Obama Fever Crosses the Atlantic: Lagos Legislators Launches ‘Obama Nigeria Initiatives’

The Obama fever just crossed the Atlantic and has afflicted the entire cadre of the Lagos State Legislature, David, a Nigerian blogger reveals. The state Legislators have launched an initiative for the Obama Campaign, and recently commissioned a website [http://obamanigeria.org/] to showcase their activities.

Excerpts from a statement by Honorable Adewunmi Onibiyo Adelabu Lagos State Legislator, the president of the President of the Obama Nigeria Initiatives and a Lagos State Legislator:

We are particularly thrilled by the feat of Barack Obama because for the very first time in the history of the USA, he has successfully broken the colour bar. We are even more thrilled that white voters rally forcefully behind this charismatic black man in his quest to become the first black president in the most powerful nation on earth…

The Obama political phenomenon has taken a life of its own. In a mild discussion between two friends, the concept of OBAMA NIGERIA INITIATIVES, LAGOS was born. In the very first day, 30 members of 40 in the highly respected LAGOS STATE PARLIAMENT, representing 75% of the entire population of Lagos State signed up and the list continue to grow.

Our mission is to continue building support base for this illustrious “Obamania” by popularizing what he represent through the production of souvenirs and other materials particularly in Lagos and generally in Nigeria. It is our aim to enlist as many as five million Nigerians from all walks of life; market men / women, artisans, academia, public service, trade unions and as many professional bodies as we could to this for this moral crusade; who share in our dream that the black man deserves its rightful place in the new World Order just unfolding before our very eyes. We share with millions across the world that an Obama Presidency would bring global peace.

The Obama fever is highly contagious, no doubt, and I’m sure the brains behind the Nigerian initiative must be pleased and proud of their idea. However, it appears those legislators have allowed themselves to get carried away in the frenzy of Obama-mania, before applying their brains cells to critically analyze the implications of their actions, and ensuring their support will not in any way make mockery of what Obama and American democracy represent.

Here are some questions the Legislator-supporters of Obama must answer:

Disclosure statement…where is it?
It is being alleged that this Obama Lagos initiative is being funded by state legislators. This must be clarified. It is unethical and criminal to use state money for this sort of venture. There is no “disclosure statement” on the website as at today.

What’s in it for Nigeria/Africa
What is Obama’s policy toward Nigeria, or Africa? This question has not even being asked or debated by any of the contenders. Yet it’s the most relevant to the people of Lagos. Are the Lagos legislators working on this? Do they even have an agenda for Obama to execute for Nigeria or Africa when he gets into office, if he does?

Obama has a black face…lets support him!
It appears the main reason the Lagos legislators are supporting Obama is because he’s black: “he has successfully broken the colour bar”, their website states. This just makes mockery of all the poor Obama stands for if this is their motivating factor. And it is shameful if all the Lagosians see is just another black face.

Donations for what?
And why on earth would the Lagos promoters ask for donations? donations for what? Obama campaign has broken every record in terms of raising money. His campaign is flushed with money, probably too much money, and more are still coming. What muscle does the Nigerian Naira has against the American dollar? The last time I checked the ratio is almost 1:115!

The American democracy has remained successful and vibrant because those in charge have worked hard to create an enabling environment for their people. They were steadfast, conscientious, and socially responsible. They understand the rules of the game. Can these be said about the the Lagos State legislators? Not with any conviction.

Rather than being so quick to record their affiliations to a success story, the Lagos legislators should work hard to create their own stories - with their own ink, and in their own words - by seeking ways and means to diligently serve those whose votes got them into power…not Obama! Afterall, Obama started as a city organizer - an advocate of the down-trodden.

Hat tip to David for breaking the news on the blogosphere.