Thursday, November 06, 2008              

What Obama's victory means for Africa

SIR: The announcement of Barack Obama as the President-elect of the United States of America and the first black man that will occupy the White House is a watershed in the history of mankind.

It marks the day when the ghost of racial segregation is finally laid to rest in the whole world and not just in United States of America. It marks a defining moment for the blackman to the effect that any further shortcomings of the blacks in any part of the world should be blamed on themselves and not on any other race. This is because, Obama's victory has clearly shown that the blackman stands in a good stead to improve his lot like any other race.

This brings us to the case of Nigeria and Africa. As Obama's victory is the highest point for the blackman in the world, so also it is, ironically, the lowest point. Because what has happened in United States of America is in total contrast to what continues to happen in Africa and Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world.

The Black world still represents a place where political opportunities are not open to all; where godfatherism in politics thrives; where the people's votes do not count; where ethnicity still defines the trends in politics; where there is no transparency and accountability in government, and where anyone who calls and crusades for change, is seen as an enemy of the State rather than a patriot. And worst still, where an Independent Electoral Commission, saddled with the conduct of free and fair elections, is only an extension of the ruling party.

If we must be like America, we must begin to make sacrifices for our country by putting aside mundane considerations like friendships, tribal ties, consanguinal relationships, financial inducements, and at all times be ready to fight for social justice, equality of all parts of the country, accountability and transparency in government and most importantly, free and fair elections. At the end, we may be able to say like the Americans "Yes We Can!"

Festus Keyamo,
Lagos