NaijaPositive.com

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Abimbola,

I'm glad to note that you apologized for your words that got you into trouble with a lot of people. The reality is that most of us who live abroad and complains about the situation in Nigeria do so because we feel that our homeland is not living to its potentials. No matter where we live, what our social and economic status are in our adopted countries, what words we use to express our unhappiness with the situation back home, saying that one is not proud to be a Nigerian, should never be one of them.

I do not believe in the romantic nationalism of the old Europe and of present day America where many citizens proclaim, "it is my country, right or wrong." I will speak out and encourage others to do so if I feel something wrong is going on back home. I will never go so far as to say I'm not proud of my fatherland.

Whatever is wrong in Nigeria today is brought about by many factors including problems of leadership and ill-informed citizens. A country becomes great when its leadership and citizens put her interest ahead of self-interest.

I'm not sure what came out in your writing was your intended expression. You have to be careful when you use a borrowed language to express yourself on a very dicey topic of nationalism.

Happy New Year everyone!

Ayo Adediji
12/31/03

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Abimbola didn't need to rain curses on anyone. That is the only blemish in what he was saying. Most everyone will identify with his theme. The guy may be censured for cursing, but not gagged or intimidated with the Nigerian citizenship..................That you are born a Nigerian is not subject to your growing to like or hate it, let alone be proud of it. The feelings of liking it, making yourself like it or not liking it, are all natural feelings.

If you don't like it, you may choose to do nothing about, or do something about it by contributing to making it better your own way or by changing your nationality altogether.

You may decide to retain your nationality and contribute by taking part in the political system. If you believe the political system is not consistent with you or your principles, you may choose to take part in social programs at the community or national level. Heck, you may prefer to function as a social critic who exposes society reality to the policy makers. Any of all of these choices is legitimate both under national and social laws..............

I am glad Abimbola actually came back to apologize for the cursing. To apologize in public is as hard as saying it like it is. It is a noble and commendable thing to do and it proves the point that one will likely find men (and women) of integrity and nobility more from among social critics. It is a harder thing to do, than to be waving the green-white green all over the place in the company of Babangida, Anenih and Nnamdi Azikiwe, alike. Next time Ambimbola, don't bother changing the title of your opinion to become politically correct and acceptable. Just simply apologize for and correct your errors as you did. Keep saying what you are saying. Providence will respect and reward you.

Keep your Nigerian passport, my brother. That has nothing to do with what you stand for.

Qansy Salako
1/4/04