( Commentary on Christmas Day attempted terrorist attack by a Nigerian. )

By Olugu Ukpai

Fellow Nigerians, I am being compelled to write this rejoinder given the various news filtering into the net as a fall-out of the aborted and alleged terror attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines Airbus A330 carrying 278 passengers and 11 crew on Christmas Day by a Nigerian. Various articles, especially the less responsible elements of the international press are tying Nigeria to terrorism. One of such articles was entitled “Is Nigeria the new den of terrorists?” Honestly, I hate writing rejoinder because I address such from the heart when I do, rather than engage in a mere intellectual, academic, and philosophical exercise. This is because I am a firm believer in challenging the status quo where this is warranted. Also, I love having faith in my own ideas even if everyone is getting on the band wagon, to borrow the words of Abraham Lincoln in a letter to his son’s teacher. To me, accepting something simply because it is a dominant cum hegemonic view is one of the greatest threats to progress. To conform and to follow convention is not only an act of cowardice but unpatriotic. Some may term this piece radical, but that is fine because my father told me that a man who doesn’t have or is not known by any firm attribute is a coward. In this rejoinder, I hold that the US/Western name calling or homogenizing Nigeria on this issue is sick and enough and therefore requires large doses of a very bitter medicine-truth which I am prepared to dose out in this rejoinder.

My thesis is that the terror suspect and case should be treated in its own merit, without essesntialising or homogenising Nigeria. The action of the terror suspect’s father Mr. Umaru Mutallab-by reporting his son’s new found religious fundamentalism and extremism to the US embassy, speaks well of Nigerian virtue that should be eulogized and not vice-versa. Good enough, it is arguable that the terror suspect did not learn his terrorist act in Nigeria, rather, outside of Nigeria where he was sent to study, to become a better person. It saddened my heart when I read some piece tying his basterdised act to Nigeria, while Britain, Togo, Dubai, and Yemen where he studied and supposedly learn his terrorist acts? becomes innocent. In all honesty, we should absolve from this inbuilt colonialism. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Recent undated photo of Abdul Mudallad, Nigerian accused in the failed blow-up attempt of Northwest Airlines Flight 253

Having said that, for posterity sake, it is pertinent that I make my own position on terrorism clear before proceeding. I am anti-terrorism and abhor terrorism in all ramifications. All terrorist networks in Nigeria and elsewhere should be clamp down, and the Nigerian suspect should be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others. While efforts should be made to step up security apparatus in Nigeria, the West and overzealous US more especially that “blindly” issued visa to the suspect should be more wary, and step up hers too. My heart aches when I read that the suspect was already enlisted in the CIA terrorist’ database, following the tip off by the terror suspect’s father. What on earth could the “poor -old” father of 70 years have done to appease US and the world? Kudos to the UK border services that tactically turned down his visa application.

Without any atom of equivocation or ambivalence, first, I am calling on the Nigerian government in particular to celebrate the 70 year old man, Mr. Umaru Mutallab, by honouring him with a national merit award for “upholding Nigerian virtue", because charity begins at home they say. He is an exemplary Nigerian whose act of integrity and honesty should be rewarded and presented to the world as a Nigerian stand on terrorism. From there, the less responsible press and my own imperialist brothers who are quick in condemning Nigeria will learn to be more critical in their writing and in making hasty and uncritical judgment. This will send a very strong message across the globe on Nigerian virtue and position on terrorism for those who are yet to know. While the World, especially the dominant West is bent on homogenizing Nigeria as “terrorists”, Nigerians both home and in the Diaspora should be busy celebrating Mr. Umaru Mutallab’s virtue and it will counterbalance.

Likewise, I am also calling on the American government to immortalize Mr. Umaru Mutallab for his responsible act in reporting his son’s religious fundamentalism to CIA at the earliest possible time he noticed that. This might help fight terrorism by encouraging others who might have useful information on terrorism to turn them in to the CIA. I must stress that the use of force might be helpful, but not the best option. I am not yet sure of how many parents who can take such a bold action?

I want to reiterate that this is my personal view. The desire to speak one’s mind is not only my inalienable human right freedom of speech, but also one condition for being an intellectual. It was professor Okowa who signifies that:

“The desire to say the truth [speak one’s mind] is one condition for being an intellectual. The other is courage, readiness to carry on rational inquiry to whatever it may lead, to undertake ruthless criticism of everything that exists; ruthless in the sense that the criticism will not shrink either from its own conclusions or from conflict with the powers that be.”

Correspondingly, I agree with Amu Djoleto when he wrote, “I don’t say what I’m expected to say. I’m no Christ and I do not wish to be. There are enough Jews; but do you think if Christ had said what he was expected to say the church would have been in existence?” Of course not. I am no Christ, but I owe to my country, Nigeria an obligation. What then is that obligation?

French philosopher, Albert Camus readily has the answer when he professes that “the scholar should always remember that the highest devotion we can give is not to our country as it is but to a concept of what we would like it to be.” Thus, I write to condemn the American/Western essentialism and exceptionalism of terrorism on Nigeria. By essentialism and exceptionalism, I mean the tendency of homogenizing Nigerians as “either terrorists or den or terrorists”?, and the tendency to assume that the United States is different from and better than other nations, innocent, and also the land of well-motivated freedom terrorism fighters who must take the battle to other lands. Excuse me. Point of correction. Nigeria has always been and is still an ally in the war against terrorism. By the way, is terrorism not one of the by-products of Americanization, globalization and neo-colonialism? Professor Mojubaolu Okome rather contends persuasively that the contemporary African nation in general and Nigeria state in particular did not spring de novo from its environment. Rather, it has roots in the imposition of draconian forms of colonial rule on African peoples. The tragedy of the contemporary African state is that, it still fails to rise above colonial detritus of wanton disregard of people’s rights. America should be bold enough to look into her backyard to see how her shortcoming perpetuates terrorism? Reiterating this fact, the CBN Governor holds the same view when he wrote: “We’re all victims of colonization” which was the caption of the punch newspaper of Friday, November 20th, 2009. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was quoted to have that said that the ills of the country (including but not limited to terrorism?, if any?) should not be blamed on any ethnic group. According to the CBN boss, “every Nigerian [including, the alleged terrorist, Umar Farouk?] is a victim of colonialism.”

Before I end this piece, it is instructive to quote Vice President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan’s concern on essentialising and exceptionalism on Nigerians in the Diaspora as a likely fall-out of the aborted terror attack by a Nigerian. Quoting today’s Daily sun newspaper (28th Dec, 2009), the VP told the congregation at a thanksgiving service at the Living Faith Church in Abuja yesterday that “government’s worry stemmed from the fact that the incident would subject Nigerians to unnecessary checks and hassles by security operatives abroad anytime they travelled out of the country.” Reprieve came to the way of the VP yesterday when a Nigerian was harassed, dehumanized and arrested yesterday (27th Dec, 2009) by the crew members of the same Northwest Airlines, and was detained as a terror suspect for allegedly using the washroom for “about an hour.” What a nonsense? Again, the Yemen government is reportedly to have placed embargo on visa for Nigerian students. I am not surprised that other nations will follow suit. Why should innocent Nigerian students be made the sacrificial cow for an offense that they did not commit? Why Homogenising and essentialising Nigerian students?

Homogenising Nigeria signifies the US or Western’s knee-jerk attitudes often serve to obscure and legitimate US and Western cultural, hegemonic and domination throughout the world. It was the Late Edward who:

“used the term “Orientalism” to refer to the discourses that structure Westerner’s understanding of the Orient. He emphasised the extent to which the identity of the colonial and post-colonial West is a rhetorical achievement. In a series of imperial gestures, we have reduced “the Orient” to a passive object, to be known by a cognitively privileged subject-ourselves, “the West.”

In conclusion, I can do no better than to end this piece with the words of Malcom X when he wrote “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong no matter who does or says it.” Umar Farouk is wrong. His action is deadly and un-Nigerian virtue. He should be treated in his own merit without monolothising and dragging Nigerian name in the mud. Every individual should be made to face and take responsibility for his/her actions and not their country. After all it was the West that imposed individualism as a concept on Africa when collectivism was the norm prior to colonialism. Why renege now?

To crown it all, like Malcom X, I admonish Nigerians in Diaspora “to [remain calm], be peaceful, obey the law, respect everyone, but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.”

I am proud to be a Nigerian. If anything like re-incarnation exists, I will return as a Nigerian as many times as practicable. In God’s hand I commit Nigeria.

Nigerians are not terrorists!

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long Live All Nigerians in the Diaspora!!

*Ukpai is a Ph.D student, School of Law, University of Reading, sent in this rejoinder/commentary from UK, and can be reached at oluukpaiolu@yahoo.com

69 comments

Comments:

Comment from: Cjmichael [Visitor]

I most say i've been impressed by your patriotism. Nigerians has never had a good name before the west, now they take the extra pain to paint her worst than they have done in the past because 1 of her citizen in diaspora is involved in a foiled terrorist attack.

Bad as it may be, Farouk should pay his price and do the consequences, and our beloved country should be spared the bad name of a terrorist associate.
As Nigerians, we have no interest in international terrorism or demands; we are constantly bordered with our domestic challenges which affects the lives of Nigerians to a greater extent.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 03:03

Comment from: Kavess2006 [Visitor]

My brother thank you so much...I must say that I am very impressed with your write up which indeed like you said "comes from the heart".I really would not want to say much but that this act by this scion of a rich family is totally condemn by all Nigerians even the even by the moslem communities in the country.
Also I believe that the American government is just trying to play the blame game even when it's evidence that their security network failed woefully.President Obama in his second speech on this issue even reiterated this.
I will advise all Nigerians who are abroad and will be travelling to pray and sincerely try as much to accomodate whatever checks and scrutiny the international airports will come up with at least I know nothing last forever.Very soon like you said in your excerpts this will end and the world will know that Nigeria is one of the safest countries in the world.
God bless Nigeria and all the peace loving citizens.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 03:13

Comment from: JoeB [Visitor] · http://www.africhange.wetpaint.com

Staining the name we are scrubbing hard to make clean is unacceptable. Criminal acts are recorded in various American states I will be naive e to run a conclusion that everyone in such a state is a criminal - I might be right though! The CIA won't say that either. Why then spew out words homogenizing Nigerians to terrorism so easily. I would say they've always being waiting for this day, its bad that that Abdul of a boy is the 'Nigerian Judas' who didn't get his training here in Nigeria but rather picked it wherever he did out there and left us with just imagine?!
The real pain is that Humans are so gullible, now in various nations here and there, you'll see them agiling-up to treat Nigerians like cargo loads and not passenger. Now i think i'm getting pissed! It is unfortunate to see what our pathetic government(except for the likes of Sir Fashola) are putting us through - if there were numerous well-standardised schools, beautiful serenities, buoyant infrastructures such as power, hospitals etc, a proficient economy, here in this country; who will want to school in the western world...that Abdul boy wouldn't play west-coast nigger in that whatever airline, he would have being somewhere sipping "Hura de nono" during this festive period. Govt. pls use your conscience.
It is unnatural to see a Nigerian play fanatical terrorism - FOR WHAT! we get bothered when we see our oil money changing the sizes and shapes of pot-bellies and smiles rather than transfiguring our economy, we get disturbed when having electricity is like doing us a favour - YES we get bothered. That boy must have upgraded over the Nigerian challenges to be thinking of blowing himself to smithereens - FOR WHAT! The fact that he entered the toilet and came out several times shows he still had some Nigerian instincts beckoning righteousness. Had he done it the way they do it - ah! o-bie'-dah, it would have being 1-TIME again I say 1-TIME. The news would have being about the blast not the attempt.
I conclude to say I'm too civilised and patriotic to abate or defend such incriminating act but like it's said "when the purpose of a thing isn't defined, abuse is inevitable". Are they fighting terrorism or gusting Nigerians just to satiate there deep desires? God knows. NIGERIA, GOOD PEOPLE GREAT NATION.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 05:40

Comment from: Bukola [Visitor]

Brilliant write up but is it not late to be redeeme
d in image? The fool has soiled our image and
it will take a miracle to give Nigerian a new nam
e

Bukola

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 05:48

Comment from: ugo [Visitor]

you have given me so much hope. your article says it all. God bless you and your family

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 06:31

Comment from: Lakeside Beach [Visitor]

While your words are true, we must come to the fact that we are breeding terrorist directly in the North (religiuos fanatics terrorising the christians) and South (Kidnappers and Niger Delta forces) disrupting activities there. While I hail the father of the boy for his act, I must quickly pass the blame to the Nigerian Government.

What have they done to solve these problems. Nothing. Go to the East, most business men can't live there because of fear of their lives. Is this not TERRORISM? You cannot live in the North without FEAR of your life. Is this not TERRORISM? We quickly find a softer name to call them.....religious crisis; kidnapping... etc.

Let's call a spade a spade, the international media have been waiting to nail Nigeria for all these acts, and this is an opportunity to do just that. We have allowed internal TERRORISM to dominate for too long. I was in Nigeria in July, and I could not leave my house because of fear of been kidnapped in the east. Is this not terrorism? Tell me why the international media should not homogenise Nigerians as TERRORISTS?

We have given them enough proof to do that, and we are complaining about them. Please I would like us, especially our LEADERS to cover their face, clean up the mess we are in and work shamefully with the international community to resolve the problems we have.

Is it not our leaders using these people for thier polity? They built them up because they are radicals themselves seizing powers by force, now the innocent Nigerians will bear the shame and havoc caused by our leaders. It is really unfortunate we in this mess right now. The big question is what is our plans to solve this issues?

The Dutch is already working to install the new security system (scanner) in all airports in their country, when is Nigeria going to do that? The news was they are silent on when this would be actualised? This is the kind of leaders we have. Never proactive in anything except in money laundrying and stealing of Nigeria resources for their family only.

It is time we wake up from our slumber and do the right thing for the sake of our posterity.

Lakeside Beach resides in the UK.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 07:29

Comment from: Iheanacho George Chidiebere [Visitor]

Thank you very much for your very patriotic and intellectual article with the above caption.
It all remind us our responsibility in times like this and that no Nigerian ought to play the second fiddle in compromising our integrity.Nigeria is our country and despite some inadequacies,we must rise above ethnic divisions and put straight issues concerning it.
Thanks,I am very inspired.
Iheanacho George Chidiebere

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 07:56

Comment from: Iheanacho George Chidiebere [Visitor]

Dear Mr.Ukpai,
Thank you very much for your very patriotic and intellectual article with the above caption.
It all remind us our responsibility in times like this and that no Nigerian ought to play the second fiddle in compromising our integrity.Nigeria is our country and despite some inadequacies,we must rise above ethnic divisions and put straight issues concerning it.
Thanks,I am very inspired.
Iheanacho George Chidiebere

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 07:57

Comment from: Eberechi Ifeonu (Canada) [Visitor]

Gburugburu how far? Ur piece,as usual, is as engaging as it is well crafted. I am surprised that u could still find time to participate in political debates touching and concerning Nigeria, despite ur tight academic schedule. Hope u are doing well. I had tot u would b around during this season. Take care my friend and have a happy new yea.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:03

Comment from: Rev. Sr. Flora Sixtus [Visitor]

Wishing you a happy Xmas and new year. l must commend you for what you wrote on the issue at hand. l am happy for you for you have really said the bitter truth. it is good we hit the nail on the head how could US blame Nigeria for such acts after he learnt this abroad. This is the news all over the country that US has sent their Army/ Troop into the country.
At this junction, l wish to say CONGRATULATIONS! on the article you wrote.
Take care. l wish you all the best.

Cheers!

Amaka.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:05

Comment from: Daniel Adewumi (Canada) [Visitor]

Re: Greatest 2010!!

Your piece was very informative and intelectual, while I agree with you wholehearted about the western reaction to the incident as a means of demonizing our Country without essentially accepting their oversight and laspes, I am also of a strong opinion that Nigeria, already battered image contributed to the negative publicity it recieved. Without allowing any sense of patrotism to becloud our sense of fair judgement, the boy Umar farouk Abdulmuttalb background contributed to his ignorance and paranoid to the realities of life. I am definate that after all your effort in Life there is nobody who can delude you to kill yourself while the person is hiding in caves and protecting his own children.
This boy lived in an appartment building worth 4.2Million Pounds, he attended the elite British school in Togo from his fathers effort and maybe loot. If he had faced the realities me and you faced without the pampers of live through ill gotten wealth, the story might be different.
A look at the same incident from another angle. My support for your article is absolute because I hate to see inncoent Nigerians subjected to humilation because of this kind of isolated problems.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:10

Comment from: Chidi Igwe, Dr. (Regina, Canada) [Visitor]

Man, you are working hard. Good job and more power to you.


Ch

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:12

Comment from: iheanacho george [Visitor]

Dear Sir,
Thanks, i felt proudly Nigerian after reading your article. In fact, i had goose pimples all over me that a single Nigerian could take up the fight to defend the integrity of his country messed in legion of problems.I believe millions of Nigerian across the globe would feel the same Ugo and I after reading your article.
Yes,your article is insightful and present hope and change.We know not all Nigerians have terrorist tendency but the west in their callous exaggerations have implied that.We hope the expected change will come soon.

Happy and peaceful new year.
George

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:20

Comment from: Lakeside Beach [Visitor]

Thanks for quoting so many ideologies. What I need to say again is for us to face the issue at hand and solve our internal problems. We keep passing the balls to colonisation. When do we stop passing blames and solve our problems. Ojukwu, CBN governor and others are all blaming colonisation. We should all cover our face in shame and solve the epidemic plaguing the Nigerian society and stop passing the blames. Yes they British and Others are not so fair, but we need to sit up and say it is time to end all these internal problems.

I am really tired of Nigerians blame-passing without siting to think rationally. Since 1960, what have we done to put Nigeria in the right track? What is the plan for Nigerians. If our leaders are sincere with themselves, they would put Nigeria in order. If NIgeria with all its resources can put it in the right course, who would bother schooling outside Nigeria. Tkae a look at our Universities, all stinking. I would keep blaming our leaders while you all keep blaming the international world.

Is it not our corruption that had placed us in all these since 1960? People, please THINK RATIONALLY and stop all these BLAME-PASSING.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 08:21

Comment from: Iliyasu [Visitor]

Your article is very informative and reminding of what we and our leaders support to be or do, but the simple truth is that our leaders are very far in initializing their responsibility, they emptied our treasury to carter for their families, today we have many NOs in Nigeria just because our leaders refused to discharged their responsibility, despite the fact God blessed us with everything. US is waiting for any opportunity to re-colonized us, i think the opportunity began to actualized. Thanks for being patriotic. whatever religion you belong to terrorism is the act of complete ignorance of the actual meaning of life. God blessed peace loving people, God blessed Nigeria, Happy New year to your and your family.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 09:16

Comment from: Adam Onyedilachi [Visitor]

Thanks for your well written piece, but must add that Mr.Abdul Mudallad 'the TERRORIST' is a creation of British Educational system!
The young NIGERIAN Abdul Mudallad 'was' well behaved loving son of his father - the right thinking Mr. Umaru Mutallab. It is
unfortunate that real criminals - the British and Americas - who use the fools runing Nigeria in looting our country, are the ones
calling us any unthinkable name they want! These criminals loot our country, miseducate our young one, (after charging unthinkable
fees that none of their kids both in UK and America will never pay anywhere in the world for even good educationcal); These same
criminals turns run to blem us for Terrorist Abdul Mudallad's actionThen runs round tous every unthinkable names they like!
Is it not the same people that used our VP, Halibuton, shell etc in stealing us dry and their so called law makers store their loots in
refigrators?

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 09:27

Comment from: yusuf musa [Visitor]

Thanks very much for such rejoinder

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 10:27

Comment from: Alaba Matthew [Visitor]

My brother, you are indeed a true Nigerian clearly saying it in the real sense. Even among the children of God is satan. it will be unfair to judge the entire Nation using one small boy of 23yrs who was initiated abroad into 'Terrorist Club'. it should be noted here that the west has trainned our child into the club. Our internal problem in Nigeria is enough for us to face than been a terrorist. The boy has made a nane let him face the wroth. Too emberasing !

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 10:31

Comment from: Martins [Visitor]

Thanks for your well thought out piece.
Our leaders who use the stolen money to educate their children abroad and destroy our native educational infrastructure through their greed and corruption should now know that abroad is no more save. Committment to the development of Nigerian nation is the key to their peace of mind.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 18:16

Comment from: young Egbe [Visitor]

Quite an impressive piece,really an intellectual mind.But Nigerian authorites still have much work to be done.The reason why Nigerians resolve to travelling abroad for greener pastures is the extent of corruption,falling standard of our education,poor infractructures and ofcourse her poor electoral process.Restore all these and you will see many people returning home.There was a time in the history of Nigeria that Ghanians came to Nigeria for better living.The reverse is now the case,The britsh pounds matched 1 for 1 poundBut we are witnesses to how much we've been relegated to, because of bad governance and greed. we have to restore our past glory in the international society.I beleive all what is happening is an eye opener to its citizens,so that come the next election in the country will see an enlightened mind of voters.Not taking cue behind an individual in the name of one political party.I know we can achieve that if Nigerians allover the world make it a task that must be done.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 18:30

Comment from: Sandy Close ( New America Media, USA) [Visitor]

Dear Olugu,


This is full of insights and intriguing writing

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 22:43

Comment from: Engr Balogun W.O. [Visitor]

you have said it all thank you and God bless and increase your knowledge

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 22:51

Comment from: Emmanuel Okafor -Ph.D Student,Thailand. [Visitor]

Bro,
I read your article on "Is Nigeria The New Den of Terrorists?” . I cannot but say THANK YOU.

Emmanuel Okafor,
Ph.D Student,
Thailand.

Permalink 12/31/09 @ 23:09

Comment from: Kola Onafowode-Micro-Easy Computer, Inc [Visitor] · http://www.micro-easy.com

Dear Mr. Ukpai,

I found your writing timely, salient. and thought provoking. I thank you for your analytical and concise review of an unprecedented disgraceful act by a fellow Nigerian. May god continue to bless and crown your head with more wisdom.

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 02:58

Comment from: Victor [Visitor]

This is a very wonderful writeup and I hope that authorities responsible especially Nigerian authorities get to read this. What happens to us most times in Africa is that we fail to Trumpet our good deeds before the rest of the world while we allow them trumpet the ills in our society. Incidentally, these ills are everywhere. Moreover, it is already clear that what ever this Abdulmutallab has done, he never learnt from Home, or from Nigeria. What our own authorities should do to neutralise the tendency to steriotype every Nigerian, is to focus on these facts strongly and beam it all over the word in Pictures and in sound. Let our stations like AIT which are already on SAT beam this to the world. Make and Send documentaries about this issue and incident to International media Orgs, like CNN, BBC, etc that document the life and facts about this young man that dissociates the Nigerian culture from his evil act. If this had happened in the West, this is what they would have done. If we do not move fast to clarify these obscurities, the treatment of Nigerians around the world would definately go worse. I commend the efforts of the Information ministry so far on this, but I think that most of what they say is only aired or heared locally, but it is not Nigerians that need this Information, its the rest of the world. We Nigerians know that we are not terrorists, but how many people around the world would believe that, with what has happened? This is why these informations should flod the western media and not only Nigerian media.

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 03:44

Comment from: Longjohn [Visitor]

Well analysed and highly incisive write. Your rejoinder has indeed given me hope. as a nigerian. Nigeria does not deserve to be streotyped as a terrorist den. Thanks ukpai

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 04:06

Comment from: Emmanuel Okafor -Professor/lecturer in Siam University Thailand [Visitor]

Bro,
I intend not to disturb you on how I felt when I read your artice I simply forwarded it to many of my friends. You are really great. Your syllogistic argumentations were full of scientific reasonings. My bro, I cannot match with you academically given your exposure and your informed decision demonstrated in this write up, but I can still humbly say THANK YOU once again.

I major in few areas :
BA in Philosophy,
Graduate Diploma in Teaching,
MA in philosophy,
M.Ed in Educational Administration,
MBA in International Business Management
and presently Ph.D student in Religious Studies. I am presently residing in Thailand. I am a lecturer in Siam University Thailand.

I am fully in support of all your ideas. I cann't wait to say once again THANK YOU.

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 07:03

Comment from: Emmanuel Okafor -[B.A., PGCE, MA, M.Ed., Ph.D. Cand.] [Visitor]

Dear Bro,
Happy New Year!!! May the good Lord keep you so that you will always contribute academically as you have been called to do so in your life. You are actually contributing greatly in peoples' mind. It is the greatest gift one can possess. I appreciate. Thanks

Lecturer/English Lab Supervisor,
Siam University Thailand

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 07:04

Comment from: DUKE [Visitor]

I am not surprised that Nigeria is been blamed for this .
The smallest excuse the Western Press gets , they would give Nigeria a bad press.
Despite all Nigeria's problems , the West has a reluctant respect for and fear of Nigeria because Nigerians are the black people who cannot be pocketed by the West . Also Nigerians are very proud, ambitious trend setters in Africa and in the world . And would not lick anybody's boots !
The West (white race) does not like Africans who refuse to bow to them.
Or Africans "who don't know their place" i.e. where they expect us to be !
If they say Nigerians are terrorists , they are just saying this because, as usual, they have an excuse to talk. They know we are not terrorists.
A Ghanaian was one of the failed bombers on the July 14th London Underground attacks. He was arrested and jailed.
Why didn't the Western press call all Ghanaians " terrorists"?
Because Ghana is no treat to their feelings of white supremacy.

Blame the bastard Abdul Mutallab , who thought the greatest achievement in his life is to make a name for himself by joining Arabs in their racist war against the White race for which they use religion as an excuse.
The Arabs HATE America passionately , because they see America as the only formidable obstacle in their PIPE DREAM to rule the whole world, BY FORCE! Not because of "American colonisation" as they are claiming.
Why did "Boko Haram" unleash mayhem on fellow Nigerians?
Was that also caused by "American Colonisation"?
There is a centuries-old , secret , often denied, worldwide evil agenda which is unravelling before our very eyes! God is exposing them.
How can lazy, illiterate barbarians who do not contribute anything good to the human race expect God and all men to fold their hands and watch them take over the world and thereafter, destroy everything in one year!
God forbid bad thing!
What good thing has these murderers got to offer the human race?
They NEVER invent anything good, even for once . Their lifestyle is to enjoy other people's inventions , to fight everybody , kill everybody and bomb every where. Bloody nuisances!
Everybody is FED UP of these terrorists, murderers and racists!

Any Black person who joins Arabs in this terrorists' warfare is a big fool!
Arab and Asians are the GREATEST racists against the Black man , anywhere in the world.
Visit their countries and see the way they treat blacks. Then you will realise how stupid it is for any black man to join them in their "holy war". It is a complete deceit! Wayo Jihad , for illiterate fools.
No black person should ever allow him or herself to be used as "cannon fodder" in a war that does not concern Blacks , AT ALL !
Even Arabs living in Nigeria want to pose that they are superior to blacks , even discriminating against black moslems every where. Utter rubbish!

May God Almighty, who exposed and defeated the foolish bastard on that flight on Christmas day , arise, expose and destroy all these devilish hypocrites and liars and all their evil plans against Nigeria and all humanity, wherever they may be operating from. Amen!

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 15:33

Comment from: akintunde [Visitor]

we as a nation and a people need to work on the nigerian system especially the political class. the mode of governace that has led to the present rot in our nation if left unchecked will continue to present our nation as a people who can not govern themselves. as long as we fails in this regard, we shall continue to be regarded as a secod class nation and may be difficult for us to stamp out similar acts as commited by 'M', as for the article, i am equally inspired bthe contribution of the writer but let us as nation work on ourselves.

Permalink 01/01/10 @ 22:57

Comment from: SammyOnyx [Visitor] · http://http

It's so heartsoothing to hear from someone like you,am impressed that u took time to really to analyze every actor in this "drama'',if only our govt and leadership can look inwards,they 'll know where to hold on to and launch a campaign to get our interest protected,thanks so much for this piece.GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

Permalink 01/02/10 @ 11:22

Comment from: simeon ihekwereme [Visitor] · http://supported

we nigerians in the diaspora is currently experiencing all you pointed out in you writings just simply because of one nigerian foolish coward.i just wanna use this forum to let those concerned to know that we the generality of nigerians are not terrorist.we remain peaceful as always,calm as always,law abiding as always and above all proud as nigerians as great people.whoever lays hands on us just because of one rotten idiot should know that he or she will be sent straight to the cemetary without delay.just let the world know that enough is enough.

Permalink 01/02/10 @ 13:41

Comment from: weddings video [Visitor] · http://www.lovepromiseandring.com/weddings-video

let's make this world better with peace..

Permalink 01/03/10 @ 00:32

Comment from: OKOYE EMMANUEL [Visitor]

My brother, you are indeed a brave hero,i'm intrigued by your write up. I want to say thank you and for once in my life proud that someone is defending his colour.

Permalink 01/03/10 @ 16:49

Comment from: Comrade Fortunes Okoronkwo [Visitor]

My advice to America and to d rest of d EU countries now keepin tab on Nigerians as a result of d failed terrorist act of one extremist called yakub is dat they should place everybdy including their felow Americans on strict security check instead of singling out Nigerians 4 humiliatn.D nxt terrorist scare may kom frm an American.Its not about nationality,its about individuals.Nobody can make me feel inferior bks of abdumutalabs failure.Im 2 secured 2 fal 4 any cheap blakmail or intimidatn.If terrorism is about race then Barak{my felow black broda}may soon taste d bita pil 2.Or wt do u tink.

Permalink 01/03/10 @ 17:08

Comment from: Nwaigwe Felix [Visitor]

Happy new year my oga.thanks for this writeup.the truth is that whatever shame the guy and his cohorts they had layed on us the nigerian,he alone wil bear the worst burnt of the his stupidity....

Permalink 01/04/10 @ 02:41

Comment from: UDEAGU [Visitor]

MY fellow compatriot what a good article.Nevertheless we all must join hands in condenming such barbaric act of our fellow nigerian.Also, the US and West should please treat the act with it's merit not GENERALIZING as a way of life in Nigeria.Dear GOD heal my country NIGERIA.Because I know that NIGERIANS are: GOOD PEOPLE and OUR country IS A GREAT NATION.Is well with NIGERIANS !!!

Permalink 01/04/10 @ 06:50

Comment from: Tolu [Visitor]

When we come to realize that the world we leave in is not just about Christian and Muslim but to respect the maker of heaven and earth.

We are supposed to be our brother’s keepers not blow them away being one extremist or terrorist. How do we show love to our fellow brothers and sisters. ‘Is it a crime to send your child to the best school in the world or to school abroad ‘?

We need to sit-down and read the holy book (THE BIBILE) to learn the moral, peace and love. We are not to create name for our self these way… if you look back a lot negative things has being said about NIGERIA but we thank God for one thing we took Christianity back to them and changed the image of us!!!! with all the good men and women of God.

I LOVE MY COUNTRY NIGERIA...

Permalink 01/04/10 @ 12:16

Comment from: Innocent [Visitor]

Thanks man, i'm impress with ur article and i belive so are many Nigerian. But my worry is what has the Presidency(the President) done or said in reation to all this. It is so unfortunate that things are happening so fast which inturn has expose so many lapses/inconsistences in the leadership of this Contry(ie how will the president be out of office for more than forty days and did not obey the constitution to handover power and yet nothing has being done about it. My conclusion is this: shame to all the Barristers, to the minister of justic and atoney general. You people has failed yourselfs, ur families, this generation and Nigerians at large for failing to uphold and defend( section 144 & 145 of) the constitution.

Permalink 01/04/10 @ 16:44

Comment from: Martins [Visitor]

Thanks for this piece.
I appreciate your sentiments and that of other contributors; they are quite valid. There is an adage in my locality that says he is considered to be a thief should stop playing with another man's goat. In the condition like the one at hand, evidence is never taken in isolation. The truth is that there are problems in Nigeria. It is claimed that the stigmatising of Nigerian nation as a terrorist country because of this young man's act is a mark of colonislism. The inclination of the piece and the comments also support the act of colonialism.Yemen, Togo, UK, etc did not train Boko Haram and his followers neither they train our religious extremests who have caused massive loss of properties and lives in Nigeria. You see evidence is never taken in isolation to arrive at a decision. The outside world knows more about what is happening inside Nigeria than Nigerians. We Nigerians are very selfish and we have no value for our own lives. The death of many Nigerians as a result of religious terrorists in the northern part of Nigeria does not bother us but now the difficulties we are going to face when travelling to US is now our headache causing us to partially appraise the whole situation. The US has rewarded the young man's father by not confisticating his assets despite the fact that he is part of the system that makes our young men prone to reliligious terrorism. If you find one blind man among 140 million people, there are many more that you are not aware of. The question of the boy as the only terrorist does not arise at all. Where do you put the followers of Boko Haram? The truth is that Nigeria has a system that allows terrorism to thrive. Why was the youg boy not arrested? Partly because he is the son of a big man. Partly because he gave some corrupt immigration officers money. Why was he sent abroad? Because our education was not up to the scratch owing to poor leadership. There are millions of young Nigerians now who are living in Nigeria under harsh economic conditions and zero sense of direction owing to poor governance. These are the potential recruits for terrorism. The western nations also have their own share of the blame. They need to help Nigeria get rid of the thieves we call leaders.

Permalink 01/04/10 @ 20:23

Comment from: concerned nigerian [Visitor]

Thank you my brother for your great write up. God bless you. This is just for a moment, everything will change for the better for Nigeria. Once again, thnaks.

Permalink 01/05/10 @ 04:54

Comment from: Jubril [Visitor]

Thank you Ukpai for this wonderful write up, you have tried to put the record straight within our limited audience. I strongly agree with you and the comments that follow that Umar is but a failure and a coward who will want to distroy innocent people. Terrorism is anti-Islam and anti- Humanity. Nigerians are not terrorist that is clear and any one who practice terrorism in the name of any religion or God is only deceiving himself.

I have study outside the shores on Nigeria in the UK, Sudan, India etc and I have never meet any Nigeria who subscribe to terrorism. The young man case should be investigated and an objective trial should follow. This is the time to stop the segrigation and face the national problems holistically. we must stop passing the bulk.

The Muslim community must come out in mass to condem this act and also to educate the youth against this devilish acts.


Thank you

Permalink 01/10/10 @ 03:48

Comment from: Oyunlar [Visitor] · http://www.oyunyolu.net

Happy new year my oga.thanks for this writeup.the truth is that whatever shame the guy and his cohorts they had layed on us the nigerian,he alone wil bear the worst burnt of the his stupidity

Permalink 02/20/10 @ 11:29

Comment from: Luxor [Visitor]

Great article.

Permalink 03/15/10 @ 20:59

Comment from: Tyson F. Gautreaux [Visitor] · http://academicexperts.us/

Nice to read this. I'm really appreciated.

Permalink 03/18/10 @ 09:09

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Permalink 03/18/10 @ 09:42

Comment from: Issac Maez [Visitor] · http://academicexperts.us/writing_online.html

Seems that you are completely right!!11 I will quote this in my private forum to argue with people...

Permalink 03/18/10 @ 09:54

Comment from: Full Movies Watcher [Visitor] · http://watchdivxmovies.com/

Every thing on this world is a war making a international company get hole markets in other countries or marching a army into another country or to in-debt one because they got trash governments. Some realize it and don`t care about consequences . but this shouldn`t make hole nations "guilty" because most of them don`t realize and most of the will comply with the outcoming power

Permalink 03/23/10 @ 13:07

Comment from: Andy Mcaree [Visitor] · http://freemafiawarsbot.blogspot.com/

You prepared a number fine points there. I did a good solid research for this particular issue and found out generally people will definitely agree with your website. Thanks.

Permalink 04/08/10 @ 19:33

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Permalink 04/09/10 @ 22:41

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wuu..this teribel news...

Permalink 04/18/10 @ 21:14

Comment from: Michelle [Visitor] · http://www.jonesactlawyer.info

I can not imagine how hard it would be to first accept what your child has become and then turn into your won child.

Permalink 04/21/10 @ 11:58

Comment from: Aaron [Visitor] · http://www.modern-warfare-2.com

Terrorism is anti-Islam and anti- Humanity.
So true -- Unfortunantly though many identify terror with Islam (note -- that is NOT the same thing as saying people identify Islam with terror)

Permalink 04/21/10 @ 12:00

Comment from: hostmagz [Visitor] · http://www.hostmagz.com/

because charity begins at home they say

Permalink 04/23/10 @ 01:59

Comment from: en yeni oyunlar [Visitor] · http://www.enyenioyunlar.net

Thank you my brother for your great write up. God bless you. This is just for a moment, everything will change for the better for Nigeria. Once again, thnaks.

Permalink 04/29/10 @ 10:35

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Permalink 05/10/10 @ 23:19

Comment from: cremeschnitte [Visitor] · http://www.cremeschnitten.de

sorry all commentors that really believe that nigeria is into terrorism, that's bullshit

Permalink 06/13/10 @ 05:34

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A great lesson to be learn by many..

Permalink 06/28/10 @ 09:47

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Permalink 06/29/10 @ 04:48

Comment from: hotels [Visitor] · http://www.incityhotels.com

Every individual should be made to face and take responsibility for his/her actions and not their country.

Permalink 06/29/10 @ 18:00

Comment from: Derick Jones [Visitor] · http://www.u-2-me.com/

I would have to agree with the previous comment. It is unfortunate that there are many terrorists there. But it is not the country at fault, it is the people who are doing wrong, who are to be blamed.
Regards~Derick~U-2-Me, online learning marketplace

Permalink 06/30/10 @ 04:00

Comment from: Lucas [Visitor] · http://www.getanativespeaker.com

Truly insightful and very moving.

Permalink 07/03/10 @ 10:31

Comment from: Pinoy [Visitor] · http://pinoy-pride.com/

I most say i've been impressed by your patriotism. Nigerians has never had a good name before the west, now they take the extra pain to paint her worst than they have done in the past because 1 of her citizen in diaspora is involved in a foiled terrorist attack.

Bad as it may be, Farouk should pay his price and do the consequences, and our beloved country should be spared the bad name of a terrorist associate.
As Nigerians, we have no interest in international terrorism or demands; we are constantly bordered with our domestic challenges which affects the lives of Nigerians to a greater extent.

Permalink 07/05/10 @ 16:56

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Permalink 07/08/10 @ 05:00

Comment from: house cleaning mom atlanta [Visitor] · http://mightycleanhome.com/

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Permalink 07/10/10 @ 13:27

Comment from: Dave Trent [Visitor] · http://www.sleepapneamouthpiece.net/anti-snoring-device.html

I agree that Nigeria and other African countries are always on the recieving end of the blame game, a sad but true fact of modern politics and inter-country relations. This is a well thought out and brilliant synopsis of the underlying issues. Thanks

Permalink 07/11/10 @ 22:30

Comment from: Alan Wells [Visitor] · http://www.bestgpsforthemoney.info

Love your articles. I have to say I am amazed at the rhetorical statements that come from many of the western countries and press. Your blog gives a great perspective on the issues, through the eyes of people on the ground in Nigeria. fabulous

Permalink 07/11/10 @ 23:08

Comment from: Blogger Indonesia Dukung Internet Aman, Sehat & Manfaat [Visitor] · http://blogchandra.com/kontes-seo/blogger-indonesia-dukung-internet-aman-sehat-manfaat/

very information article...

Permalink 07/14/10 @ 02:30

Comment from: Investasi Online terbaru dan tercepat [Visitor] · http://blogchandra.com/kontes-seo/investasi-online-terbaru-dan-tercepat/

ayo berinfestasi...

Permalink 07/14/10 @ 02:33

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