19 August 2008
editorial
SUPPORT for US senator Barack Hussein Obama, 46, an African-American, with roots in Kenyan's Luo ethnic group, and the Democrats' presidential candidate in November's election, began gradually, but it has turned into an obsession for some Nigerians, and assuming obscene proportions. From some cars that bore Obama stickers, emails that sold his candidacy, to posters that have found their places on the otherwise posterless streets of Abuja, the Nigerian side of the campaign is assuming a senselessness.
What is all this Obama noise about, especially in the manner we are approaching it? Who permitted those posters on the streets of Abuja?
The Director - General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, recently addressed a well-advertised press conference where she publicly declared her support for Obama. She is the leader of Africans for Obama 2008, and lived up to that part draped in an Obama print. Did she spare a thought for the possible effect of her position on the Stock Exchange, which lists interests unlikely to align with Obama's?
Other matters flow from this. Are staff of the Stock Exchange, who were at this event kept to campaign for Obama?
Agreed there are lessons to learn - for all peoples - on how this great African-American clawed his way to fame. Obama has made history, win or lose the election. Issues his candidacy and campaign have raised are etched in American politics. It may take time, but they would get attention.
Some of those issues are relevant to our situation as same oppressive tendencies of the strong over the weak, the rich over the poor, apply in almost equal measures in all societies. The only difference is that where law and order are entrenched, the consequences of being found out deter oppressors.
Part of Obama's vision from Audacity of Hope, are challenges in Nigeria. Obama says, "We will need to understand just how we got to this place, this land of warring factions and tribal hatreds. And we'll need to remind ourselves, despite all our differences, just how much we share: common hopes, common dreams, a bond that will not break".
Individuals, well consumed with their self-importance, do not notice the grief of Nigerians. Our country is unattended, while we proudly invest our interests abroad.
Nigerians need to know under what authority the Nigerian Stock Exchange is campaigning for Obama. The current behaviour of the leadership of the Exchange is the most profound indication of its lack of appreciation of the importance of the Exchange's business to the Nigerian economy.
Businesses, under our laws are apolitical, but the Stock Exchange under Okereke-Onyiuke craves for a political role, usually the most dastardly parts.
Professor Okereke-Onyiuke led Corporate Nigeria to raise money for President Olusegun Obasanjo's campaign, contrary to provisions of the Allied and Corporate Affairs Act. Could it just be that she is tired of the Stock Exchange job?
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It is not a maybe She should be kicked out as she is too political to be holding that position from the way she has been carry on over political issues. Going by what I have been reading about what she said the money was raise for I see no reason why she should still be the DG of The Nigeria Stock Exchange for another day.
Maybe she should be kicked out and a more competent and orderly person take over.Nigeria is Nigeria,America is America.Don,t campaign for Obama with the Nigerian stock exchange been seen as a backup for it .Ironically, the new York stock exchange does not campaign for Obama,at least not openly.