Nigerian Diplomats and Compatriots in the Diaspora

Also published in DAILY TRUST

 

The adoption of what the federal government called “Citizen Diplomacy” in 2007 to guide Nigeria’s foreign policy was a reaction to the prevalent incidents of alleged abuse and persecution of Nigerians in different parts of the world. It was designed to primarily give priority to the interests of Nigerians abroad, as opposed to what was previously obtained; when the country’s foreign policy was literally like a candle burning itself to benefit others.

Resilience in Misery and Despair

...also published in DAILY TRUST,  6, April 2012

Inasmuch as I believe in the potential of the method of popular election to bring about good governance that guarantees political stability and economic prosperity hence social harmony, I am skeptical about the suitability of its outright and unconditional adoption by all societies regardless of their peculiar challenges. After all, last year I argued in this column about this point under the title: “Not Yet Ripe for Democracy” (Daily Trust, Friday 26 August 2011).

Fighting Corruption the Pot and Kettle Way

Also published in DAILY TRUST

It is quite ironic that, instead of curbing corruption, the bizarre exposures of extremely scandalous corruption cases perpetrated by Nigerian thieving elites have only made them more determined to plunder the country further, by devising more ways to perpetuate their crimes with impunity.

Implications of Being too Emotionally Reserved

Also published in DAILY TRUST

It may sound rather ironic to discuss emotion in these circumstances when the country is going through its toughest existential threats since the end of the civil war more than four decades ago. Nonetheless, I believe it is relevant anyway, as a Hausa proverb says, “ana bikin duniya ake na kiyama”, which, more or less means, no particular issue should overshadow another; instead both should be addressed concurrently; each according to its significance and urgency.

Beyond the Yellow Fever Diplomacy

Also published in DAILY TRUST

 Before dwelling on the implication of South Africa’s decision to deport more than one hundred Nigerian passengers who had just arrived at the country on the ground that their yellow fever vaccination certificates were not genuine, let me admit a truth, which was hardly if at all addressed despite many articles and comments written about the incident.