₦airaland Forum

smile11s: RELIGIOUS BIGOT, I AM NOT!
BY
HABIB BABA HABU,
CONSUL GENERAL OF NIGERIA, NEW YORK


My attention was drawn to an article written by Mr. Chika Onyeani in his weekly online newspaper "The African Sun Time" of August 14, 2012, on the unfortunate accident of 21st July, 2012, which claimed the lives of five Nigerians and left some wounded. My prayers go to the families of those who lost their loved ones. May the Almighty accept them unto His keeping and grant their families fortitude to bear this irreparable sad loss. May God also quicken the recovery of the wounded ones and provide their families succor.


I wish to place on record the fact that Mr. Onyeani tried to contact me while I was attending the Road Show on Aviation hosted by the Honourable Minister of Aviation. At the end of the Road show, I called him. He pointed out the complaints, for which I told him that I received an invitation letter for the church service of Friday, 10th August, 2012. I told Mr. Onyeani that since it was a church service, I wouldn't know what to do during the service as a Muslim. I have never attended a church service. However, I sent one of the most senior staff of the Consulate General, who incidentally, is an Igbo man and a Catholic, to represent me and the Consulate General.


I wish to point out, for the avoidance of doubt, that since my arrival in New York, I have had the pleasure of attending meetings, dedications, baptismal in churches not only in New York but in other states under the Jurisdiction of the Consulate General. I never ever told Mr. Onyeani that "I can never enter a Church". I have had the pleasure, both in Nigeria and USA, of joing my friends in all their events held in churches. But I have never attended a church service. This statement can be checked with the leadership of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians, (Organisers of New York Parade) and others whom I have had the pleasure of joining in their events organized in various churches. I have never been, and will never be, a Religious bigot. Anybody that had ever had any direct contact with me will vouch for me on this.


In conclusion, I wish, once again, to state I never ever told Mr. Onyeani that "I can never enter a Church". I am proud of being a Muslim but it has never ever clouded my judgment of other Religions or people of Religion. Like most Nigerians, I was born into a Religion and grew up to love and appreciate it. If I had been born by Christian parents, I would have grown up being a Christian. Almost all Nigerians were born into a Religion which they adhere to and love. I don't think Mr. Onyeani whom I had been treating as an elder brother and adviser would descend to the level of insinuating my being a Religious bigot.

Demdem: Thank you jare. Come to think of it, na u cause my temporal dismissal but i hold no grudge against u but that thug called r231

Demdem: I disagree with OPC. An empty head in an empty hat who regards Evil Boko has his siblings cant lead us to the promised land.

Dyt: Giggling. . . . .

Dyt: Erm abeg
Which of d TJs u talkin abt?
Tee-jay?

Idowuogbo: U dey drop bar? Okay na! Let's go dia...
According to dat waraleptic tin u go call Tj, na manage hin dey manage ur bushy anusss. Oya vex! Ode!

fredoooooo: thanks

fredoooooo: i beg

Idowuogbo: Sharaaap... U finish primary 1?

fredoooooo: i beg no expose ID Noble o

Idowuogbo: Yeah... I was brilliant! *blushing*

Antivirus92: always talking even when it's disgusting people, get a life HEN!

Idowuogbo: Emmh...* counting dentures*

Idowuogbo:
U like my molars?

Idowuogbo:

Idowuogbo:

guyluv: I save hers as "baddo" meaning pretty while she save mine as "giddo'en" meaning my love

Idowuogbo: Bado or Badosky?