabonese police and that of xenophobia in South Africa were reported, they generated ill-feelings among the generality of our people here in Nigeria. . This certainly shows that the topmost hospitality accorded foreigners in Nigeria is not reciprocated abroad.

Despite the hostile attitude towards Nigerians in foreign lands, Nigerians are still willing to seek refuge in those countries. To my understanding, the appalling economic condition of our country is the major factor causing our people to seek economic refuge in other countries where thay hope their living standards could be improved upon. Our leaders should address the factors responsible for our poor economic condition. At least, they go abroad and they know what obtains in developed climes. They should imitate good things by using our human and material resources judiciously to better the lot of Nigerians.

The problems confronting Nigerians without necessary papers in other countries is another critical issue. For instance, there was a reported case in United Kingdom when a little girl mistook some firemen who were knocking on their door for Immigration police. The ugly situationt led her father, who was obviously without required documents, to jump from their apartment on the eighth floor of the house.and die instantly.

A situation where some Nigerians prefer being jailed abroad to being free citizens here at home calls for serious efforts on the part of our leaders to urgently do something to put a stop to this trend. Therefore, until we are prepared to allow competent and serious minded people to manage the affairs of our dear nation and make genuine efforts to considerably reduce the present high level of hunger and grinding poverty in the country through the creation of job opportunities for young graduates, the situation would remain unchanged.

Folarin Lawal,
folalawal2004@yahoo.com

African leaders and dishonesty

KWAME Nkrumah’s Ghana, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s Nigeria witnessed some honesty at the initial stage of governance but later degenerated to the lowest ebb. This was at the point when Nkrumah did not trust any of his compatriots to the extent that he was seen carrying personal corked drinking water bottles around. Nigeria’s Balewa was seen dining and wining with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain while fatherland was on fire.

It was crystal clear that Nkrumah wanted to be life president in Ghana but it was not clear in the case of Balewa. However, it later became apparent that he (Balewa) did not care about what befell his subjects. All this, summed up, led to the first ever military coup d’etats in Africa. In Ghana, rulers like Generals Acheampong, Afrifa and Busia were swept off by Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings to prevent what could have resulted in life presidency.

In Nigeria, on the other hand, rulers like Generals Jack Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Sani Abacha would have loved to continually be in power but for the nation’s large constitution – humanly and in terms of land mass. Some other rulers proving to be patriots/statesmen today might have nursed the ambition but hadn’t the effrontery to muster power forever because of the nation’s constitutional complexity.

In Libya, Colonel Muamar Ghadafi has proved his mettle as a statesman since the dawn of 1968 because he cares for his subjects’ welfare. There, every adult is provided with a bungalow . The mass of people are adequately fed and clothed, all the same. It is rather unfortunate and an irony that our rulers cannot adequately feed their subjects, let alone clothe, house and educate them. To be candid, the state of Nigeria’s economy can subsist free education, health care delivery. The only inhibition between Nigerians and these services is lack of good leadership. Ours is an oil rich nation and we can diversify to agriculture and industrialization. But there is no perfect national planning. Of course, there may be good planners but is there adequate implementation of policies?

The President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua- led administration in the country may be the messiah with to his vision. He has great plans for Nigerians. PRAYER: Nigerians should pray for the president’s good health. May God regenerate his body chemistry to be able to sustain his plans for thenation. While watching his recent media chat on 29 May, 2008, I did a flashback to his background with the late sage, Mallam Aminu Kano and the Talakawas. Providence will certainly not allow these large hearts to rot . Nigerians will surely know better days ahead. (Amen.)

Silas B.Ajagun,
Ejiba, Yagba West LGA ,
Kogi State.