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Re:Hungarian Lady
Who Keeps An Eye
on Africans
Dear Hakeem
First of all, this lady does
not deserve the above title
and should not have gotten
this..Read More
Who Keeps An Eye
on Africans
Dear Hakeem
First of all, this lady does
not deserve the above title
and should not have gotten
this..Read More
*The Electoral Fraudsters
*The Nigeria State Looters
*Mess Made in Kenya
*Dishonourable honourable
*African Beauty in Ireland
*The birthday Lady
*HUASA Fashion
*Senegalese Night
*Golden Eaglets
*The Nigeria State Looters
*Mess Made in Kenya
*Dishonourable honourable
*African Beauty in Ireland
*The birthday Lady
*HUASA Fashion
*Senegalese Night
*Golden Eaglets
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* They call me a prophet of doom Read More
*Nostagia for firing squad Read More
Admiral Arogundade's civility & democracy Read More
*Obama's Saga: A Challenge to Nigerian Americans to Build Own Nation.... Read More
*The Scramble for African Funds...........Read More
*Open letter to Nigerian Ambassardor In Hungary..... Read More
*Let them Celebrate their October Self-Rule By Read More
*The Creation Of Appeasement Ministry Read More
*The death of Nigerian Masses Read More
*The Influential Thieves Read More
*Heaven Awaits Nigerian Teachers, More
*Eulogy for Pa Adedibully Read More
*No Cure for Colonial Mentality Read More
*Tame Those False Democrats First Read More
*My Darling British Airways .........Read More
*Nigerians Are Ungrateful People.......... Read More
*Na lie, he no dey kampe Read More
*Another Police Reckless Disregard for Lives .Read more
*Okiro’s readiness to die for Yar’Adua ..Read More
*Sacking Yar'Adua, Over Obasanjo's Dead Body Read More
*Article previously published on African Examiner
*Nostagia for firing squad Read More
Admiral Arogundade's civility & democracy Read More
*Obama's Saga: A Challenge to Nigerian Americans to Build Own Nation.... Read More
*The Scramble for African Funds...........Read More
*Open letter to Nigerian Ambassardor In Hungary..... Read More
*Let them Celebrate their October Self-Rule By Read More
*The Creation Of Appeasement Ministry Read More
*The death of Nigerian Masses Read More
*The Influential Thieves Read More
*Heaven Awaits Nigerian Teachers, More
*Eulogy for Pa Adedibully Read More
*No Cure for Colonial Mentality Read More
*Tame Those False Democrats First Read More
*My Darling British Airways .........Read More
*Nigerians Are Ungrateful People.......... Read More
*Na lie, he no dey kampe Read More
*Another Police Reckless Disregard for Lives .Read more
*Okiro’s readiness to die for Yar’Adua ..Read More
*Sacking Yar'Adua, Over Obasanjo's Dead Body Read More
*Article previously published on African Examiner
my smallvoice
by Hakeem Babalola
mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
by Hakeem Babalola
mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
______________________________________________
other articles from Hakeem Babalola
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
We Are All Not SaharaReporters
By Hakeem Babalola
SaharaReporters is being regarded with great favour, approval, even affection especially by the general public. By
my own estimate, it has become a best-selling propaganda against corrupt Nigerians at the helm of affairs. I have
no doubt in my mind that such voice is inevitable in an effort to battle impairment of virtue and moral principles
among those who lead Nigeria. Bit by bit SaharaReporters has become part of a larger drastic and far-reaching
change in ways of thinking and behaving.
Perhaps it is this activism gesture that makes it difficult for me to fault SaharaReporters irrespective of its method
which of course is obvious. Its political orientation favouring revolutionary change in government and society
cannot be avoided or prevented in a nation where the oppressed have been programmed to glorify their
oppressors. Despite its defect approach as reasoned by a group of commentators, I'd rather escape Nigerian
rulers' meretricious captivation for the glorious melancholy in SaharaReporters' invasive reporting.
A voice is needed to combat those military forces whose determination to conquer the poor man's mind is without
mercy or pity. SaharaReporters is one of the unmerciful voices garnered to fight the tempest of insincerity that
pervades Nigeria’s polity and deeds. It is a radical and aggressive voice; angry and hungry; sad and mad;
yearning and churning. Others may not be as radical, aggressive, angry, hungry, sad or mad; they are equally
fighting intensely. One needs to visit Pointblanknews, Nigeriavillagesquare, Newnigerianpolitics and other voices
being operated by Nigerians in the Diaspora in order to understand, and probably appreciate the quiet revolution
going on.
If at this point in time there is no such voice marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to
react violently – against those military forces – why are we then dreaming of a great nation where accountability,
equity, justice and other goodies of life will be the hallmark? The historic phenomenon of Change has never been
on a platter of gold. There will be speculation and persecution. There will be loyalty and there will be betrayal.
There will be a mental state characterized by a lack of clear thought and behaviour. There will be a recklessly
wasteful moment. Hum, there will be indiscriminate slaughter. And blood shall flow.
I suppose Change is a parasite of the society in which it tends to alter. Subsequent Nigerian “gunverments” have
helped breed violently agitated and turbulent voices like the fierce thunders roar. These inevitable ruthless voices
against corruption are being driven by the apocalypse of our time; the strong believe that it is now or never; the
notion that our destiny is in our own hands; the import believes that the best way to confront a bully at school is to
bully him; the biblical injunction that approves an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Those who lead Nigeria
have shown they are like a bully at school; murdering the nation and its people – lawfully. I wish I could express
myself better without this extravagant exaggeration.
Don't we all know that Nigeria has been in a state of progressive putrefaction for quite a long time? Does it not
dampen your heaven's spirit when the victims of this decaying bacterial do very little to get rid of such an offensive
odour? And that anyone who tries to bring normalcy to the polity is being nicknamed rebel and devil? Nigerians
who have determined to curb rottenness in our polity would be surprised that even their spouses and children are
not with them. It's such a lonely fight. And if I want to be sceptical, I would add: it's becoming a lost battle. The
evidence abounded with a challenge to readers to do their own research.
So when I read Kennedy Emetulu's We Are All Saharareporters in which he asks us to sign a petition addressed
to "President" Yar'Adua, I knew something is not right. I wouldn't have problem with the petition if Emetulu had
not adequately associated himself with SaharaReporters, a voice that roars and I can bet heaven listen to. It is not
the content that bothers me, for it is well-written. And I would have probably signed the petition had Emetulu not
muddled things, giving the impression that SaharaReporters is involved. Although SaharaReporters has not
published the petition on its site as at time of writing, neither has it disclaimed the petition. Even the decision not to
publish it on its site gives room for suspicion – a smart move though.
For SaharaReporters to be involved in writing petitions to the same man it described as "The Serpent Leader"
who "leads pack of wolves, snakes and Jackals ravaging Nigeria, depicts confusion and if care is not taken, may
be the beginning of the end (God forbid). SaharaReporters should not dapple into petition writings for it is above
that. It should stick to what it knows how to do best: exposé. As far as I am concerned, it has done well in giving
accounts of the facts of a situation that are shocking and which have deliberately been kept secret.
SaharaReporters has shown it's not an empty barrel so there's no need to shout or canvass for support before it is
heard. It has already sailed the Atlantic.
However, there's virtually the need for understanding based on comprehension, discernment and empathy. Not all
Nigerians have radicalism in their blood. Although I admire certain radicals, by nature I am not and I don't pretend
otherwise. I enjoy writing. I write not to show emotion but to relieve myself of certain emotions. I write to keep
me sane in this moment of riotous living. I write because I don't want to keep quiet in the face of oppression,
especially in a country where one man can steal a horse while another must not look at its halter. I'd like to be
counted as someone who has realised that “gunverment” in Nigeria is a relay race in which juntas – military or
civilian – passes the baton to one another.
SaharaReporter needs to protect its image at all times for it has accelerated itself to the limelight of crusading. To
give the impression that a group of politicians is behind its agenda will quicken its collapse, and definitely
humiliates or depress completely the initial struggle of this voice. SaharaReporters needs proper focus if it does
not want to lose its wholeness. It must know how to avoid embarrassment or distress. It must begin to chew my
people's axiom: iku ogun nii pa akikanju, iku odo nii pa omuwe iku efun nii pa lekeleke (roughly translated:
whatever it is that people love doing best often the cause of their death). I agree with Festus Keyamo that
SaharaReporters must not be caught in an embarrassing position.
To stick its neck out for a public officer betrays the struggle of this voice. Although Omoyele Sowore denied
being pro-Ribadu in his public letter to Festus Keyamo, the caption under Ribadu's picture on its web clearly
speaks volume. It reads: “Nigeria's erstwhile chief crime-fighter unceremoniously dismissed from service. Another
sad testimony to the fact that, in some parts of the world, Crime WINS!” In my opinion, as much as Ribadu
accomplished in his fight against corruption, he remains a paradox; a pun in the game of Nigerian polieatics
tactically used by the master himself - Obasanjo. No one can be absolutely right or wrong about Ribadu’s tenure
as EFCC chairman. He’s a riddle – an enigma. And that is his luck. I think Saharareporters has soft spot for
anyone or thing that is against any “gunverment” in power in Nigeria.
Back to the petition, in passing his points across, Emetulu directed us to one of those exposé titled How Farida
Waziri and Top Nigerian Editors Got Abuja Land allocations. The story is a strong allegation against Farida
Waziri, the current EFCC Chairperson and some editors. It portrays Mrs Waziri as someone who uses her
executive office to steal while it points out that journalism is now for sale. The story is backed up by documents
and accounts of different sources. I doubt not the story, especially when some of the editors involved actually
confirmed they have benefited from the land allocations. For now, I shall leave Madam Waziri while I briefly
comment on the conflict of interest regarding the editors.
Indeed there's nothing wrong or unusual for these editors like any other Nigerians - to purchase the land
legitimately. I believe they have every right to do so. But I shall speak from both sides of my mouth. So let me say
this: it would have been better if these editors had stayed away from such purchase due to the nature of their job.
Doing so would have been an enduring sacrifice. It simply doesn't augur well for Nigerian editors to benefit from
corrupt governments they criticise. This may be a sacrifice, but it is one that every journalist must be willing to
undertake, especially in trouble times like this.
In his Critics, Commentators and Gadflies, Sabella Abidde warns commentators to be cautious in their dealings
with the society as there are those who might want to trap, entice or soil their names. Abidde goes on to list about
eleven lessons he has learnt. I found it quite instructive. As the so-called Fourth Estate of Realm, journalists should
strive to be above board in their deeds and actions. If these editors actually got the allocation specifically to kill
the story on Madibbo's corrupt deals as alleged by SaharaReporters, then Nigeria is really in a mess; and nobody
– not even the voice that heaven listen to – would be able to clean the kettle of fish.
Copyright 2009 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
By Hakeem Babalola
SaharaReporters is being regarded with great favour, approval, even affection especially by the general public. By
my own estimate, it has become a best-selling propaganda against corrupt Nigerians at the helm of affairs. I have
no doubt in my mind that such voice is inevitable in an effort to battle impairment of virtue and moral principles
among those who lead Nigeria. Bit by bit SaharaReporters has become part of a larger drastic and far-reaching
change in ways of thinking and behaving.
Perhaps it is this activism gesture that makes it difficult for me to fault SaharaReporters irrespective of its method
which of course is obvious. Its political orientation favouring revolutionary change in government and society
cannot be avoided or prevented in a nation where the oppressed have been programmed to glorify their
oppressors. Despite its defect approach as reasoned by a group of commentators, I'd rather escape Nigerian
rulers' meretricious captivation for the glorious melancholy in SaharaReporters' invasive reporting.
A voice is needed to combat those military forces whose determination to conquer the poor man's mind is without
mercy or pity. SaharaReporters is one of the unmerciful voices garnered to fight the tempest of insincerity that
pervades Nigeria’s polity and deeds. It is a radical and aggressive voice; angry and hungry; sad and mad;
yearning and churning. Others may not be as radical, aggressive, angry, hungry, sad or mad; they are equally
fighting intensely. One needs to visit Pointblanknews, Nigeriavillagesquare, Newnigerianpolitics and other voices
being operated by Nigerians in the Diaspora in order to understand, and probably appreciate the quiet revolution
going on.
If at this point in time there is no such voice marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to
react violently – against those military forces – why are we then dreaming of a great nation where accountability,
equity, justice and other goodies of life will be the hallmark? The historic phenomenon of Change has never been
on a platter of gold. There will be speculation and persecution. There will be loyalty and there will be betrayal.
There will be a mental state characterized by a lack of clear thought and behaviour. There will be a recklessly
wasteful moment. Hum, there will be indiscriminate slaughter. And blood shall flow.
I suppose Change is a parasite of the society in which it tends to alter. Subsequent Nigerian “gunverments” have
helped breed violently agitated and turbulent voices like the fierce thunders roar. These inevitable ruthless voices
against corruption are being driven by the apocalypse of our time; the strong believe that it is now or never; the
notion that our destiny is in our own hands; the import believes that the best way to confront a bully at school is to
bully him; the biblical injunction that approves an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Those who lead Nigeria
have shown they are like a bully at school; murdering the nation and its people – lawfully. I wish I could express
myself better without this extravagant exaggeration.
Don't we all know that Nigeria has been in a state of progressive putrefaction for quite a long time? Does it not
dampen your heaven's spirit when the victims of this decaying bacterial do very little to get rid of such an offensive
odour? And that anyone who tries to bring normalcy to the polity is being nicknamed rebel and devil? Nigerians
who have determined to curb rottenness in our polity would be surprised that even their spouses and children are
not with them. It's such a lonely fight. And if I want to be sceptical, I would add: it's becoming a lost battle. The
evidence abounded with a challenge to readers to do their own research.
So when I read Kennedy Emetulu's We Are All Saharareporters in which he asks us to sign a petition addressed
to "President" Yar'Adua, I knew something is not right. I wouldn't have problem with the petition if Emetulu had
not adequately associated himself with SaharaReporters, a voice that roars and I can bet heaven listen to. It is not
the content that bothers me, for it is well-written. And I would have probably signed the petition had Emetulu not
muddled things, giving the impression that SaharaReporters is involved. Although SaharaReporters has not
published the petition on its site as at time of writing, neither has it disclaimed the petition. Even the decision not to
publish it on its site gives room for suspicion – a smart move though.
For SaharaReporters to be involved in writing petitions to the same man it described as "The Serpent Leader"
who "leads pack of wolves, snakes and Jackals ravaging Nigeria, depicts confusion and if care is not taken, may
be the beginning of the end (God forbid). SaharaReporters should not dapple into petition writings for it is above
that. It should stick to what it knows how to do best: exposé. As far as I am concerned, it has done well in giving
accounts of the facts of a situation that are shocking and which have deliberately been kept secret.
SaharaReporters has shown it's not an empty barrel so there's no need to shout or canvass for support before it is
heard. It has already sailed the Atlantic.
However, there's virtually the need for understanding based on comprehension, discernment and empathy. Not all
Nigerians have radicalism in their blood. Although I admire certain radicals, by nature I am not and I don't pretend
otherwise. I enjoy writing. I write not to show emotion but to relieve myself of certain emotions. I write to keep
me sane in this moment of riotous living. I write because I don't want to keep quiet in the face of oppression,
especially in a country where one man can steal a horse while another must not look at its halter. I'd like to be
counted as someone who has realised that “gunverment” in Nigeria is a relay race in which juntas – military or
civilian – passes the baton to one another.
SaharaReporter needs to protect its image at all times for it has accelerated itself to the limelight of crusading. To
give the impression that a group of politicians is behind its agenda will quicken its collapse, and definitely
humiliates or depress completely the initial struggle of this voice. SaharaReporters needs proper focus if it does
not want to lose its wholeness. It must know how to avoid embarrassment or distress. It must begin to chew my
people's axiom: iku ogun nii pa akikanju, iku odo nii pa omuwe iku efun nii pa lekeleke (roughly translated:
whatever it is that people love doing best often the cause of their death). I agree with Festus Keyamo that
SaharaReporters must not be caught in an embarrassing position.
To stick its neck out for a public officer betrays the struggle of this voice. Although Omoyele Sowore denied
being pro-Ribadu in his public letter to Festus Keyamo, the caption under Ribadu's picture on its web clearly
speaks volume. It reads: “Nigeria's erstwhile chief crime-fighter unceremoniously dismissed from service. Another
sad testimony to the fact that, in some parts of the world, Crime WINS!” In my opinion, as much as Ribadu
accomplished in his fight against corruption, he remains a paradox; a pun in the game of Nigerian polieatics
tactically used by the master himself - Obasanjo. No one can be absolutely right or wrong about Ribadu’s tenure
as EFCC chairman. He’s a riddle – an enigma. And that is his luck. I think Saharareporters has soft spot for
anyone or thing that is against any “gunverment” in power in Nigeria.
Back to the petition, in passing his points across, Emetulu directed us to one of those exposé titled How Farida
Waziri and Top Nigerian Editors Got Abuja Land allocations. The story is a strong allegation against Farida
Waziri, the current EFCC Chairperson and some editors. It portrays Mrs Waziri as someone who uses her
executive office to steal while it points out that journalism is now for sale. The story is backed up by documents
and accounts of different sources. I doubt not the story, especially when some of the editors involved actually
confirmed they have benefited from the land allocations. For now, I shall leave Madam Waziri while I briefly
comment on the conflict of interest regarding the editors.
Indeed there's nothing wrong or unusual for these editors like any other Nigerians - to purchase the land
legitimately. I believe they have every right to do so. But I shall speak from both sides of my mouth. So let me say
this: it would have been better if these editors had stayed away from such purchase due to the nature of their job.
Doing so would have been an enduring sacrifice. It simply doesn't augur well for Nigerian editors to benefit from
corrupt governments they criticise. This may be a sacrifice, but it is one that every journalist must be willing to
undertake, especially in trouble times like this.
In his Critics, Commentators and Gadflies, Sabella Abidde warns commentators to be cautious in their dealings
with the society as there are those who might want to trap, entice or soil their names. Abidde goes on to list about
eleven lessons he has learnt. I found it quite instructive. As the so-called Fourth Estate of Realm, journalists should
strive to be above board in their deeds and actions. If these editors actually got the allocation specifically to kill
the story on Madibbo's corrupt deals as alleged by SaharaReporters, then Nigeria is really in a mess; and nobody
– not even the voice that heaven listen to – would be able to clean the kettle of fish.
Copyright 2009 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
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