Love: An Open Question

By Hakeem Babalola

The word Love is perhaps the most offensive reproach act of expression characterised by physical or psychological maltreatment all over the world. Everywhere, irrespective of location, people abuse and misrepresent a word so capable of granting them the elusive freedom; a word meant to be the hidden treasure of living.

Continent to continent, nation to nation, community to community, family to family, human beings have altered this word called love to the extent of making it unrecognisable. It has been defiled to the extent of losing its original value of existence. Today, talking about relevance, the word love needs more questions than answers. Let’s get started –

The meaning of love: Is it the same in different continents, nations, society, culture, family and so on? The meaning of love: Does it change with the passing of times and, or new inventions? Like many other thing, has technology changed the meaning of love?

What does love depend on? Or is it an island onto itself?

Can love survive without food and drink? Can love grow alone?

Does love based on class, status, money, material things etc.?  Yes, as in the rich loving the rich and the poor loving the poor?

Is unconditional love a realistic or antithesis to the nature of love?

Do parents love their children unconditionally? Do they? Can they? Or, is the love between parent-child exceptional? What makes a parent loves one child more than the other?

In the bible, what makes Rebecca who has two children – Isaac and Jacob – conspired against the former in favour of the latter?  Is it LOVE?

Does it exist: Love at first sight – does it really exist?

Can someone really love a complete stranger? Can a man truly love a lunatic woman or can a woman love a lunatic man already dancing in the market?

Love, does it have stages in life? Can love be developed as you get to know someone or something better? Or is it a black and white thing? Is it either you love or you don’t love?

By nature, is love selfish? Is love about self but pretending otherwise? Do you love someone for who or what they are; or you love them because of yourself?  

What exactly do we mean whenever we say I love you? Is being in love the same as loving someone? Does LOVE cheat?

Who, what controls love: Is it LOVE itself; or those who claim to love each other? Is love created to last forever or is it a temporary thing? What makes love fade? Is it LOVE itself, or those in love?

What is the reciprocal of love? Is it 50/50 as beautifully sung by that legendary singer, Teddy Pendergrass? Or is it 40/60 or 30/70 and so on? Does it actually exist? 50/50 love - Does it exist?

 “I love you,” people often say.  But do they really know the meaning of what they say each time they say it? When we say that I love him or I love her or I love it, do we understand the deep and true meaning of our expression? Or do we say it for saying sake?

The bible describes Love thus: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs." – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Is the bible position assured regarding today’s love? Today’s LOVE, is it different from yesterday’s LOVE?

Also, the bible always talks about faith, hope and love. And it says out of these, love is the greatest. If it is the greatest, why is it diminishing in value, or why is it always misrepresented and, or abused? Is the world gradually witnessing the death of love – just as marriage is fast going out of fashion?

Does LOVE kill? Does LOVE make you kill? Can love lead to killing? What makes them that profess love for each other result to killing or murdering in some cases?  

I ask again, can love survive on its own? Can love survive without food and drink? Can one hide love? Can love be suppressed? Is it possible for one person to love two, three or more people the same?

Can love be confused with other emotions like infatuation and obsession? Does love really need to be quantified? Like using true love, fake love, unconditional love, and genuine love?

Ha-ha, greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.  – John 15:13.
Why then do husband and wife say, “Till death do us part”? Why not “Till we die together”?

How realistic is this in such a materialistic existence as ours: Love thy neighbor as thyself?

If “Love thy neighbor as thyself” is not a realistic proposition, does it then mean human beings are incapable of Love – but pretending?

Can human race eventually benefit tremendously if we do love our neighbours as ourselves?

Love thy neighbor as thyself – Can it lead the human race to grasp the unidentifiable hardships we have created for ourselves? Is loving your neighbor as yourself is the answer to human race tempestuous agony? From leaders to rulers to followers to spouses to lovers –

If the meaning of love sinks deep into our medulla oblongata, will it then be the elusive solution to poverty, robbery, fraud, cheating, greed, manipulation, propaganda, power drunk – and other depressing issues leading us to the pit of ….

Or, is love (be it Storge – empathy bond; Philia – friend bond; Eros – romantic love; Agape – unconditional "God" love) a bond that cannot be explained? Is love meant to be a mystery – beyond human comprehension?

United Diaspora Africans Community Hungary visits Deen of African Diplomats 

In furtherance of its mission and vision, the United African Diaspora Hungary met with the Deen of African Diplomats in her office situated at the Angolan embassy in uptown Budapest on Tuesday October 10.

The meeting took place at the embassy boardroom and it was centred on how to forge a mutual relationship, partnership and cooperation between the organisation and the African representatives otherwise known as Diplomats.

The highlight of the moment was when the organisation presented its programme of activities to her Excellency, Liszth Satumbo Pena, who accepted it with a smile.

The founders of the organisation took turn to explain the main reason for the visit while Pena was rapt with attention. 

The current president of the organisation, Raymond Irambo, said that the organisation is speeding its activities to those who matter in the society therefore the need to formally introduce themselves.

“We are here officially to introduce ourselves to you,” Irambo said, adding that the organisation needs African embassies’ long term collaboration, partnership, support and advice because of their highly placed position. 

In his own contribution, the vice-president, Venance stated that one of the visions of the organisation is to coordinate the minority citing the example of African children born in Hungary who do not know their origin. 

He said: “Africans came here long time ago. There are 3-4 generations of Africans in Hungary and the United Diaspora Africans Hungary wants to reach out to these children as well as the generations coming. 

Furthermore, United Diaspora Africans Hungary wants to act as a bridge between Africa and Hungary in order to know more about African value. Not only that. It is also part of its activities to integrate migrants into Hungarian society through sports and cultural activities. 

In her response, Pena agreed that the initiative is a good one but quickly added that it does not depend on her alone. She said there are so many problems and challenges. “It’s not easy but yes, we can,”

Alao-Akala Indictment

Hakeem Babalola
An administrative panel of enquiry set up by Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja recently indicted his Deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala and recommended that he should be barred from holding any public office. Alao-Akala is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer in this month's governorship election.

Before I go in perspective, I would like to alert you about my prejudice. It is that I would have openly disrespected Ladoja had he failed to probe Akala, who acted as Oyo State governor for eleven months after the former had been illegally impeached. It could be recalled that the impeachement caused controversy through out the country. Eventually, Ladoja was reinstated despite Akala's godfather's boastful and empty talk.

After Ladoja's reinstatement, he talked very much about reconciliation with Akala whom Ladoja passionately believe had betrayed him. It didn't take me a second before I dismissed such reestablishment of such cordial relations as an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of situation. I would not call it a straight forward deceit rather political misrepresentation. I guess Akala himself knew that the trust between him and his boss had gone with the harmattan, hence he kept his distance.

The rivalry or enimity between the two became even intense as a result of personal ambition under the disguise of serving the people of Oyo State. Both men struggled to be the PDP governorship flag bearer in the state. As it now appears, PDP has chosen Akala as its flag bearer. Ladoja then filed a suit asking the court to let him finish his term that had been interrupted by unlawful means, meaning he wants to stay beyond May 29, 2007.

Now I would focus on the nature of the indictment. The administrative panel, headed by the Oyo State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Adebayo Shittu, indicted Akala and Taoheed Adedoja, former chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who is running against Akala in this month’s election as Action Congress (AC) flag bearer – "for fraud, embezzlement and financial mismanagement. The duo are to refund various sums of money believed to be proceeds from inflated contracts". In addition, Akala is to face prosecution when he loses the immunity he currently enjoys.

It was alleged that Akala and some government officials defrauded the state to the tune of #800 million. The panel’s investigation and report covered areas of allegation spanning purchase of a 26-year-old 1000KVA generator, which packed up after functioning for only 15 hours – for #18 million; purchase of state customised primary school textbooks with an over-invoicing of about #537 million; purchase of 33 units of Toyota Hiace mobile ambulances for the 33 local governments with an inflated amount of #280 million. The panel concluded that Akala’s inability to either bring those involved to book corroborates his culpability in the ’unfortunate episode’ which caused the state to lose valuable money.

This is no doubt a serious allegation. It is a state of dishonour however, if what Akala’s camp could offer as evidence for the defense is, "the panel work was witch-hunting and proof of the governor’s (Ladoja) vendetta". I expect Akala to put the panel to shame by responding accordingly; he should provide contrary evidence to protect his self-respect. The least Akala should do is this: answer the allegations. Did he Akala embezzle and, or inflate contract? This is not an ambiguous question. Let Akala’s camp stop beating about the bush by describing the indictment as "lame, or that it cannot be implemented", according to Dotun Oyelade, the Director of Media and Publicity of Akala’s campaign.

I quite agree with the Secretary to the State Government, Dele Adigun, who says that "Forgiveness and reconciliation cannot work with regard to public fund". Akala and his supporters should do the people of Oyo State a favour by fighting back. He should open a can of worms like Atiku. Let him tell us the skeleton inside Ladoja’s cupboard – if there’s any. This he should do or keep quiet. Whether the panel, as claimed by Akala’s camp, is illegal or not, Akala has a case to answer. But I doubt if the law would be allowed to take its course, bearing in mind that Akala is currently enjoying the backing of Olu Molete of Molete, and em Aso Rock emperor.

© 2007 copyright mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

I Heard them singing Solution

Hakeem Babalola

I heard them singing solution on the blood oil sea, O solution. Solution blossoms on rock, everywhere. But do they mean dissolution? Or solution? I would that my tongue could utter...The thoughts that arise in me…Dissolution is solution. No solution they know. Solution a mere show off. How could there be solution! When the two worms wriggle to Bushland. Prostrate before White House – for adoption.

When the woman who knows everything collapse history. The man with solution bury alive. His gene destroyed for fear of karma. They have murdered school of thought. They know the right man but the wrong one they choose. They must protect their own gene. To live for greed they emancipate, while others a slave. But they say I am only a satirist. Exaggeration and sentiment I understand – and manipulate.

When patriots seek health in Queenland. Our diplomats kneel before their host. To secure permanent resident – for self and family. Our egg-heads remain their too. Even democrats now embrace dictators! Woman of truth ragged. In this our village the Bishop loves war; soldier peace. Diasporans betrayed by NIDO. Wander aimlessly for pleasure. Students deluded by NANS; honour clumsy ducky son – babatoncrazy.

When tools of revolution is dismantled. They are now Yahoo boys or girls. Comfortable with crimes. Subject citizens to tears in their own land. Adedibu is INEC. Area thugs the supervisor. Chris Uba single vote worth millions – in this era of babatoncrazy. Our memory a monumental swindle arrested by Pastor, Imam, robber, and Major-General. Strip our women naked; render our men impotent – in exchange for crumb.

When fountainhead a falsehead; falsehead a fountainhead. In this our very village solution is suffer and smile; fear and dishonest; tribephobia and insult; educated illitrate and pomposity; ostentatious and complacency; ignorance and donkey head; PHD and envy. I heard them chewing solution on the blood oil sea, O solution. Solution blossoms on rock, everywhere. Do they mean dissolution? Or solution?
.
@2007
mysmallvoice@yahoo.comHakeem Babalola

Gani Fawehinmi's Romance with a Dictator

Hakeem Babalola

Dr. Olu Onagoruwa's three-part article published by the Guardian from March 5 to March 7, is a severe criticism of whatever Gani Fawehinmi stands for. Dr. Onagoruwa, OFR, is a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation under a General who ruled Nigeria with such a tempestuous mind. The legal luminary kept a tenacious grip on his possession of information available to him about Gani. Although he sarcastically refers to Gani as my friend, it’s obvious such friendship has gone with the harmattan.

Onagoruwa was apparently angry with Gani and thus laced his criticism with vituperation. Oh no, not that kind of abusive language. His tone can be described as acerbic piercing otherwise flowery prose. In his argument, Onagoruwa portrayed Fawehinmi as fake, selfish, and even a liar. This could not be a simmering quarrel, as Onagoruwa rounded up his fulmination with all his mind and heart and sinew. "Let him deny that he was to be appointed as Attorney General by Buhari’s Government".

Gosh, I had thought I knew the man Gani until I read Onagoruwa’s article titled, "29 questions Gani Fawehinmi must answer". Gani in my eyes is indefatigable Gani; Senior Advocate of the Masses; Gani means Justice, Fairness, and Truth; Gani means freedom fighter and Human Rights Advocate; Gani means courage itself; and a democrat to the core. As I read the said article, confusion and anxiety overwhelmed me. I wanted to believe Onagoruwa was only being mischiveous, that it was a deliberate attempt to soil Gani’s name. Then I asked myself, "What is Onagoruwa possibly going to gain from spoiling Gani’s name knowing such accusation can backfire if it turns to be false?"

Apart from attacking Gani’s cherished virtue which has tremendously earned him conscience of the nation, the article shed light on serious issues which must be clarified immediately. It was alleged that Buhari’s administration helped Gani purchase a house in London. Perhaps I am not that current regarding the affairs of my country, for this would be the first time hearing such allegation against the person of Gani Fawehinmi. Onagoruwa wrote, inter alia, that Gani may not be the most honest man contrary to public perception.

"I re-state that Buhari’s administration helped him because he himself told me so in a moment of arrogance and braggadocio. May be he was telling a lie against himself. The reason he is denying this is because it affects his ideology stand-point that he is the most honest man in Nigerian public life."

Onagoruwa asked many provocative questions which if not answered could tarnish Gani’s reputation for the rest of his life. The ones I find most provocative are:

"Why would Gani knowing fully well that Abacha was the most senior military officer, call on him via the decree to take over the reigns of government...? Why has Gani continually associated himself with General Buhari even after Buhari has left power, to the extent that Gani’s party (National Conscience Party) recently conceded its presidential slot to Buhari in spite of oppositions within his party? Why has Gani never criticised the government of Buhari even with all the atrocities and flagrant disregard for the rule of law and undemocractic tenets manifested by that government?"

If Gani is actually fond of Buhari and Buhari had once clamped down on freedom of speech and Gani is advocate of freedom of expression, then there’s something seriously wrong with Gani Fawehinmi, a man many hold in high esteem for daring dictators’ gun power. If Onagoruwa’s allegations are true, then I contend that people like Gani are part of Nigeria’s problem. They come about as hypocrites. They confuse and confuse and confuse the masses – the gullible minds.

As much as I respect Gani, his endorsement of Buhari's candidacy portrays him as someone suffering from double standard. How could any right thinking advocate for justice embrace a dictator who ruled with gun? What is wrong with our Gani? Could Wole Soyinka be referring to Gani when the former recommended a psychiatric test for certain Nigerians? Gani's reason for endorsing Buhari is based on the former head of state's "outstanding record of anti-corruption crusade between December 1983 and August 1995". So what about Buhari's record of human rights violation including decree 2, which clamped down on journalists?

The thought that Gani Fawehinmi may be changing his mind is mind-boggling. Especially his support for illegal removal of State governors of Oyo and Plateau respectively. Did Gani actually invite Buhari to his mother’s funeral? Was Gani to be appointed as Attorney General by Buhari’s brutal government? This is an enlightening or astonishing disclosure. If Gani is fond of Buhari, what then is his grudge against other dictators? Why did Gani fight Babangida tooth and nail, while Buhari was being invited to his mother’s funeral? Was it not Buhari who terminated the Second Republic? Whatever Buhari’s achivements according to his apologists, the fact remains he aborted a democratic government.

However, Onagoruwa on his part made a concerted effort to justify his appointment as minister under Abacha’s repressive government by describing himself as a "rebel" under that government. He even resulted to self glorification to prove that his decision to serve under Abacha was absolutely right. Hear him:

"An opportunity availed itself during the Abacha regime, and I was encouraged to take it. We had come tc the conclusion that the only way to effect a desired change in the nation’s affairs was from the inside...I went into the Attorney General’s office to fulfill a professional calling. It is the most exalted executive office that a lawyer can ever attain whether he is awarded a SAN or not. I was the first lawyer to be put in the PRC...I was given grace by the Almighty God to achieve some of my most desired objectives which include rotational presidency, thirteen percent derivation, purging of the Judiciary and arrest and prosecution of Mr. Joe Brown Akabueze, a notorious drug baron, whose drugs worth over 600 million dollars was confiscated and burnt by my Ministry..."

The fact still remains that Dr. Olu Onagoruwa served under a military junta, especially a very sick one. Whatever the situation between the two legal luminaries, I won’t be tempted to buy any of their books. I am actually tired of our elites’ suspicious behaviour of profiting from the masses gullibility. Onagoruwa served under a repressive regime; and now we are being informed that irrepressible Gani was to be Attorney General under Buhari’s tyrannical government. No wonder the so-called progressives have been unable, and may never turn the table against the military and, or a repressive government.

How would they when for example, Gani Fawehinmi stubbornly supports Buhari; Wole Soyinka vehemently in antagonism towards the same man, and both Soyinka and Gani belong to the progressive "party"! Sometimes I feel cheated by these three distinguished gentlemen for their ambiguous principles - serving under the military and supporting illegal removal of a state governor. Anyway, I am no more naive.

©2007
mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Alao-Akala's Indictment

Hakeem Babalola

An administrative panel of enquiry set up by Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja recently indicted his Deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala and recommended that he should be barred from holding any public office. Alao-Akala is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer in this month's governorship election.

Before I go in perspective, I would like to alert you about my prejudice. It is that I would have openly disrespected Ladoja had he failed to probe Akala, who acted as Oyo State governor for eleven months after the former had been illegally impeached. It could be recalled that the impeachement caused controversy through out the country. Eventually, Ladoja was reinstated despite Akala's godfather's boastful and empty talk.

After Ladoja's reinstatement, he talked very much about reconciliation with Akala whom Ladoja passionately believe had betrayed him. It didn't take me a second before I dismissed such reestablishment of such cordial relations as an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of situation. I would not call it a straight forward deceit rather political misrepresentation. I guess Akala himself knew that the trust between him and his boss had gone with the harmattan, hence he kept his distance.

The rivalry or enimity between the two became even intense as a result of personal ambition under the disguise of serving the people of Oyo State. Both men struggled to be the PDP governorship flag bearer in the state. As it now appears, PDP has chosen Akala as its flag bearer. Ladoja then filed a suit asking the court to let him finish his term that had been interrupted by unlawful means, meaning he wants to stay beyond May 29, 2007.

Now I would focus on the nature of the indictment. The administrative panel, headed by the Oyo State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Adebayo Shittu, indicted Akala and Taoheed Adedoja, former chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who is running against Akala in this month’s election as Action Congress (AC) flag bearer – "for fraud, embezzlement and financial mismanagement. The duo are to refund various sums of money believed to be proceeds from inflated contracts". In addition, Akala is to face prosecution when he loses the immunity he currently enjoys.

It was alleged that Akala and some government officials defrauded the state to the tune of #800 million. The panel’s investigation and report covered areas of allegation spanning purchase of a 26-year-old 1000KVA generator, which packed up after functioning for only 15 hours – for #18 million; purchase of state customised primary school textbooks with an over-invoicing of about #537 million; purchase of 33 units of Toyota Hiace mobile ambulances for the 33 local governments with an inflated amount of #280 million. The panel concluded that Akala’s inability to either bring those involved to book corroborates his culpability in the ’unfortunate episode’ which caused the state to lose valuable money.

This is no doubt a serious allegation. It is a state of dishonour however, if what Akala’s camp could offer as evidence for the defense is, "the panel work was witch-hunting and proof of the governor’s (Ladoja) vendetta". I expect Akala to put the panel to shame by responding accordingly; he should provide contrary evidence to protect his self-respect. The least Akala should do is this: answer the allegations. Did he Akala embezzle and, or inflate contract? This is not an ambiguous question. Let Akala’s camp stop beating about the bush by describing the indictment as "lame, or that it cannot be implemented", according to Dotun Oyelade, the Director of Media and Publicity of Akala’s campaign.

I quite agree with the Secretary to the State Government, Dele Adigun, who says that "Forgiveness and reconciliation cannot work with regard to public fund". Akala and his supporters should do the people of Oyo State a favour by fighting back. He should open a can of worms like Atiku. Let him tell us the skeleton inside Ladoja’s cupboard – if there’s any. This he should do or keep quiet. Whether the panel, as claimed by Akala’s camp, is illegal or not, Akala has a case to answer. But I doubt if the law would be allowed to take its course, bearing in mind that Akala is currently enjoying the backing of Olu Molete of Molete, and em Aso Rock emperor.

© 2007 copyright mysmallvoice@yahoo.com