1. Posted on Tuesday 29 December 2009 - 11:03

   ---

   Sanday

   

   • Profile
   • Homepage
   • 557 messages

   ---

   Sanday Chongo Kabange AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia

   The shocking incident in which a 23 year-old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (photo), wanted to blow up a transatlantic jet on Christmas Day has received mix reactions from Africans living in the diaspora. A blitz of posting on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter portrays mixed feelings that the unfortunate event has created among Africans, mainly in the diaspora.

   

   Here is just a snippet of what Africans, including Nigerians, across the globe are saying:
   
   Onche Bishop Odeh posted this on his social network hours after he received the shocking development, “This sad 'Mutallab' event also has its good side as well. At least it has also helped to strengthen the unity among Nigerians here in the U.S. All of them I have spoken to are saddened that such an act could be perpetrated by a Nigerian at a time most of them are feeling at home and making the best of America”.
   
   Another social networker, Kate Odumu posted this in response, “Nigerians are dumb founded that one of their own could perpetuate a crime like this. It is very typical of Nigerians to want to stay alive and reap the benefit of whatever they do. I could have sworn seconds before it happened that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a Nigerian to do a thing like this”.
   
   Walix Inalegwu Ajonye added, “My broda I was shocked at that report. At the point when we are trying to clean our image, and here comes the most extreme and ugly news concerning a Nigerian and terrorism, am afraid the scrutiny on Nigerians at various international airport and events will now triple. I wish they understand that is a just a few out of many”.
   
   Zambian born Benedict Tembo reacted, “I am not from Nigeria but I was ashamed that a Nigerian could engage himself in such criminal acts. Nigeria is supposed to be the beacon of Africa but events surrounding the country and its nationals shock the continent, if not the world. Anyway, the attempt to blow up the US plane is a wake up to the airlines. I feel for you, Onche, do not be discouraged. We are with you”.
   
   In summing up the enormous messages that flooded social networks worldwide after it emerged that the bomb suspect was a Nigerian and African, Onche Bishop Odeh concluded, “Mutallab or whatever he calls himself has caused a huge gloom over the Nigerian community here in U.S. This is just 'un-Nigerian'....in fact un-African”.
   
   While the international community is still licking the shock of December 25, 2009 incident, the African community especially living, working or studying in foreign countries such as United States, Britain or even Holland, are dismayed that one of their own sons was involved in an act they least expected.

   ---

   ---

Reactions

1. Posted on Tuesday 29 December 2009 14:41

   ---

   KingsleyKobo

   

   Kingsley Kobo
   495 berichten
   Lid sinds September 2008

   ---

   Well, it's a sad news but I'm trying to get over it by thinking more positive and more pragmatic. What I'm strongly against as a Nigerian myself, is the fact that people are trying to extend this to every other Nigerian - like they love doing.
   
   The little terrorist acted on his own and should carry his cross. If he was an American, a Briton or a Frenchman, the news would have been different. Americans and Europeans commit horrible crimes everyday and nobody shouts about it.
   
   Stop sterotyping Nigerians. If you don't want Nigerians in your countries send our ambassadors home and call back yours.
   
   How can an innocent Nigerian be disgraced at airports because a compatriot he has never known or met committed a crime that is not even new to the world?
   
   Stop it! I've been harassed at a Swiss airport and at a French airport because I was a sinner - carrying a Nigerian passport.
   
   Nevertheless, we can't be stopped. Nigeria still has the greatest human resources in Africa and one to be reckoned with across the globe.
   
   Imagine, if we had the infrastructure the U.S. has, we'll beat them in all aspect of human endeavour.
   
   Helon Habilla, wrote his book ( Waiting for an Angel) on a candle light, the book went to win international awards. Nollywood shoots films using generators because of unstable electricity supply. Despite, Nollywood is No. 3 film producer in the world.
   
   Check us out, we're coming in 2010, not as terrorists but as name makers.
   
   Maximum respect for Nigerians, peace!

   ---

   ---