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William J. Zick
Obama in Africa: Nigeria’s Envy
Muti This
On May 16, the White House press secretary issued a press release about President Barack Obama’s itinerary for July 2009, including visits to Russia and the G-8 Summit in Italy. But what caught the attention of most Africans was the last paragraph of the release, which said, “The President and Mrs. Obama will visit Accra, Ghana, from July 10 to 11. While in Ghana, the President will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues with Ghanaian President Mills.”
Since the announcement, Nigeria has been ablaze with discussions as to the significance of President Obama’s choice of Ghana as his first port of call to sub-Saharan Africa. The last sentence of the press release, which says, “The President and Mrs. Obama look forward to strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of our most trusted partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and to highlighting the critical role that sound governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development,” has created confusion, irritation, and anger on the part of some Nigerians as they try to decipher the significance of the statement. Most Nigerians see the “snub” as a strong message to the Nigerian authorities that the Obama administration is not willing to tolerate governments that come into power through corrupt and tainted polls dressed as democracy.
On this basis, the stark differences between Nigeria and Ghana are apparent. In 2007, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo engineered one of the most fraudulent elections organized in Africa, having earlier attempted to perpetuate himself in office for a third term but having been rejected by the Nigerian people. Most observers believe that, had the elections not been rigged, current Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua would have been elected.
Compare that to the December 2008 elections in Ghana. There was a strong ruling governing party, and President John Kufuor had been acclaimed in the international arena as one of the progressive movers of democratic governance in Africa—facts that could have been employed to perpetuate the ruling party in office. But Ghanaians felt differently and chose the opposition party. The impressive part is not that Ghanaians chose the opposition, but that the margin of votes separating the two parties was less than .03 percent, about 50,000 votes. In most African countries, this could have used by the governing party to retain their hold on the presidency, but Ghanaians made Africans, in fact, the world, proud by the peaceful and concessionary manner in which the government changed hands.
That Obama chose Ghana, and not even his ancestral home, Kenya, is a message to leaders in Africa that America is not going to reward corrupt behavior. (Although, Nigeria’s Yar’Adua of Nigeria couldn’t be accused of being corrupt as much as being incompetent.)
Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka said, “If Obama decides to grace Nigeria with his presence, I will stone him. The message he is sending by going to Ghana is so obvious, is so brilliant, that he must not render it flawed by coming to Nigeria any time soon.” This comment drew the ire of Ambassador Jibrin Chinade, special adviser to Nigeria’s President on foreign affairs, said, “Soyinka’s statement, which he is entitled to, is most unfortunate and undiplomatic.” Chinade chastised Soyinka for taking the opportunity of an art exhibition at the Italian embassy to criticize his country. “It’s most unfortunate that a prominent citizen like Soyinka seized the opportunity of a diplomatic invitation to attack his country.”
But most commentators agree with Soyinka’s views and attribute Obama’s non-selection of Nigeria as a reflection of the continued corruption that Mr. Yar’Adua vowed to fight. His failures to crack down on corruption include promptly firing the former corruption czar, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the non-implementation of the electoral reform process (another broken promise); and the continued presence of Professor Maurice Iwu at the head of the so-called Independent Electoral Commission, which sends the message that the 2011 elections will be as fraudulent as the ones in 2007.
Then there are those who see Obama’s snub as something sinister on the part of the U.S. administration. The country’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party has brazenly accused the United States and its embassy in Nigeria of plotting to destabilize the country, an accusation that the U.S. has denied. According to ThisDay newspaper, “The plot is for the U.S. Embassy to organize a meeting between the pro-democracy groups in Nigeria and President Barack Obama in Ghana, where the groups would seek to persuade the U.S. President that the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua is ‘illegitimate.’”
Others argue that the role Nigeria has played in Africa, including being the leader of the frontline states in rescuing South Africa from the grip of apartheid—as well as peacekeeping in Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other areas, at a huge human and financial cost to the country, and now playing a major role in ensuring adequate supply of oil to the U.S.—as not being recognized by the Obama administration. They believe Nigeria is being slighted and that its current administration is being punished for the misdeeds of others.
The Nigerian government might be trying to shrug off Obama’s choice of Ghana over Nigeria, but Nigeria would be wise to look seriously at the issues that have led to this perception that Obama is distancing himself from the debilitating problems in Nigeria. The U.S. has approached the present government as a strategic partner, but the country must demonstrate that it is determined to make amends for past misdeeds. The government could start by removing Professor Maurice Iwu as chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, by distancing itself from those who have been accused of corruption instead of coddling them, and by putting a credible individual at the head of the corruption agency. Such actions would send a message to the world that the next elections in 2011 will not be tainted as they were in 2007. Being a major supplier of oil to America alone is not going to restore Nigeria to the level of partnership that the Obama administration has sought with Ghana.
By Dr. Chika Onyeani, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Africa’s No.1 newspaper in America, the African Sun Times, which he started publishing in 1999.
Ajibola | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
Wow!!! It’s getting hot. Naija na wa oooo!!!
Whoisdis | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
With regards to the article about President Obama not choosing to visit Nigeria my view has always been that others will do what they choose but i do what is best for Nigeria.
Unfortunately Nigerians including the writer of this article always read meaning to every action, which to me is neither here nor there.The most important task that face every Nigerian is to concentrate on the betterment of Nigeria rather than try to cosy to any Country including Obamaa’s.
Oluniyi David Ajao | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
The energy channelled into this useless envy should be better applied into fixing Nigeria. That would serve us all better.
I had expressed my candid opinion on the subject matter just yesterday: President Obama in Ghana. Why not Nigeria?
remi | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
Nigeria is yet to see that sheis no longer the giant of africa that she
claimed to be,could someone tell me why nigerians now move to ghana instead of staying back at home?In a flight from lagos ,i had a transit in ghana and what i saw will always be on my mind,at least there was light everywhere i couldnt believe it when my flight took off ,i had a flash back when we where chasing this same poeple off our country,my english teacher was chased out then too,but guess what today,is our country that same way it was in the 70es?The ghanians that must go has now become the corner stone for even the president of the united state ,in the article,it is said that we helped south africa during thier crisis yes thats true but what now?,is south africa not much more ahead of us?are they not blaming our fellow nigerians back there in thier country of infecting thier economy with our corrupt ways?I have one great believe that nigeria is going to come out of all this but when we finally do,countries like south africa and ghana might have moved to greater height.
LONG LIVE NIGERIA
Ajibola | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
Even with apartheid, South Africa has always been ahead of Nigeria.
Omotaylor | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
I do not see anything remotely “sinister” in Obama choosing not to visit Nigeria for to be honest, any person with integrity will practice what he or she preaches. Obama is making a STATEMENT and instead of Nigeria, as David Oluniyi very rightly said above, looking into what is really wrong on ground and how best to make amends; Nigeria is making the wrong noises and this is not encouraging.
Do we need to shout it out on the rooftop? Nigeria is disgracing Nigeria in too many areas and especially in the world of Democracy and Politics, amongst many others. Nigeria is trying to live in a long lost glorified past now become ignominous.
Again I agree with Wole Soyinka, though I wont go as far as saying that I will stone Mr President. Nigerian leaders should do a reality check and stop disgracing us with useless fuss, ungainly banter and flaffs. Ghana merits the visit for Ghana has shown good example. Nigeria should go clean up if not even the Pope will shun a visit to Nigeria. We need to ARISE O COMPATRIOTS, NIGERIA CALL OBEY. Now what exactly is the Nigeria call to obey? lol!
Mackenzie N | Jul 12, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Dr Onyeani for highlighting what some of us think but sometimes do not report it the way it needs to be reported or communicated.
All I have to say is that Wole Soyinka is right. Obama is also right to snub Nigeria.
Now, the part we are all forgetting is Nigeria as a state is a failed state…frankly speaking, it would soon no longer exist at the rate it is going. I wait patiently for that day.
And please do not refer to me as unpatriotic. The fact is the leaders of the country (and most Nigerians in their heart of hearts) are not patriotic so how on God’s fine earth are they expecting anyone of Nigerian lineage, parentage or descent to be? That is the question…
On the issue of Ghana, it is the new leader of Africa, blazing the trail of a true African democracy.
Omotaylor | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
Well said Mackenzie N, well said and not unpatriotic at all. After all THE TRUTH IS BITTER. But please is there any way we can pray and act against the ultimate demise of Nigeria as opposed to patiently waiting for the day it will be declared a failed state? We owe this as responsible citizens to Posterity (at least) if not to ourselves. WE DO NOT WANT TO GIVE UP ON NIGERIA in spite of the major evil happening therein. Have you had of the Juju, Ritualistic blood swearing revelations about our “Ogas”? SHAME SHAME SHAME AND NOTHING BUT MORE SHAME IN NIGERIA. Na wa o.
Ajibola | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
I’m going to commit to praying for Nigeria. My friends in Nigeria complain to me on a daily basis. It’s really sad!!!
Don Thieme | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
Wole Soyinka has always been prone to hyperbole, which is why he is a poet and man of letters rather than an effective politician. Barack Obama would be very welcome in Nigeria and he needs to visit there at some point during his administration. Perhaps the best message would be to include a visit to Abuja along with a number of other national capitals during a whirlwind tour of the entire continent.
BRE | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
A very well-written article that contains much truth. However, I do not believe that President Obama intended to ’snub’ any African country in his choice for the first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa. In fact Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson stated in an exclusive interview shortly before the Ghana visit that “… Nigeria is by far the most important country in Africa for the U.S.A. (or something to that affect).” This statement (and the two exclusive interviews at allAfrica.com) have been totally overlooked by many of the online pundits and African journalists out there who are complaining about the U.S. president’s first choice for an Africa visit.
But that’s not why I’m here today…
Yo Dude. Did you guys at African Loft know that this post has been referenced on the U.S. government’s website America.gov? Yep, it’s true. The African Loft and comments by your readers is being closely followed by The White House New Media team. Here is the link to the post at America.gov:
America.gov blogs / ‘By the People’
African Online Communities Buzzing about Ghana Visit – Part I by Michelle Austein Brooks, July 9, 2009
http://blogs.america.gov/bythepeople/2009/07/09/african-online-communities-buzzing-about-ghana-visit/
Tony | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
Wow! AfricanLoft on america.gov?
tshepo | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
Dr Onyeani i disagree with your statement ‘Nigeria rescuing sa from the grip of apartheit’ because its a lie, sure maybe a couple of ANC officials did seek shelter in your country but that is trivial as to what caused the demise of apartheit, even the small amount of nairas you donated. Please do your research and stop looking for oportunities to stroke your small ego in your litle world at the expense of Sa
Anony | Aug 19, 2009 | Reply
I won’t even bother finishing this article because it is simply jargon. Just one of those unintelligent ones. This sentiment (held by few ignoramuses) that some how because Obama visited Ghana that makes Ghana an african leader is very presumptuous, better yet outright ridiculous. Now that the trip is over, are all ghana’s problems over? Is Obama a divine saviour? Are you now the richest country in the world? The truth is that bad leadership or not, there is reform initialing. Do not look at where a country is but rather where is it going. In case you do not know nigerians are better educated and more academically diverse than ghanians. They have influence around the world. They have a lot more skilled immigrant in first world countries. Guess what? these immigrants are going home as expats and building the country. See how we can draw parallels with India and China. And people are starting to challenge the bad leaders we have now. The political system is beginning to shake. The Ghana we are talking about had corrupt leaders in the very recent past, so why so arrogant and making a mountain out of a hill? why is the author of this article making a big issue out of this. I do support the fact that Ghana’s NEW reformed democracy should supported and encouraged by Obama, but let’s not get carried away with pipe dreams! Stop talking other nations down. And Tshepo, the author’s claim that Nigeria rescued SA is a grotesque overstatement. Another reason readers should not take this misinformed and lazy thinking author seriously. Nigeria was in strong support but I wouldnt say “RESCUE”. And BRE I do not think this website is so popular and diverse that America.gov should consider it “THE AFRICAN ONLINE COMMUNITIES”.
Tony | Aug 19, 2009 | Reply
TO Anony:
Normally I pay little attention to comments written by people that can’t stand behind their words and hide behind the anonymity of Internet.
My beef with Anony is this statement:
Another reason readers should not take this misinformed and lazy thinking author seriously…
You can attack the message, but leave the messenger out of your diatribe! This website isn’t created for abusive languages but for informed commentaries, please stay off you can’t observe simple web etiquette. Thank you.
Omotaylor | Aug 19, 2009 | Reply
Annoy is just what he say he is (or could be a she), irrationally annoyed. Now you can have a go at me too, be my guest. Ghana worked hard to improve, Naija needs do same. Where are we going at this rate, if we are going places. The post is creditable and I support it. We all have differing opinions but only an annoyed person would launch such attack as above and even on AFRICAN LOFT! WELL DONE LOFT WE ARE GOING PLACES, PLACES WHERE ANNOYED CAN ONLY DREAM OF. I await your annoyed rejoinder. Chow
Anony | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
To Tony. Of what use is a name on the internet? Even if I post a name of what use is it to you? You can never tell if that’s my real name of not. I don’t even know if Tony is your real name or just a name you decided to use. Anybody on this site could use the same name. Everybody online is anonymous even you, so dont get smart with me. Tell me of what use is a name posted on a webpage when you cannot verify the user’s identity? hence my reference to this fact is the name Anony (Anonymous). My use of Anony is an art to point out a simple truth not cowardice. It is the message that is important! And I said what I said because I was irritated that the author, being of sound mind, selfishly wrote and pasted an article with the intention of stirring up trouble. Just revisit the title “Nigeria’s ENVY” like all nigerian wants to be blessed by Obama’s presence. Is Obama’s presence is some kind of divine visitation? the author’s tone implies that he/she thinks nigerians’ do not have the desire to end corruption. The will is there, it is just that there are powers in high places resisting change. He/she needs to shift his tone from criticizing government and ridiculing nigerians to encouraging good nigerian citizens to fight on against a corrupt regime. I am against this article because it is the same old unintelligent method journalists use to attract attention. His title and tone is just another invitation for africans from different nationalities to talk each other down. Pit them against each other. Instead of “Nigeria’s Envy” why not “Unspoken Message Obama Sends to Corrupt Regime in Nigeria (and other corrupt regimes in Africa)”. Afterall isnt this the africanloft? shouldnt this be a place where we africans should share and help lift each other up? With articles like these, the site will soon turn into a battle ground where africans come to criticize and talk each other down. That’s why (and still is) I was so critical and unforgiving to the author. And I won’t apologize for it.
TO Omotaylor: First of all, the name is Anony as in Anonymous. It is not creative changing the name to Annoy. Just trying to point out a simple truth that everybody is anonymous when they are online. It is a figure of speech in a way not cowardice. Yes I am irritated because this article is a cheap way to attract attention without accomplishing anything tangible.Omotaylor DON’T YOU EVEN DARE LECTURE ME. Did I tell you I am not informed about the problems nigerians face? I am sure you are one of those people that just COMPLAIN COMPLAIN and COMPLAIN more, without getting to work trying to fix what is wrong. All talk no action. I am sick of working hard trying to improve Nigeria just to hear people complain only. The only thing this article achieved is the ridicule of nigerians; it does not offer any sensible solution. If you focus on problems only then you can never find solutions. And if u think that you are going to good places with articles like these then you are more irrational than I thought. Since the places you want to go (and are going) is the endless roads of complaining, lazy thinking, half-truths, and misinformation; then by all means you can go there alone because these are not dreams to me rather they are nightmares. I only dream of good places and that’s is not where you are going with articles like these.
Tony | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
To Anony – I get your point on the name issue. No qualms.
What you’ve failed to understand, however, is fact that the writeup is the author’s opinion, and all you need to do is respond to that, and that only. There is absolutely NO NEED to be abusive just because readers not in agreement.
Yes, this is the AFRICANLOFT and there are diverse opinions here, but we all need to be respectful, even when in disagreement! And you’re not helping to make that happen, by your comments, sir!
Omotaylor | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
To “Annoy”, I am going those good places with you sire. We will all work hard to make Nigeria a better place but the truth that stares us in the face is just what it is, and to make things better, let us recognise our problems with a view to solving them. Have a lovely day sire. Peace