NIGERIA @ 51: THE PRESERVATION OF A DEMOCRACY

What’s Really Good People?

They say TOUGH times don’t last long only TOUGH people do. Life is all about dusting yourself up and digging back into the batter’s box and looking to take the next pitch over the fence. If you are a Nigerian, this is all you know…

Ok people; let me get focused…

Using a very popular golf term, Nigeria is now TEEING-OFF on the BACK 9! And for those unfamiliar with this term, just think of it as your opportunity to go against Usain Bolt coming down the home stretch in a 4X100 meter relay final or our beloved Super Eagles of Nigeria needing to pull-off an improbable result by beating Guinea with a TWO goal margin in October’s qualifying match if they have any hopes of advancing to the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Here is the thing; before one can go forward and take on such an enormous challenge head-on, it is absolutely obligatory to take a deep breath, reflect and learn from the mistakes that helped to manifest itself in ones current state of affairs. As we say back home in NAIJA “How did I get myself in this kind of WAHALA O”?

You might ask what is the correlation between the examples aforementioned and the current state of affairs in Nigeria TODAY? Well, this week Nigeria turns 51 and the sole burden and responsibility to better our nation’s dire political and social-economic affairs lies within us not outside. Far too often we as a nation have been so quick to point the finger, place blame onto others but yet still offer no solutions. The question I choose to address is how do we keep a democratic society from slipping back into a non-democratic one?

In the past 10 months alone we have witnessed countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Cote d’Ivoire topple amidst pressure from its citizens who demand a change in governance and human rights policies. Nigeria itself has been subjected to daily acts of unrest due to frustration or failure to counter corruption, boko haram, terrorism and diminished manufacturing output, lack of electricity, insecurity and unemployment.

To my knowledge there have only been two multi-century democracies; the United Kingdom and United States. It is my hope that we as a nation avoid the site of what the rest of the world have come to witness in the aforesaid countries and a sensible corrective action plan be implemented with taught and diligence. The irony of it all is that for all their faults be it ones personal ambition to amend the constitution and run for unprecedented 3^rd term in office, the unwise choice of the anointing the sickly Umar Yar’adua as his successor or the annulment of JUNE 12 elections the military officers who include Generals Obansajo, and Babangida gave Nigeria relative peace after gaining our independence from the British and should not be used as pawns in a political game to score cheap points. Rather politicians should firstly be consistent and address issues and tell the electorate what they have to offer instead of MUDSLINGING.

Going forward the populace needs to be better educated and careful in its decision making as it relates to the betterment of our country. We as the voting public and citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must improve and value the importance of thinking for ourselves, evaluating information and decision making. A good democracy calls for an educated CITIZENRY. Currently the darker parts of Nigeria’s history are glossed over since they reflect badly on our mythology as an under-achieving nation. This slant also minimizes the effort of the common people to overcome the power of the elite, most notably in labor relations.

 

Finally, democracy is not based on the practice of exclusion or an “Us vs. Them” attitude. It is actually based on inclusion and participation and most importantly on the will of the majority having their way while the minority has their say. At our core Nigerians are deeply optimistic and gloomy about the future of our country and they want leaders to lead. It is my hope that in these NEXT 50 years, the people of Nigeria will be energized and care so much that they take the time to show up and contribute in meaningful discussions. We will tackle tough issues and want solutions to problems that ail us. We shall make tough choices and want straight answers to straight questions.

Happy Birthday Nigeria!!!

Contributions to this blogpost were made by Awori Youth & Robert D. Feinman.

FELA - “He Will Live Forever”

What’s Good People?

Don’t know what was more HILIARIOUS this past week, the boy Floyd “Money” Mayweather sucker punching Victor Ortiz after he was head butted earlier in the round or the post match dust up from the soon to be 80 year old Larry Merchant declaring he would kick Floyd’s a** were he not 50 years younger. Actually the winner for this week’s “SUPA-STUPID” award goes out to YUP you guessed it Ray J. This clown was on a Good One after justifiably being clowned for his solo piano serenade to say it ain’t so “Money” Mayweather himself! There is just too much suspect behavior going around in the world these days. Anyways, let me tell you all about the highlight of my week. Let’s Go!

Ok people; let me get focused…

I finally got to see what so many here in America and across the globe having been raving about in recent years. I caught the FELA musical this past week here in the DMV in its opening weekend and was overjoyed the 2+ hours I sat in my seat taking in the “SHRINE”! A quick (S/O) to my peoples Jesse/Sorelle for planning and coordinating a great night of fun as your man “P” got to take in the arts and got his grown man on with wifey!

There were a few thoughts that crossed my mind way before I made it out to the show. For example; I know that we Nigerians LOVE to be the center of attention therefore; there just had to be a group of Naija people in attendance dressed up for the Red Carpet as if this were the Oscars. Second, I was wary that at some point in the musical the lead performer Sahr Ngaujah playing Fela was going to run up on stage in an adult DIAPER with a rack of female’s half-NEKKID (I would not object whatsoever…) since so many westerners continue to believe that is the way in Africa. Finally, I just believed that I would be better served to lower my expectations for a great show in order to avoid such a huge let down from all the buzz here in Washington, DC as these things at times fail to live up to the HYPE!

Who Knew? Fela made me say YEAH YEAH… 

I mean from the moment we entered the theater the energy in the building was AWESOME! And that was just from the band warming up the crowd as people took their seats. For the most part, I must say that I did not see too much buffoonery out of my NAIJA people in attendance; we were well behaved and very civil. What I did see was a theater that was more than half filled with non-blacks or Africans and mostly men/women closing in on retirement. To that I ask; why is it that Africans and Blacks are only typically accepted and respected only through the arts, sports and entertainment by those that continue to oppress us? Or should my disappointment come more from the fact that the majority of Africans and the Black community routinely fail to support and celebrate the accomplishments and talents of our RACE. I mean if this were an Elvis Pressley program you know who would be packing the entire arena in their Elvis gear. Am just saying…

Anyways; picture the eclectic talents of artist like George Clinton & the “P Funk”, a lot of Bob Marley, some Rick James and the showmanship of James Brown all in one performance. What the finished product looks like is the spirited performance of one Fela, the voice of the common man and an “Omo Naija” to the maiden. The performance more than exceeded my expectations as the life story of the late great artist was portrayed with dignity and humility. But like any theatrical production some would argue that there were some inconsistencies in certain factions of the production. All in all, it did not take away from the message and theme of his life ambition.

The irony of the entire evening to me was that Fela and his “SHRINE” intentionally set out to represent and speak out against tyranny, hypocrisy in government and marginalization not only in Nigeria and Africa but worldwide. And through his music he was able to expose and educate the masses on the undercurrent issues that repeatedly plagued the poor and his beloved homeland. Sadly however; from my vantage point it did not appear to me that those same groups of people can afford the means to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars in ticket prices to relive his universal themes and message in his music.

Truth is; it was probably no more than a mere night of amusement and entertainment to many audience members. And there lies my concern; the hardship and suffering of those who wake up everyday praying and hoping for the betterment of family and loved ones must be a shared and communal responsibility not just another activity planned for a Saturday date night.  

Water No Get ENEMY…

Miss Universe is African But…..

What’s really good family?

This has been one interesting and funny week somehow. It all kicked off with me giving my big brother “MAG Nation” a beat down in fantasy football. Don’t you LOVE when the little brother teaches the older brother a lesson or two every once in a while? Ain’t nothing like that good HUMBLE PIE huh? Now onto preparing for my Uncle Ricky aka “HINDS Cowboys” for this Sunday’s showdown, fantasy football is that new CRACK I swear… I don’t recommend it for many people because once you get that first fix a.k.a. the “W” the high is like no other.

Ok people; Let Me Get Focused…

My world consists of very basic things such as my love for God, family, friends, music, sports and country. So when I came across the news on my twitter timeline that an African woman “Miss Angola” to be exact Leila Lopes had been recently crowned Miss Universe 2011, I didn’t even think twice about it. But wait a minute; I think I did just MISS something. There was pageantry going on with beautiful women in scantily clad clothing from all over the world competing and all I cared about was how my fantasy football teams were performing? SMH! So let me be the latest person to congratulate Ms. Lopes on her much deserved victory.

But by now you all should know that there has to be more to this story and a point to make which is why I decided to blog about it right? So am going to share with you some of my observations and commentary on the whole farce and allow you to draw your on conclusion.

Did you know that mere hours after the conclusion of the contest, some publication was quick to run a story on Ms. Lopes claiming that the new Miss Universe had falsified documents to enter and win a qualifying contest in England which wrongfully enabled her to part-take in a Miss Angola competition for Angolan citizens living in the UK despite never living outside of Angola. I mean this is absurd… You are asking that she be disqualified for being from, raised and living in Angola. Now that is what I call Supa-Stupid! I remain shocked that somehow Obama or some Nigerian has not been held responsible for this yet somehow. And like my Big Homie “A” always says; life is not about having opportunities but more importantly what you make of those opportunities”. Hence AVAILABILITY all over again people (check out my blog a few weeks back).

Where I pause for concern is the residual and lasting impact such beauty contest like the Miss Universe pageantry have on young girls of color in the African and black community. It is very perplexing to me how many women of color continue to confine themselves to the beauty defined through the lens of those who look nothing like them.  Black women, I don’t care how many highlights you put in your hair and varying colors of contact lenses you try on, you will never be that blonde hair, blue eye bimbo you work so very hard to become.

My time growing up in Nigeria takes me back to those distinct images of women till this day bleaching their skin, sewing racks of hair extensions and eye wear that have them looking like cartoon characters. Why don’t these beauty pageants restrict or ban all the breast and butt implants, nose jobs and veneer teeth in their competitions if they really had an interest in highlighting natural BEAUTY for young girls to look up to.

Moisturize Ur Sexy!

Keep LAGOS Jumping

What’s really good people? It has been raining cats and dogs out here in the DMV the entire week and it does not look like there is an end in site. Wait a minute; correct me if am wrong but wasn’t this all the hype Hurricane Irene was suppose to bring us here on the eastern seaboard? But all is not lost. The torrential rain and over flooding of homes and major roads took me back to my roots this week on the blogspot. Let’s Go!

Ok people; let me get focused…

Let me school you all a little about my city and where am from:

• I’m from a city where everybody’s line of work is BIS-NESS!

• I’m from a city where people go about there everyday routine despite the site of grown men whipping out their penises in the open air and pissing openly in public without shame.

• I’m from a city where when someone bumps into you, you check your wallet fast to make sure you ain’t got GOT!

• I’m from a city where people argue all day about who was Nigeria’s greatest president YJG, IBB, OBJ.

• I’m from a city where people ooze MATERIALISM and only got love for foreign cars preferably (Bema, Benz or Bentleys).

• I’m from a city where every little boy/girl in their lifetime will encounter a CRAZED middle-aged man walking through their town BUKKED-NEKKID on any giving afternoon after taking some type of illicit drug.

• I’m from a city where when you cross the street and almost get hit by a motor-bike (Okada) instead of being alarmed or startled, you CUSS out the operator.

• I’m from a city where prostitutes & drug lords swear up & down their money is LEGIT and it was God’s work.  

• I’m from a city where you pay no attention to the lady walking down the road having a perfectly normal conversation with HERSELF.

• I’m from a city where a dead body on street is just another day in the slums not a Law & Order crime scene investigation.

• I’m from a city where little boys play football barefooted on dirt roads dreaming of one day playing for the SUPER EAGLES & BARCA!

• I’m from a city where roasting corn, plantain and suya meat are considered a grown man’s delight.

• I’m from a city were the police stay BEGGING bus drivers and perform unnecessary searches all to make their salary from bribe money.

Yes people, I just thought I’d remind ya’ll…

Lagos is Africa’s New York PERIOD. Ranked amongst the world’s largest cities in population, this former capital remains the commercial hub and industrial center of Africa in my opinion. And yes; it is where I call home. No disrespect but simply put in Nigeria you either from Lagos or it’s not worth mentioning. Everything about Lagos is different. Like the Big Apple all the trends in Nigeria start in Lagos; from fashion, music, and everyday pop culture. Things are forever in motion in Lagos, nobody sleeps, there is always something to get into and it was a fun place to grow up.

But there are many extremes to my city. We have that mentality of SURVIVAL. Our approach to things is “Ok; Abuja you MAKE the money, and in Lagos we TAKE the money”. It reminds me of a great line from the movie Shawshank Redemption “Get busy living or Get busy dying”. And you know what; I don’t think we would want it any other way. That is what Lagos represents, a city that offers great challenges and equally great opportunities. The competition to make a name for yourself and family is often toxic, at times overbearing and can damage a lost soul.

When you first wake up in Lagos, the first thing you take in is the distinct smell. A typical day in Lagos starts with the heavy traffic jam and little boys and girls weaving in and out of roadways selling their goods. A knock on your car window could be a begger or an orphaned child asking for money or attempting to sell you a newspaper, oranges, apples, bread or water. Up and down the city is mayhem. Everything is fast paced; people are always in a rush to get to their next destination. There is always some grown men fighting due to the unnecessary congestion caused by an Okada or a yellow bus (our public transportation).

There is a saying, “if you can make it New York you can make it anywhere”. Nah; it’s more like if you can survive and make in Lagos you can conquer the world.

So where you from?

This Life Is All About Availability

What’s really good people?

This was a tiring and highly stressful week for your boy. First; the fake Hurricane that pretty much amounted to nothing here in the DMV took down the power lines and once again I was reminded  of my upbringing waiting for NEPA back home in Nigeria to bring the power back but all to take it within 5 minutes of it running. Second, my crew “Da Kool Keedz” returned home to Naija to prepare for the up coming school year and just like that our “KOOL” summer was over. Finally, getting ready for (2) fantasy football drafts in one week is no joke, especially when you are the defending champ in both leagues and everybody is out gunning for your title. But little do they know, “Big P” is a machine and built Ikeja tough so bring it on boys.

Ok people; let me get focused…

I don’t really consider myself a big movie person but like many of you out there I have my select few of favorites that I watch on regular rotation no matter how old, corny and horrific the acting is/was at times. Off the top let me give you a few you may recognize, Braveheart, Gladiator, Troy, Carlito’s Way, Donnie Brasco, Body of Lies, Belly, The Killer, Paid in Full, Coming to America, Boomerang etc. Oh BTW; (S/O) to the M.A.G. for putting me on to so many of these hits from back in the day.

But one that I caught very recently with the Big Homie “A” surfing the cable box on television the other was A Bronx Tale. So we start to check it out and catch one of the best scenes in the entire movie. The old head “Sonny” was schooling young “C” on a situation and the conversation goes; “I can live anywhere I want to… You know why I live in this neighborhood? AVAILABILITY. I want to stay close to everything. Because being on the spot I can see trouble immediately. Trouble is like a cancer, you gotta get it early. You don’t get it early it kills you. That’s why you gotta cut it out. Nobody Cares, NOOOOO-BODY CARES!”

First things first, we all need a “SONNY” in our lives. Fortunately for me, I got a team of them that always hold me down and break things down for me like mathematics. Ya Heard! Now, I have seen A Bronx Tale far too many times but once again I picked up a point or two from the classic film and try to apply it to my situation. For example; I can start by saying “a FEMALE in a relationship is only as good as her options”, hence the term AVAILABILITY. But am gonna leave the ladies alone this week and discuss something much broader and bigger.

Seriously I want you to ponder and consider the following:

• How many times have you come across a member of the opposite sex you connected with but was unable to pursue anything meaningful all because you was in a situation of your own already? AVAILABILITY
• How many times can you recall missing out on a great night of fun with friends all to hear about it the next day? AVAILABILITY
• How many times have you arrived at a function all to hear about so and so that just left and you were dying to see? AVAILABILITY
• How many times have you been told that a job vacancy you just got a lead on and was very excited to apply for had just been filled? AVAILABILITY
• How many Birthdays, Reunions, Graduations and Weddings have you missed out on in your lifetime? AVAILABILITY
• How many times have you watched a sporting event or talent competition on television and thought to yourself I can do way better than him/her? AVAILABILITY
• How many times have you kicked yourself in the rear for not saying the important things to those close you? Like “I Love You” before we lose them too soon. AVAILABILITY

You see I can appreciate the universal term AVAILABILITY because it is in our everyday lives. Be it age, gender and ethnicity it is everywhere and does not discriminate. AVAILABILITY to me represents a few things though, staying focused in the present and what is in front of you by taking control of a situation and maximizing your opportunities by NEVER looking back. We all have come across an envious or bitter character who truly resents the success of others because he/she feels slighted for not having the same opportunity as others.

So the next time you somehow find yourself in one of these conversations, pull that individual aside and teach him/her a little about my man “Sonny” and his Machiavellian take on AVAILABILITY.

Don’t Hate; EDUCATE!