The Embassy of Nigeria in Budapest celebrated the country’s 52nd Independence Day with a visit to two social institutions in that country.

The gesture, described as part of “a practical expression to bring the two countries and their people closer”, is the first of its kind by the embassy since opening in 1992 after twenty-eight years of Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Hungary.  

 At the Elderly People’s Home, Nigerian ambassador to Hungary, Chief Eddy Onuoha, told local reporters the event was a special way to foster better relationship between the two countries.

Onuoha, who is the 6^th Nigerian ambassador to Hungary, hinted that the embassy has intention to do more things in this Danube area which would further facilitate mutual understanding.

Describing his people as perhaps the most hospitable in the world who like strangers, the ambassador stated that the government knows we are here, but “we also want the people to know we are here”.

Onuoha, who is yet to present his credentials to the Hungarian government, noted that raising successful children should be the priority of any right thinking parents. He added that no mater how rich a parent is, if such parents fail to help prepare their children against the life obstacles, then it is outright failure.

He therefore enjoined parents to give their best to their children in order to perfect skills which would enhance the young ones to succeed academically.

The visit seems to electrify the senior citizens as most of them – even with walking wheel – danced to the “uncustomary” visit with their faces wreathed in smiles.

However, the situation at the Children’s Home appeared more interesting as the kids whose ages fall between 8 and 20 mingled freely with their visitors. They smiled their thanks with curiosity, questions, jokes, dance and what could be described as genuine appreciation.

Similarly, the directors of both social institutions expressed their gratitude. Barta Zsolt of Elderly Home described the occasion as extra-ordinary way to start work at the institution. Feséregyháziné Girtler Andrea of Children’s Home simply said, “It is a day these children will never forget”.

While Majoros Lajos, 10, kept asking where the gifts come from; Németh Zsuzsi, 14 read a brief History of Nigeria. She described Nigeria as the art of music in Africa.

And indeed, the trio of Foluke, Lanre and Remi combined voice sonorous with an elegant beating of conga and talking drum to drive Miss Németh’s point home.

The elderly got a flat screen television and the children got a tent, trampoline and scooters which was unpacked immediately for onward use.

By Hakeem Babalola | Budapest, Hungary | May 14, 2012 -

The recent false report by the Hungarian TV2 concerning Nigerian citizens is worth commenting on; and the appropriate response by our representatives is commendable.

The Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, Budapest had requested TV2 to correct the error that the Nigerian nationals were alleged to be culprits of a drug and rape case involving two female Hungarian minors.

Gone were the days when no one seem concerned about this kind of reports talk less of requesting for a correction.

According to the embassy, it was revealed by the Hungarian Police that it was not Nigerian nationals that committed the crime.

Yet TV2 went to town and reported in its programme titled “Tények” (Facts) that Nigerian nationals actually committed the crime.

If a programme named Facts then goes on to report False, then I felt constrained to submit that something is amiss; that a game is being played somewhere. Correct me if I am right.

Responding to the embassy’s request however, TV2 acknowledged its “mistake” and thus promised to correct it; and with assurance that it was not intentional to portray Nigerian citizens as criminals. 

“While expressing our regret,” reads a letter signed by TV2 Programme Manager, Péter Kiss. “We wish to assure your Excellency that the television did not have any intention to negatively portray the Nigerian citizens as such”. 

TV2 management confirmed the correction, saying it was broadcasted on April 6 on the same programme Tények where it was stated that the suspects – after all – were not Nigerians.

Good, but apparently the deed has been done. Sure we all make mistake, and we all commit error one way or the other. The greater problem lies in when people or organisations believe they are two big to apologise – for any error committed.

In my humble opinion, the false report against the citizens of the most populous African nation living in Hungary is indeed a blessing in disguise. Of course not many people will agree with me in this regard.

TV2 may or may not have the intention to portray us as criminals, but obviously it acted in haste. Even if TV2’s false report is an innocent error, at least every right thinking person can now discern and, or see that not all negative reports about Nigerians and Africans in general are original, true or genuine. 

TV2’s error may help us enlighten ordinary Hungarians; even authorities that not all Nigerians/Africans in this beautiful country are criminals. And indeed, not all Hungarians are innocents.

We have doctors. We have lawyers. We have economists. We have communicators. We have teachers. We have Human Rights activists and so on, yet Hungarian media would rather appoint a certain jester as our spokesperson in the affairs concerning Africa. 

Whilst I am not condoning crime, it is pertinent to note that crime is as old as the universe itself. A few bad eggs cannot be made to represent the whole. Let the king cut only the finger that steals; and let the king tarry a little and spare those fingers that never touch the loot.

One cannot but sympathise with the victims of this dastardly act as well as the falsely accused Nigerians. For the former it is the mental and physical torture; and for the latter it is the disgrace and the innocent shame. 

That’s why it is significant for the media to always cross check and cross check before going to town. It is understatement to say that the media is powerful and influential.

Coincidentally, I recently had a presentation at Utrecht University, Netherlands on the topic “Tuning in to Diversity… Thinking Forward” where I was privileged to speak about giving migrants a voice. The world media conference organised by MIRA MEDIA among other things aims to find solution to the media negative framing about migrants.

While we are not teaching TV2 and other powerful entities their job, we employ them to always verify information, especially in this type of magnitude report that involves the image of a country and its people.

We are watching…

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 15, 2012

Notice that I do not mention being nice as a characteristic of a government. This is simply because leadership is not about being nice but doing the right thing. Most often governments do things right without necessarily doing the right thing. And this invariably brings collapse – of distrust.

If the governed mistrust their leaders, there’s problem. If the governed sense a certain degree of unwillingness in their leaders, there’s trouble. No amount of pacification would lead to solution in a bloody situation where the leaders are known for insincerity – and that of purpose

Though callous, the removal of the so-called oil subsidy would not have troubled the citizens if there’s trust between the rulers and the ruled. A government that lies its way into the hearts of people remains unpopular, and no amount of political or religious propaganda can change the situation.

Every Nigerian government including the present one has diabolically established itself as a cabal of dishonest politicians. No government in Nigeria has been able to possess the three qualities; and this of course is the bone of contention which I believe we should be fighting – at all times.

Now Mr. Jonathan Goodluck’s administration had set the removal of the oil subsidy for April this year, but suddenly changed it to January 1^st – the most vulnerable day of the year in my opinion. The first question is why the sudden change in the calendar – of oil subsidy removal?

Which high-ranking General instigated the removal? Which untouchable cabal prompted the removal? Which Imam or Pastor or Prophet prophesied that the removal of oil subsidy is the beginning of salvation – for Nigerian citizens? Or is it the governors or ministers or advisers or local chairman that incited the removal? Or is it that notorious World Bank or IMF? Let them voice out. We want to know

And this is at a time when the executive are reported to be spending millions of naira on snacks alone. This is at a time when it is being reported that billions of naira is being spent on furniture. I think it is improper to be talking of sacrifice from the masses while the rulers are tucking money in their cheeks and stomachs.

Well, if Mr. President considers the removal inevitable, then why not put something in place that would alleviate the suffering of his people? Even my mother, a market woman knows that any policy to remove oil subsidy will instantly bring street hardship no matter how good the end result. Obviously Jonathan Goodluck’s PDP administration has failed in this regard.

However, failing in the ability to possess the three attributes does not call for Jonathan’s removal as being agitated in certain quarters. It is not about Jonathan rather it is about all of us. It seems we have lost it – both the rulers and the ruled. Even the so-called fourth estate of realm has lost it. Almost all of us are subsidising fraud and blood…fraud and blood. Who is going to take over? These politicians are all the same.

This thing called oil subsidy removal has become insensitive policy being regularly toyed with by different governments thereby playing in the hands of racketeers. It is difficult for me to believe that the present government does not know who the oil racketeers are. Why not deal with them? Or are they untouchable?

If so, we’ve got to change the present system in which certain racketeers are regarded as untouchable.  It is deceit as well as hypocrisy for Mr. President to remove the subsidy while the oil cabal continue to laugh to the bank.

In the year 1986, that fellow proposed to increase fuel price meaning the removal of oil subsidy. Another fellow, the one who passed the baton to the late Yar’Adua, also removed oil subsidy in his final moment as Nigerian ruler. He gave the same excuse such that removal would bring long term gain.

Since the removal of oil subsidy by these opportunist Generals, what has Nigeria gained? Has the oil subsidy removal constructed good roads; or has it led to the adequate supply of drinkable water? Or has it brought constant supply of electricity? Or has it built well-equipped hospitals? Or has it accelerated the quality of our dying education?

Fuel subsidy may be a waste as argued by some people who passionately believe its removal has numerous benefits. They cited the following as the long term gain

1. Gainful employment opportunities.
2. Increase in taxable revenue to the Government. E.g. vat income tax.
3. Conservation of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserve.
4. Eradication of fuel importation in the long run.
5. Technology transfer.
6. Strong economic growth.
7. Stability in the value of the Naira.
8. Growth of other industries such as petrol chemicals and logistics.

This school of thought would go further to say that Jonathan is doing the right thing which is unknown to most of us. They would argue that no investor will ever build a refinery in Nigeria until fuel subsidy is removed and the market deregulated. This, they say, is the bitter truth, adding that after four years, we will all come back and say a big thank you to Jonathan and his team like Okonja Iweala who also served under Obasanjo.

And truly Dr. Iwela explained the benefits to Nigerians: “Ghana did it…Brazil did it…This money will be used to improve delivery of services for the people. Let us put the money into areas that will facilitate production, such as provision of power supply, providing state-of-the-art hospitals, especially to curb the maternal mortality rate. Government would invest heavily in refineries, which will be sustained by private investors, as well as hydro power projects. This, including others, would create more jobs for our people,” she said.

However, madam finance expert forgot to explain to us why the oil subsidy removal has never yielded positive result ever since its implementation by the past governments. The truth is this: The factors that annihilated the efforts of past government are still there to thwart this administration’s effort. And that perhaps is the fear blooding around.

Talking about Ghana did it…Brazil did stuff. One should remind madam that perhaps in those countries there is accountability, and there is trust. There is vision and focus. That corruption is to its barest minimum…

Meanwhile, it is interesting that under Obasanjo it was reported that we spent 300 billion per year on this fuel subsidy. Under Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, it shot up to 1.3 trillion naira in the last one year alone. So how did it get so high in four years and what exactly is being subsidised with the extra one trillion naira?

Mr. Jonathan tried to portray himself as a ruler who is sensitive by quickly announcing the cut in the salaries of executive by 25%; and reduced foreign travels to the barest minimum. Of course it was a perfect time to demonstrate this sensitivity but, alas, Mr. President was reported to have attended South Africa’s 100 years of ruling party celebration. Thank God his spokesperson has refuted the story.

Cutting executive salaries if done in a genuine manner could be a meaningful way of apathy, but it appears to me that it is only paper solution; and whereas what we need is practical solution. Practical street solution is what we need right now. By the way, what of their allowances which perhaps weigh more than their salaries?

Goodluck Jonathan of course is like his predecessors. He is not different from OBJ, IBB, ABACHA, BUHARI AND CO. They are there only to protect their interest, while sucking the blood and wasting the lives of those sworn to take care of. I am sure Jonathan himself knows this, but for him, it is one of those things.

In fairness to Mr. President, he is not the issue but the system in place. Therefore, it is his time and no one should impeach him. He should be allowed to complete his term after which we should vote for another clueless one. We are addicted to their inept and authority stealing. Aren’t we?

This is our portion since we have allowed ourselves to be politically marooned on a tribal and religious desert island. Hearing comments from our so-called intellectuals has convinced me that everyone is fighting for him/herself. Most of us criticize in order to be recognised for ministerial or personal assistant posts. There is this fiery columnist, an opponent of the deregulation; and now as a spokesperson for the president, a backer of the policy.

What about this ferocious labour leader who for years opposed removal of fuel subsidy, but who has now in his capacity as a governor become one of its strongest advocates. I have the feeling that most of those who take to the street are doing so to be recognized and subsequently invited to chop. But to the genuine ones I doff my hat.

The metamorphosis of these two Nigerians is a testimony – of being human. “We get carried away sometimes, thinking we know people but the truth is humans are very unpredictable especially with money and power”, writes Margret in her Epiphany blog.

Trust is significance in this regard. Trust is a fine line between leaders and followers. Any leader who disregards the importance of trust has lost it and may only be wandering without reaching any particular destination.

But how can we believe anything these guys say after their boss had told lies saying, subsidy would not be removed until April; when he knew he was going to remove it on the 1^st of January. Apparently this particular issue is not being handled as it supposed to be handled.

I don’t want to call Mr. President a lair but he has definitely put himself in a position in which it will be impossible for Nigerians to believe anything he says. Yes, a man is assessed by the worth of his words, his words no longer worth anything other than fraud and blood.  So, what the fraud are they subsidising?

As usual, it is the masses bearing the brunt. Jonathan, no matter how much he says he feels our pain, would not suffer as a result of subsidy removal. After all, his jets and that of his family are being fuelled at our expense.

Whatever his offence, do not impeach Jonathan Goodluck. Let him complete his term like his predecessors, otherwise we shall be forever accused of tribalism or whatever that has been in the dictionary of Nigerians from day one. Jonathan must not be shot. He must not be assassinated. He must be allowed to do his own thing and leave.

By the way, it is difficult to identify genuine protesters as it has all been hijacked and politicised. One Olorunsola Ola identifies three categories of protesters. According to him, there are people that have held Nigeria in penury for decades for selfish enrichment. The second are the ignorant fools being used as hand-tools by the subtle wealth-maniacs; while there are people that have been disappointed as a result of unfulfilled promise by the previous governments.

Moreover, I predict the protest will die down as usual in as much as the government has the right price for those who matter. Is it not one of the yeye Generals who proclaimed with the pride of a locus: “Every Nigerian has a price”?

And is this not happening before our eyes? Or have we changed? So what is your price Mr. Protester and Madam Protester? Just name it and you will soon be bought. And that is my fear. Subsidising fraud and blood…God dey sha…

mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – August 24, 2011 –

Ononye disclosed this and many other pressing issues during a cocktail held in celebration of the presentation of his Letters of Credence to the Hungarian president on August 18 at Hilton Hotel in Budapest District 1

Although the cocktail and the presentation of Letters of Credence were done separately, the new ambassador used the evening event to reach out to both Nigerian professionals as well as Hungarian experts whom he believed could lend helping hand in various sectors of the Nigerian economy which he described as the priority of Jonathan Goodluck’s administration.

“We are here specifically to take care of the interest of Nigerians,” he said, adding that there’s no need to physically present in Nigeria before making their presence felt.

Addressing the gathering, Ononye reminded Nigerians in Hungary that they are all ambassadors of Nigeria and that whatever they do impact on ‘our country positively or negatively’.

A career diplomat who has served his country in different capacity for almost 32 years, he stated further that his administration is ready to maintain an open door policy in line with Nigerian president’s plan to reach out to Nigerians wherever they are.

His words: “My officers cannot do it alone. We partner with you. You represent diverse professional sectors, so we need your services. So I urge you to keep in contact and we will keep in contact with you. It is a two-way traffic. Whatever in put you have, your ideas are always welcome. The instruction from Mr. President is very clear: Reach out to Nigerians; tap from them whatever resources they have. Whatever they can render to lift up our economy.″

In the same manner, the new ambassador enjoined the Hungarian private sector as well as experts to ’partner with us in the areas of energy, health, education, communication and water resources’.

However, Ononye regrettably admitted that Nigeria has problems of energy and infrastructural development especially what he called the “slow electric generation” which obviously affecting advancement in technology. But he quickly added that all hands must be on deck to tackle the energy sector which will invariably energise others.

Describing Hungary as the centre of excellence, he said that Hungary and Nigeria’s relationship should be strong and firm because there are many areas where the Hungarian private sectors can be useful to the economy of Nigeria.

Also describing his new position as a landmark in his diplomatic career, Ononye told the gathering that his administration definitely welcome constructive criticism as well as ideas and opinions that will contribute to the progress of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, African News Hungary asked some Nigerians to comment on the substance of the ambassador’s speech.

“The speech is good,” said Mr. Oluremi Durosaiye, Senior Corporate Relationship Manger at K & H Bank. However he pointed out that he had heard several good speeches not backed up with action, but hoped this one would be different.

In his own assessment, Dr. John Sessi, Managing Director FROMM Packaging System, explained that the new ambassador has the punch to deliver. He said that he based his remark on both the context of the speech as well as his brief interaction with him.

 “I think he has the best of intention,” he affirmed, adding that the ball is now on our court to do the follow up which would eventually facilitate the mutual relationship. 

Ononye who graduated from the University of Nsukka with 2nd class degree in Political Science in 1978, becomes the fifth Nigerian ambassador to Hungary since the embassy was opened in 1992 after twenty-eight years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Nigerians in government are known for their total disregard of the rules that governed the conduct of governance. They have shown increasing disrespect for the forces of law and order. Even their holy bible and Quran have not been spared. To exaggerate a little bit, these polithiefians have no regard for God.   

Now that the elections have been won and lost, and it is about time to make the oath of office, I hereby advocate the need to swear-in the elected men and women by axe and cutlass and instead of the bible or Quran. 

Mocking God has become a new fashion. They steal and steal; they hold holy books and hold holy books. They go to holy places to mock God and the afflicted. They usually play fast one on God because He often forgives.

Many times they have solemnly promised to alleviate the suffering of their people and many times they have failed to fulfil such promise.

For example, the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) initially designed in 1976-80 to increase local food production and thereby reduce imports has since collapsed. Today Nigeria imports even toothpicks. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has recently increased the age limit of car that can be imported from 10 to 15 years. Nigeria has gradually become a dumping ground for goods made in other countries; even rice.

There was WAI (War Against Indiscipline) introduced in 1984 to instil public morality, discipline or social order, civic responsibilities and promoting Nigerian nationalism. Those who enacted the legislation were the first to break it when the late Tunde Idiagbon took his fourteen-year-old son to Mecca while the law states otherwise.

SAP nko? The Structural Adjustment Programme in 1986 was supposed to improve the standard of living. In retrospect it might just be as one of the numerous empty rhetoric, judging from the fact that the standard of living is getting worse – for the poor; even the rich.

It was NEEDS in 1999. The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy was expected to be an ambitious programme of home-grown economic reforms. Has our economic grown since then? It is a question that needs critical thinking.

There was Vision 2010 which has been changed to Vision 2020. Obviously it has been empty promises by different administrations. They usually come up with something but never pursue it to a meaningful end. 

And they are still there – at the corridor of power – promising and promising. And they are still there getting away with so many crimes including murder; including rape. And they are being hailed as the one to liberate the people. And they have supporters. Supporters? How come? Democracy? Or democrazy? Or demonstration of crazy? I am confused.

When some of them go to jail for stealing or killing, it is because they had offended someone more powerful rather than because of the offence committed. They would serve their terms albeit glorified prisoner; and as elections draw near they must be released in order to help win election – “do or die affairs” For they know how to win elections by crook or crookudie.

Families, friends, wives including their jailer would wear aso ebi to celebrate their new freedom. With Quran and Bible in their thieving hands, they would dance and sing from the prison to a mega church or mosque where they must shout Hallelujah or Allah Akbar. The waiting pastor or imam would also hold the holy books.

It is like that. It has been like that since I was born. It will continue to be like that. They are the master of blaspheming game. These people have mastered the art of exploitation; of exploiting God/Allah. They neither respect nor fear the holy books because their imams and pastors know how to manipulate the art of forgiving. They use Allah/God to perpetrate their nefarious acts.

En, this is why I’m advocating for a new system of swearing in. Swear them in by axe and cutlass. Swear them in by the tools of Ogun the god of iron. And let us see whether they will see the anger of Ogun or not. Let us see whether their yeye fake imam or pastor will be able to protect them from Ogun

What I’m saying in essence is that I don’t trust our polithiefians. What I’m saying is that Jonathan Goodluck won’t be able to do much in his capacity as the president to curb or even reduce corruption. Hum, we are all involved. I suspect you don’t agree with me. But then this headline may convince you:  EFCC Discovers $1 billion In Speaker Bankole’s Proxy Account In UBA, Jonathan Wades In To Halt His Arrest Sahara reporters

  E-mail: editorafricannews@yahoo.com

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – May 30, 2011 – Ogun the god of iron! O’lomi nle f’eje we (he who has plenty of water to bath yet prefers blood).  O’laso nle f’imo kimo bora! Ogun l’akaiye Osinmole! Onile kangunkangun orun! I simply love Ogun’s oriki…

Nigerians in government are known for their total disregard of the rules that governed the conduct of governance. They have shown increasing disrespect for the forces of law and order. Even their holy bible and Quran have not been spared. To exaggerate a little bit, these polithiefians have no regard for God.   

Now that the elections have been won and lost, and it is about time to make the oath of office, I hereby advocate the need to swear-in the elected men and women by axe and cutlass and instead of the bible or Quran. 

Mocking God has become a new fashion. They steal and steal; they hold holy books and hold holy books. They go to holy places to mock God and the afflicted. They usually play fast one on God because He often forgives.

Many times they have solemnly promised to alleviate the suffering of their people and many times they have failed to fulfil such promise.

For example, the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) initially designed in 1976-80 to increase local food production and thereby reduce imports has since collapsed. Today Nigeria imports even toothpicks. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has recently increased the age limit of car that can be imported from 10 to 15 years. Nigeria has gradually become a dumping ground for goods made in other countries; even rice.

There was WAI (War Against Indiscipline) introduced in 1984 to instil public morality, discipline or social order, civic responsibilities and promoting Nigerian nationalism. Those who enacted the legislation were the first to break it when the late Tunde Idiagbon took his fourteen-year-old son to Mecca while the law states otherwise.

SAP nko? The Structural Adjustment Programme in 1986 was supposed to improve the standard of living. In retrospect it might just be as one of the numerous empty rhetoric, judging from the fact that the standard of living is getting worse – for the poor; even the rich.

It was NEEDS in 1999. The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy was expected to be an ambitious programme of home-grown economic reforms. Has our economic grown since then? It is a question that needs critical thinking.

There was Vision 2010 which has been changed to Vision 2020. Obviously it has been empty promises by different administrations. They usually come up with something but never pursue it to a meaningful end. 

And they are still there – at the corridor of power – promising and promising. And they are still there getting away with so many crimes including murder; including rape. And they are being hailed as the one to liberate the people. And they have supporters. Supporters? How come? Democracy? Or democrazy? Or demonstration of crazy? I am confused.

When some of them go to jail for stealing or killing, it is because they had offended someone more powerful rather than because of the offence committed. They would serve their terms albeit glorified prisoner; and as elections draw near they must be released in order to help win election – “do or die affairs” For they know how to win elections by crook or crookudie.

Families, friends, wives including their jailer would wear aso ebi to celebrate their new freedom. With Quran and Bible in their thieving hands, they would dance and sing from the prison to a mega church or mosque where they must shout Hallelujah or Allah Akbar. The waiting pastor or imam would also hold the holy books.

It is like that. It has been like that since I was born. It will continue to be like that. They are the master of blaspheming game. These people have mastered the art of exploitation; of exploiting God/Allah. They neither respect nor fear the holy books because their imams and pastors know how to manipulate the art of forgiving. They use Allah/God to perpetrate their nefarious acts.

En, this is why I’m advocating for a new system of swearing in. Swear them in by axe and cutlass. Swear them in by the tools of Ogun the god of iron. And let us see whether they will see the anger of Ogun or not. Let us see whether their yeye fake imam or pastor will be able to protect them from Ogun

What I’m saying in essence is that I don’t trust our polithiefians. What I’m saying is that Jonathan Goodluck won’t be able to do much in his capacity as the president to curb or even reduce corruption. Hum, we are all involved. I suspect you don’t agree with me. But then this headline may convince you:  EFCC Discovers $1 billion In Speaker Bankole’s Proxy Account In UBA, Jonathan Wades In To Halt His Arrest Sahara reporters

  E-mail: editorafricannews@yahoo.com

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – April 7, 2011 -

I did not feel any anger, sorrow, or disbelieve when I heard that Jega’s INEC had postponed the general assembly election earlier scheduled for April 2. Mr. Jega boldly announced on the D-Day that the election had been shifted to April 4. He shocked the nation when some voters were still waiting to exercise their voting rights…

Whereas Mr. Jega had told his nation; even boasted that he, Jega was prepared to conduct the freest and fairest elections in the history of a troubled nation! Of course he didn’t use the word troubled. However his assertion came on the eve of the election…

This shouldn’t be suspicious because an INEC man is always a sincere man. Don’t you think so? Of course you do, and that is why you’re so taken aback that election was cancelled on the D-Day in Nigeria.

Then the INEC chairman announced further that all the general elections have been re-scheduled. This basically means that elections scheduled for 2, 9 and 16 will now be held on 9, 16 and 26 respectively…

Now if the incumbent wins the presidential election – free and fair or do-or-die, his opponents will definitely refers to this false start. Part of this is obviously the insensitivity that has characterised our approach to implementation of conduct.

In postponing and re-scheduling the elections, Mr. Jega told Nigerians that he postponed the elections because of his earlier promise that he would tell Nigerians the truth, nothing but the truth about the controversial elections…

The man apologised to the nation, saying inter alia, “This is one such occasion. Indeed, it is an emergency. As you know the National Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate) elections are supposed to be taking place as I speak. You would also have noticed that things have not proceeded smoothly as expected with the elections. The reason for this is the unanticipated emergency we have experienced with late arrival of result sheets in many parts of the country. The result sheets are central to the elections and their integrity…” full text

Mr. Chairman appealed to the nation for understanding but many Nigerians dismissed it as the usual loud and confused and empty talk by public officials. Mr Goodluck, a president so lucky to have married Patience as wife, agreed with his INEC man, saying he Goodluck still trusts the professor to conduct free and fair elections…

In the history of Nigeria, has there been a time when an incumbent president was defeated? Oh, how can we even know when almost what we have had were military coup and civilian counter coup!

What continues to pain me is our social commentators’ position. I feel anger, sorrow and disbelieve when they try to analyse – in form of rebuke or praise – how things should be done concerning the elections.

Almost all of our social critics whom we look up to are intellectually fraudulent, criminally depraved in their crocodile tears’ criticism. By insinuating that Jega be removed, they have either displayed their little knowledge of political situation in the country; or rather they know not what it is they are talking about. How come they do not know that whoever replaced Jega will follow the same depressivepath or even worse. Iwuruwuru, Jega-jaga and what have you.

 With due respect, I passionately believe we would get the same result even if anyone or combination of these fine men – Awo, Zik, Kano – were to conduct elections in Nigerian of today. So I proclaim here that our orientation and values are genuinely responsible for Iwuruwu or Jega-jaga.

I think most of our critics just write for writing sake – and for goodness sake the part of the problem. Otherwise anyone who has been diligently and passionately and honestly following Nigeria’s trajectory would definitely know it is impossible for INEC to conduct free and fair elections. Not when its chairman is under and always selected by the incumbent president.

Instead of asserting this fact, most of us are still busy analysing, predicting with a first class self-deceit. How can they be surprised about the postponed elections, especially in this context when they have already projected Nigeria a doomed nation? Don’t they understand that INEC is part of that doom they have been mouthing about? So why the pretence about being surprised, why the anger; why the jega-jaga or Iwuruwuru?

The only way an incumbent can lose a presidential election in Nigeria is, if the INEC chairman or his associates decide to betray the moment. And unless Mr. Jega prefers to be a dead hero will he go against the norm.

Whether ironic or not, the funny thing about this, is the fact that none of the present presidential candidates would also appoint a disloyal man or woman to head the electoral commission if they were in Mr. Goodluck’s shoes. So what exactly are we moaning about?

In fact, how can an informed and honest commentator write more than three words regarding the postponement? SUPER TRUST DUPER!

Ours, it seems an expression of agreement not supported by real conviction. Nna, we are all part of the problem confronting this “geographical expression” called Nigeria.

The way out is lost on us except of course our die-hard hypocrisy. The way out is perhaps saying enough is enough, but I guess we don’t know how to do that. Until then let INEC remain what it is – a mirror – of our pretence.

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – Mar. 6, 2011

But the first shock of my admiration came barely a month after my visit, as protests rock Gaddafi’s administration calling for his resignation. Gaddafi came to power on September 1, 1969 through a revolution by overthrowing King Idris 1, a pro-Western monarch, in a bloodless coup d’état.

Since then the man has been able to project himself as a passionate social reformer and Libyans as equal partner in making Libya a system of its own. Gaddafi has managed to demonstrate that, for a leader to be taken seriously he must lead by example. He has gradually convinced the sceptic that every country, and in deed Africa can be great – greater than any nation on this planet.

His passion for the unity of Africa has earned him many enemies among other African leaders who often suspect his motive for the establishment of a United State of Africa. He was instrumental for the revival of OAU (Organisation of African Unity) by changing it to AU (African Union)… He can as well be described as inconsistent. For example, he often talks about African Union but last year he was reported to have called for the break up of Nigeria.

Gaddafi is outspoken – an outspoken critic of oppression; of colonial knavery; of Western and Arab slave exploitation. He recently apologised for Arab slavery in Africa. The west, especially America had once punished him and his people for his outspokenness.

In the 80’s

America under the guise of UN imposed sanctions on Libya in 1992 because of the Lockerbie bombing which killed 270 people in total on December 21 1988. The sanction was eventually lifted in September 2003. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi who was jailed in 2001 for the crime was also released on August 201 2009 on health ground.          

Earlier on April 15, 1986, the United States had bombed Libya, saying it was in response to the Berlin discotheque bombing. There were casualties and losses from both sides. Ronald Reagan, the 40^th president of America described Gaddafi as a mad dog. Most people probably believed Mr. Reagan then because whatever came out of the White House was the holy truth. But now, we know something about propaganda, hypocrisy, double standard and what have you of America’s hegemony.

Who can you honestly call a mad dog knowing now what you did not know then? Your guess is as good as mine. Which country has elements of terrorism in its system? Your guess is as good as mine.

“The U.S must not reward those who join the war on terrorism because fighting that evil is not a service for the U.S. It is an act that serves one’s own interests. Who of us likes terrorism? Who of us would wish to live, or see his children and his country live, in a world where terrorism has free reign? Terrorism is a horrendous scourge.”

For reminder, I recently visited Libya for a three-day conference. Although the time I used in Libya is too short for a proper assessment of the country, I utilised the opportunity to get whatever I could in order to be able to extract some facts.

The situation in Libya has taught me that the vision and sincerity of a government/leader is much more valuable than the system of government. I do not know under what system to categorise Libya. You can say it’s a police state and you may be right; you can call it socialism and, or welfare state and you may be right; you can even say it is capitalism; even monarchy and so on and so forth.

What I found out during my three-day-stay in Tripoli is this: Almost every Libyan has roof over her head. Life expectancy is said to be over 70. Per capital income is about 12,000 dollars. It seems the rich and the “poor” eat the same kind of food. And there’s almost no beggar and homeless in Tripoli.

So seen the protest on cable TVs against Gadadafi’s government came to me as a shock. Although 40 years is too long for one man to preside the affairs of a country, I had relied so much on the notion that many Libyans are satisfied with the system. Oh, I had relied so much on the information I got from some foreigners in Libya as well as some citizens interviewed. Most of them spoke well of him and often described him as Brother Leader. 

My wife was equally shocked seeing the protest on TV. She had believed me when I fondly told her about one African leader that seems genuine about the welfare of his people. Perhaps because she had never heard me fondly talking of African leaders; she became interested in Gaddafi until the protest against the Brother Leader.

“My dear husband,” she said in disbelieve. “You must have been given wrong information about Gaddafi and Libya”.

Hum, I am confused as well as disturbed. I had intended to proclaim to the world that Gaddafi is one African leader to be celebrated. I had wanted to say that he is one African leader with genuine love for his people. It was indeed the reason I was infatuated with his system/style.

I was wondering what other delegates might be thinking now, especially those professors, kings, human rights activists, parliamentarians, youth organisations who had poured encomium on Brother Gaddafi. They called him kings of kings. They named him the true son of Africa. They also referred to him as the only African leader who is not a racketeer. They say his example is rare and that he is the symbol of truth. He was decorated with gifts and symbols…..

Fast forward

I had the opportunity to visit the remains of Gaddafi’s house which was bombed by Goliath America. It has since become a museum. I was marvelled at the modesty of this leader. The furniture and other household equipment are simple. The man, it seems to me, practices what he preaches. This perhaps is his weapon – of governance.   

In those days, the West tried different means including propaganda to nail Gaddafi. They labelled him dictator; they called him murderer and all sorts of cruel names – mainly to destroy a young man who would become a respected figure among his people and among those who could think and see beyond the surface. He survived to liberate Libyans. He lives by example – of how Libyans should be proud of themselves; how they should fight against any kind of oppression.

I rather prefer a Gaddafi’s “dictatorship” which has elevated his people to a Mubarak or a Ben Ali or an Obasanjo’s democracy (some call it demo-crazy) which has impoverished their people. The choice is yours: A benevolent dictator or a malevolent democrat? As far as I am concerned, Gaddafi has given dictatorship a good name. Good name? I hope I am correct despite the ongoing intense protest against Gaddafi’s system.

“Democracy is popular rule not popular expression.”

Consider this inscription boldly written in Arabic and English at Tripoli airport: YOU ARE NOT A WAGE WORKER; YOU ARE A PARTNER. The truth in that phrase radiates across Tripoli where Libyans are genuinely proud of themselves, their country and their brother leader. 

One can say he is a pan-Africanist to the core. Gaddafi admires and respects people like Kwame Nkrumah, Patricia Lumumba and others whom he passionately believes had stood for dignity and against oppression.

Gaddafi’s address to the delegates

I must confess that, like many other delegate, I was somehow in a trance listening to this man’s speech. Could Gaddafi have hypnotized us? It seems, judging from the fact that Libyans are now protesting the resignation of Mr. Gaddafi a month after I had allowed myself to be convinced that Gaddafi’s Libya is in a system of its own. That Gaddafi is a genuine leader with the interest of his people at heart. 

“It is my duty and role towards the sons of Africa and I am a soldier for Africa. I am here for you and I will work for you and therefore I will not abandon you and will follow your conditions. By the will of God, I will assign teams to search, inspect and meet African in Europe and to check their situations.

“The west is destroying Africa. By what right should they interfere in our affair? Africans are created by God. Imagine most African countries are named after English and French officers: Cameroon, Rhodesia.

“Now they are interfering in Cote d’ Ivoire. Are we miners, are we children so that they can be our parents? We have never interfered in their elections and why are they interfering in ours? They are enslaving us as a people and we reject this. It is colonialism b y proxy. They transported us to the US and UK and now they want to reject us. Our presence in Europe should be respected. You have me but it is up to you…..” 

Therefore out of all the protests, uprising, or revolution sweeping across the Arab region; it is only that of Libya that actually confuses and holds me breathless. I had thought Libyans are so fond of Gaddafi and Libya that any kind of uprising or protest will only happen after his death. In fact my only worry had been the vacuum his long reign will have caused.

But then, if the report by AP credited to Mr. Gaddafi’s son warning the protesters that the government would “fight until the last man, the last woman, the last bullet was true; I have no choice other than to let my admiration diminished – for Mr. Gaddafi who has since blamed Osama Bin Laden for trying to create Islamic Emirate in Libya

Oh, my impression had been that Brother Leader Gaddafi had managed to create a river in the desert. Or is the current protest in Libya a path to paving way for the influence of the west in a country that detests foreign occupation and oppression in whatever form? Libyans oppositions should think and think to make sure they do not fall into the trap of colonialism by proxy.

Libyans should also understand the fact that capitalism does not necessarily mean happiness. They should know that all those benefit, subsidy, welfare being enjoyed under Gaddafi’s now hated system, may disappear under IMF/Capitalism induced government. They should be cautious of any western inspired opposition who may eventually become the stooge of the brutal colonialists. Definitely, it will soon be clear to us as it is now clear to us the origin of international propaganda, terrorism, shock doctrine and all that is befuddling our senses.     

As for Libyans, well, if a woman does not try another man besides her husband, she may never know the better man, according to my people. Most importantly and even ironically, is the fact that the happening in Libya may be more than what you think. Who is behind it? And who is behind the uprising in the Middle East?

Our friends in power especially would do anything to censor a writer – to the point of detaining, jailing; even killing. Most of the time they see us as the opposition; a busybody to be eliminated! In such moments, it is courage and truth that always protect us.

However, the sweet thing about being a writer is this: everything that happens to you becomes a raw material – for a story. If you enjoy writing, there’s nothing – no matter how precarious – that has power to cow you. Courage and truth are the bedrock of our survival. Do you hear me? Perhaps only writers understand the feeling I’m unable to describe here.

Now let me go straight to the point. I was detained at the Tripoli airport on January 15. It’s not that I fear being questioned or detained. As a writer/citizen journalist, I think I have passed that stage. Yes, stay away from the kitchen if you can’t withstand heat. Do you get my gist?

Of course, immigration has the right to question and detain any passenger suspected of being a “threat”. That perhaps is one of the immigration numerous jobs. I don’t have problem with this, especially in these days of our Lord when almost every passenger is a potential terrorist ready to blow up an aircraft or airport. What is our world turning to?

We were three from Hungary invited by the Libyan government to attend the Historical Conference of African Migrants in Europe. One is a human rights activist and the other an NGO volunteer. They are both naturalized Hungarian holding EU passports. 

As soon as we arrived, a man was waiting for us at the airport to ferry us to our hotel. The man collected our passports and asked us to sit. He took our passports to the immigration for clearance. After going up and down with our passports for about an hour, the man returned. “Who is Hakeem?” he asked without concealing the reason for the question.

I gestured.

“You have to wait,” he said as the two followed him passed the immigration. I again held my ritual soliloquy in such situation. “Ehenhe, what’s wrong with my green passport”, I muttered – indignantly.

Now you see, every man to his own palaver. None of the two looked back to protest on my behalf. Do you blame them? Who knows whether illicit drugs had been found in my luggage! Who knows whether my passport was forged! And who knows if I had bomb planted in my torso. I beg, never trust even your brother o.

Dear reader, I am used to my green passport being thoroughly checked at airports, especially at Ferihegy in Budapest (though such tense interrogation it seems is no more, for no one demanded for my passport at Ferihegy on my way to and from Libya). 

During the two hours I sat, I kept thinking that my green passport had disgraced me – again. Meanwhile I found consolation in the following sentiment: 

“But I love my green passport though I may dislike different Nigerian governments that had ruled the country.  My green passport is all what I have – no matter what anyone may think. I cherish it like I cherish a benevolent and visionary leader. I cherish it like I now cherish Brother Leader Gaddafi”. (This is a story on its own).

Oh, I was wrong. I was not detained because of my green passport. But on my return it was an issue – a minor-minor issue. It started when the immigration officer asked me what sounded like a rhetorical question. “Do you mind if I photocopy your passport?” He asked as if he was giving me an option. “I mind”. “Then I have to delay you”. “It’s okay with me”. He took me to his office. “Sir, Libya doesn’t have problem with Nigerian passport but Rome always demand we copy every Nigerian passport passing through Rome. We have problem with the Chinese and Turkish”. “What kind of problem?” “Forged and passports destroyed during flights….”

So after two hours, I fired up. I had wanted to know my offence, but no one spoke English or rather pretended not to. I was really getting pissed off. What could the matter be? I mean, I was invited by the Libyan government (with free air ticket, accommodation and meal) but here I was being detained without anyone able to tell me the exact reason.

“Oh, Libya”, I thought, “and the conference is about how African immigrants in Europe should be treated with dignity”. I did not dwell much on the irony of the situation. 

However it got to a point that I told myself that I should just shun the conference and return to my dearest Budapest. But oh boy that was me talking not the writer in me. The writer in me would not allow me. It said, “You must be fuc-ing stupid to get annoyed at this stage. Which yeye writer you be self! A good and experience writer usually turns an ugly situation to handsome situation…

Na the writer in me I listened to o jare 

But I had to confront the immigration. Confront? No, I just wanted someone to explain things to me. Let them read my charge to me. Let them tell me my crime. Now now.

When they could not tolerate my demand to know my offence anymore, they tried hard to find someone who could explain things to me in Queens Elizabeth language. If I had known as a young boy, I would have listened to my parents who did their best to make sure I studied Arabic. I had preferred the British colonialism to Arab one.Yeparipa

When the interpreter came and the two immigrations on duty spoke to him, he turned to me and asked in a tone that sounded friendly – very friendly. “Are you a journalist?”

“Yes”

“That is why. That is why”

I understood but did I really understand? I embraced the interpreter to his own shock. Hum, I was being detained because I am one of the “necessary evils” and not because of my green passport and not because someone had planted something in my luggage. Ah, ah. It was a sigh of relief, my brother. 

“But I am a guest of Gaddafi,” I said, breaking the long silence.

“Brother leader,” he corrected me after which he said, “Yes, but only the director of the immigration can allow a journalist in”. 

“And where is the director of the immigration?”

His smile answered that subtle question

Mr. Director of Immigration would not come until 08.00. Of course I was somehow enjoying myself now having ascertained it was not my green passport that had responsible for my delay/detention. 

As we sat on a bench, the interpreter who is a supervisor introduced himself as Obama and quickly added, not Osama Bin Laden. We both cracked jokes over that.

Man, it was getting to 03.30 since 23.30 I had arrived. I was already jet lagged.

Obama asked me to follow him to the VIP lounge but I refused though I took his offer of bottled water. I wanted to see more of what was going on – more raw materials. We talked and talked and Obama apologised for the inconvenience and joked that I should not write about the incident. “You know you journalists can write about anything,” he said jokingly. “We fear you people”. 

Fear? Respect should be the word. En, respect begets respect. “That I will never promise anybody,” I joked in return. We laughed and laughed.

At exactly 08.00, the big boss came to me and also offered his apology but without saying point-blank that I had been detained for nine good hours because of my profession. He took me to where a taxi was waiting to take me to the BAB AL BAHR HOTEL, one of the places that accommodated delegates.

My ride from the airport to the venue of the conference hooked me to Gaddafi’s system. The road was smooth. I marvelled at the yet to be completed buildings but already fixed with electricity and water. The houses I gathered were being built for the citizens – free of charge (Another story for another day).

I raised the issue of my detention at the conference and a man who introduced himself as the Speaker of the parliament also apologised. He asked me some questions I found interesting. 

“Do you have Israeli’s visa in your passport? No, “Have you ever being to Israel?” No. “There must be a mix up…We would investigate”. There was no need for that, for I already knew why I was detained. He gave me his name card.

During my detention, my eyes had caught a big inscription at the airport in both Arabic and English: YOU ARE NOT A WAGE WORKER; YOU ARE A PARTNER. It was this inscription and the standard of living in Libya and Brother Leader Gaddafi’s ethic to keep Libya’s money in Libya that now earn him my profound respect despite my 9 hours airport detention.

Libya is a system of its own as Pat Hill, African American Police League, a delegate who said they too were detained for six hours despite the fact that it was not their first time in Tripoli.

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – Feb. 11, 2011 -

While I agree with the embattled president that under no circumstance should the Western countries poke nose into African affairs, I urge Mr. President to respect his people who have been calling for a change.

Today Friday February 11 2011 is the 20th day that Egyptians have been marching on the street demanding that the 82-year-old president should leave office. Many protesters were seeing removing their shoes in derision to Mubarak’s disappointing speech last night.

Though fearing bloodbath, the protesters have said that Friday’s protest would be the biggest since it started on 25 January 2011.

Again I am not asking him to listen to foreign intervention or dictation. What I am saying however is for Mubarak to understand the language of his people who have determined to oust him.

The protest which started as a social networking was organized by the Egyptian youths most of whom are young enough to be Mr. Mubarak’s grand children.

Wael Ghonim 30, the leader of the protest who was arrested but later released, said that he was ready to give up his plum job as Google executive even his family and his life in order to see that a change takes place.

The frustrated youths have been complaining about unemployment, corruption and the fact that the regime does not understand Egyptian youths, hence the time for a change.

Nour Ayman, 29, told CNN that Egyptian people will not accept the speech made by Mubarak unless he eventually resigns. “We are angry, frustrated and disappointed.”

Sarah said that she had expected the president to concentrate his speech on his final exist but again it was the usual rhetoric. “I’d like to be at the forefront even if the army is ready to shoot”.

Mr. Mubarak should look inward instead of blaming the satellite TVs for exaggerating the uprising. There was nothing these foreign media could do if protesters were not determined in the first instance.

Meanwhile this uprising as far as I am concerned, has exposed American hypocrisy among other things. Superpower America has been backing Mubarak since he assumed office on October 14 1981. So, is America’s call for Mubarak to resign a way to save its own face? On the other hand, the uprising once again proves that people’s spirit is much more powerful than that of any brutal and malevolent regime.

After 30 years of ruling, I expect Mubarak to have thanked his God for giving him such a rare opportunity to serve his people. 30 years I believe is enough for a leader to achieve something tangible for his country and people.  

There’s no doubting the fact that Mubarak might have done good things during this long period of ruling. However, in order to protect his dignity which obviously is at stake, he must listen to the cries of his people even if he would not listen to that of foreign intervention.

 Clinging on to power after people have spoken in plain language is disrespectful – to the people; even to Mr. Mubarak himself.

 Now that Mubarak has refused to leave office, I call on the Egyptian military to stop sitting on the fence and help the people to achieve the desired change. The opposition in person of Mohamed El Baradei, 2005 Noble Peace Prize Winner, has declared that “Egypt will explode”.

In view of this pronouncement, I therefore call upon the current government to do everything in its power to prevent such explosion by whatever means, including the resignation of Mr. President.

Apparently, Egypt is currently facing a tough time. Mr. Mubarak should act like a grandpa and, or statesman by listening to the people’s voice. 

And most importantly, I am in love with Egyptian people who have demonstrated that the masses can come together to confront a brutal and malevolent regime.

By Hakeem Babalola, Budapest, Hungary – Jan. 31, 2011 -

The conference organised by the General Forum for Arab and African Non-Governmental Organisations was held in January 16-18 and titled, “A Decent Life in Europe or The Welcome Return to Africa,” attracted delegates from all the continents including academics, journalists, activists, doctors and NGOs.

 Participants had the opportunity to make a presentation, discuss and dialogue, observe, or intervene in order to contribute to what might be the beginning of emancipation of the African Migrants – all over the world.

 Though tagged Historical Conference of African Migrants in Europe, solidarity came from America, Canada, Caribbean, and Asia as speaker after speaker passionately tabled their experiences in their respective place of residence.

 Economic and political persecutions are deemed the main reasons why Africans in the Diaspora emigrate from Africa to Europe due to the inability of many African rulers to fulfil the objective and goal of governance which include but not limited to citizens’ welfare. Sina Odugbemi, Regional Coordinator Africa Renaissance Coalition, described most African leaders as racketeers. 

 Member of the Italian Parliament of African origin, Tayudi Jane, believed that one of the solutions is for the Africans in the Diaspora to hold on to their African identity no matter what. He added that Africans in the Diaspora should become a superpower and assistance to the continent.

 Bertin Mampaka, African member of Belgian parliament, suggested that it is highly important for us to like our own image before meaningful development could be achieved. Speaking to African News Hungary, the parliamentarian recalled situations in which Africans would bypass him to seek advice from his subordinates who are white. “No one can help Africa other than ourselves”, he lamented.

 In a similar tone, Honourable Mama kande, member of the PAN African Parliament, said that charity begins at home hence African countries must respect their citizens as a kick start. He demanded that African leaders in their respective country should create a system that would bring peace and tranquillity.

 The conference which was also attended by kings, sultans, princes, sheikhs and mayors of Africa heard that racism and xenophobia are gaining immense ground in the west thereby putting African migrants at risk.

 Responding, a Ghanaian living in Ukraine recounted his near death experience showing the conference the picture of his mutilated body. “The boy in that picture is me,” said Mr. Charles Asante-Yeboa in a sad voice, urging the conference to take such awful experience into consideration when preparing the final resolution.

 Women of Africa (WOA) called for respect and dignity for African women, saying they are the gateway of Africa’s future generation. The president, Alice Ukoko emphasised the need to eradicate trafficking African women to Europe and other similar places.

 In his own contribution to the conference, Latif Schabas, the grandson of Malcolm X, stressed that the struggle must continue in order to achieve dignity, access and freedom.

 That struggle, according to a member of US delegate, must include African leaders to say No to external forces ready to cause chaos throughout the continent. Citing Ivory Coast and Rwanda, she said that Africa must get rid of its leaders selected by France, US and Britain while stressing that Africa must be left for Africans.

 At the end of the conference, the following resolution was adopted:

 1, Establishment of the International Association of the immigrants with the headquarter in Tripoli with the possibility of branches all over the world

2, Conferring the honourable presidency of the Association to the Brotherly Leader Muammar Al “Kaddafi”

3, Constituting a committee for representing the union and managing its affairs consisting of chairperson and vice-chairperson  and a group of members in accordance with the attached resolution; provided that, all the continents and head state representation would be observed in the committee  and the aforesaid committee’s task would end by the next conference convening

4, The committee constituted under the preceding paragraph shall draw up the by-laws and rules of the association to be presented to the conference next year within maximum two years from its date

5, The general conference of the Association will meet periodically pursuant to the rules and the period set forth by the rules and regulations

6, Calling the African migrants who could not attend the conference for joining the Association

African News Hungary interviewed some of the delegates to know their views about the historical conference.

 United Kingdom

Mr. Fola Kudehinbu, Chairman African and Caribbean Chamber of commerce and Enterprise, explained that the Conference definitely met his expectation in the sense that it was the first of its kind to bring Africans in the Diaspora together in such a full force. “Meeting other Africans from other countries in itself is enough, “he said. 

Ukraine

Dr. Felix Otusile from Nigeria worried about too many promises, saying that “our” action should speak louder. He added that the only thing we need is to work and work in order to achieve the noble objectives put forward at the conference.

 Netherlands

Princess Abzé Djigma from Burkina Faso said that the conference was good however she feared that lack of focus and the inability to pinpoint our goals may jeopardise the whole intention to move the conference forward. 

 USA

Mr. Omowale Clay did not mince words about the Conference when he told African News Hungary that it was a stepping stone in the right direction. He emphasised on the importance of Conferences like this, saying it was to bring people together “which this Conference has achieved immensely”. Clay added that people should remember that whatever you put is what you get.

 Faya Coffield

My expectation is that people like you from Budapest and people like me from Atlanta and people of African descent can unite in order to return to Africa as our homeland, or we should be able to stay abroad without oppression. I am glad the conference is in the right direction to achieving this goal.

 Hungary

Mr. Gibril Deen said that he enjoyed every aspect of the Conference, especially the networking and interaction with fellow brothers from all over the world. According to him, it’s a forum to truly discuss the plights of Africans in the Diaspora in order to find permanent solution. “Brother Gadaffi should be commended for a vision of this magnitude,” affirmed the Mahatma Ghandi Organisation president.  

For Mr. Raymond Irambo, another delegate from Hungary who represented African Hungarian Union (AHU), it’s a well chosen theme, because a meeting of this nature was quite overdue. While stating the fact that Africans’ problem in the Central Europe is quite different from other places, he pointed out that the success of the conference is in the continuation.