OAU's Faculty of Social Sciences Holds Seminar on Xenophobia
Adeniji Mayowa
Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held a seminar on Xenophobia last week.
The seminar, which is the first of its series, had Internationally renowned scholar - department of Political Science's professor and former vice-chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State - Prof. Femi Mimiko, mni, presenting a lecture on “Xenophobia as Bogeyman: a deconstruction of the Post-Apartheid State of South Africa and the Challenges of Development and Regional Relevance."
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty noted that the seminar, which is part of the effort to put the Faculty at “the threshold of Spotlight," is also a testament that the Faculty is living up to expectations in terms of intellectual engagements on critical issues in the society.
While deploring the ceaseless attacks on Africans in South Africans, an attack that has led to loss of lives and properties, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe termed the occurrences as “regrettable” considering the support that was granted South Africa by other African states during the dark days of Apartheid.
While doing an historical and economic analysis of Xenophobia, Prof. Mimiko traced the phenomenon to 'New nationalism' which is also known in contemporary times as 'populism,' an orientation which makes a distinction between the 'self' and 'others.' It demonises the others, it glorifies the self, that is why in a political process, that kind of orientation often leads to violence. New nationalism is a concept that is insular, it speaks against globalism.
"The interesting thing about populism is that those who beat the drums of populism are not necessarily friends of the masses, they are not necessarily friends of the poor and the disadvantaged but they see that the anger, the frustration, the fear of those who have been left behind is a veritable platform that they can tap into to get political power," he noted.
He also traced the beginning of Xenophobia in South Africa to the decision not to dismantle economic apartheid, but to dismantle political apartheid alone. The government also fell short in its promise to redistribute land to South Africans, a fundamental issue that was the root of the campaign against Apartheid. “The social implications of all of these are that the promise of liberation was unmet, the better life that the South Africans were promised in the process of the liberation struggle was not delivered because of the decision of the ANC to retain the structure of Apartheid in economics."
"The standard of life that some of them had under Apartheid, they suddenly found out that it was better than what they were going through under the so called post-Apartheid government, that is a big paradox. And so mass anger began to grow. Frustration, desperation concerning the systemic failure that the South Africa economy was projecting and with this came a spike violence and against immigrants."
While speaking on the South African government reactions to Xenophobia, he noted that “They do this because it is a very good platform for them to explain away their failures. I use my words advisedly. For me, yes they have failed in bringing the promise of liberation to the blacks of South African. And so they need a bogeyman, they need a basics of explain, to justify, why they have failed."
Mimiko saw Xenophobia as a 'misplaced aggression' which has resulted in 'victims turning on victims' and while feigning non-existence of the oppressors.
Also, while he regarded the attacks as “a demonstration of the limited goodwill and respect for our country (Nigeria) in the comity of nations," Mimiko noted that the issue of disrespect of Nigerians abroad is also consequent upon the internal reality of the country.
“In measuring the power capability of a country you look at all of the variables: the economy - the political stability - the population, how well-mobilised. If you have 13.2 million of your children on the street, no country respects you. If you have 814 MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) – if not the highest, closest to the highest. People on the streets of South Africa, they know these things, and so when they move against you - it's because the respect is not there."
Furthermore, Mimiko deplored how the Nigerian government handled the situation. “I think our government was too eager to take the apology of South Africa. That Ramophosa did not think it was wise to send a convoy before our president sent one to South Africa - that, for me is nonsensical. And so when the guy came and was apologising, we should have given his country a bouquet of things that they should go and do. You must demonstrate for instance that you are picking those who are attacking people on the streets, you must give indications that the ministers who openly supported xenophobia was called to order, made to resign if possible. They must give indication that they are ready to pay compensations. They didn’t ask of this, they simply accepted the apology."
"We didn’t work well enough with other countries of Africa, especially those countries that are also victims: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. These are countries that did everything that South Africa needed to be free."
While commenting on the President Buhari’s travel to South Africa, he said, “I don’t think our president should have gone to South Africa at the time he did. For me it doesn’t matter, what bilateral issues were on the table - if they needed to push those issues, it should have been taken to a lower level and reschedule the visit of our president. I’m not suggesting that we hold on. You know I started by commending both countries for building a relationship in spite of the themes conflict, because even rescheduling the trip alone is a form of 'symbolism in foreign policy is as important as substance.' Indeed, in some instances - symbolism is more important than substance."
While speaking on the need for Nigeria to reposition itself in the international scene so that it will be treated with respect abroad and its citizens with dignity, Prof. Mimiko said, “The bottom line is that our country must reinvent itself. We must get back on the track of development. We must demonstrate that we are responsive. I keep saying it, a country where 13.2 million of her youths are on the streets and we haven’t declared that as an issue of emergency, that all of us should be on the streets to find a way to it within two years shows we are no responsible people; The governed and the government, all of us in this country. So we must do something about this. We must restructure our governance. Our regime in this country is to make it more inclusive, to allow the creativity of Nigerians to find its right state and to put our country on the track of development."
"If we are able to do all of this, our country will once again be respected abroad. I’m sure you know some countries whose citizens they wont attack because they know what implication it would have for them and for their government."
Similarly, The Head of Political Science Department, Prof. Bamisaye, while using the theory of essentialism existentialism to explain his position - he held that the situation in South Africa is as a result of the fact that expectations are too high. "Anything can exist, whether positively or negatively."
He further noted that “both South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries in Africa, we are still facing leadership problem and until the right person is chosen to do the right thing at the right time, the problem will still exist."
"In his concluding remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, while recounting the ugly experiences we have as a result of the bad projection abroad - he urged the government to make Nigeria their purpose. He aftewards expressed his appreciation to the Guest Speaker, HODs, lecturers, the organising committee and all those who attended. He held that the lecture series would continue, and at least five more would be held before the end of his tenure.aculty of Social Sciences Holds Seminar on Xenophobia
Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held a seminar on Xenophobia last week.
The seminar, which is the first of its series, had Internationally renowned scholar - department of Political Science's professor and former vice-chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State - Prof. Femi Mimiko, mni, presenting a lecture on “Xenophobia as Bogeyman: a deconstruction of the Post-Apartheid State of South Africa and the Challenges of Development and Regional Relevance."
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty noted that the seminar, which is part of the effort to put the Faculty at “the threshold of Spotlight," is also a testament that the Faculty is living up to expectations in terms of intellectual engagements on critical issues in the society.
While deploring the ceaseless attacks on Africans in South Africans, an attack that has led to loss of lives and properties, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe termed the occurrences as “regrettable” considering the support that was granted South Africa by other African states during the dark days of Apartheid.
While doing an historical and economic analysis of Xenophobia, Prof. Mimiko traced the phenomenon to 'New nationalism' which is also known in contemporary times as 'populism,' an orientation which makes a distinction between the 'self' and 'others.' It demonises the others, it glorifies the self, that is why in a political process, that kind of orientation often leads to violence. New nationalism is a concept that is insular, it speaks against globalism.
"The interesting thing about populism is that those who beat the drums of populism are not necessarily friends of the masses, they are not necessarily friends of the poor and the disadvantaged but they see that the anger, the frustration, the fear of those who have been left behind is a veritable platform that they can tap into to get political power," he noted.
He also traced the beginning of Xenophobia in South Africa to the decision not to dismantle economic apartheid, but to dismantle political apartheid alone. The government also fell short in its promise to redistribute land to South Africans, a fundamental issue that was the root of the campaign against Apartheid. “The social implications of all of these are that the promise of liberation was unmet, the better life that the South Africans were promised in the process of the liberation struggle was not delivered because of the decision of the ANC to retain the structure of Apartheid in economics."
"The standard of life that some of them had under Apartheid, they suddenly found out that it was better than what they were going through under the so called post-Apartheid government, that is a big paradox. And so mass anger began to grow. Frustration, desperation concerning the systemic failure that the South Africa economy was projecting and with this came a spike violence and against immigrants."
While speaking on the South African government reactions to Xenophobia, he noted that “They do this because it is a very good platform for them to explain away their failures. I use my words advisedly. For me, yes they have failed in bringing the promise of liberation to the blacks of South African. And so they need a bogeyman, they need a basics of explain, to justify, why they have failed."
Mimiko saw Xenophobia as a 'misplaced aggression' which has resulted in 'victims turning on victims' and while feigning non-existence of the oppressors.
Also, while he regarded the attacks as “a demonstration of the limited goodwill and respect for our country (Nigeria) in the comity of nations," Mimiko noted that the issue of disrespect of Nigerians abroad is also consequent upon the internal reality of the country.
“In measuring the power capability of a country you look at all of the variables: the economy - the political stability - the population, how well-mobilised. If you have 13.2 million of your children on the street, no country respects you. If you have 814 MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) – if not the highest, closest to the highest. People on the streets of South Africa, they know these things, and so when they move against you - it's because the respect is not there."
Furthermore, Mimiko deplored how the Nigerian government handled the situation. “I think our government was too eager to take the apology of South Africa. That Ramophosa did not think it was wise to send a convoy before our president sent one to South Africa - that, for me is nonsensical. And so when the guy came and was apologising, we should have given his country a bouquet of things that they should go and do. You must demonstrate for instance that you are picking those who are attacking people on the streets, you must give indications that the ministers who openly supported xenophobia was called to order, made to resign if possible. They must give indication that they are ready to pay compensations. They didn’t ask of this, they simply accepted the apology."
"We didn’t work well enough with other countries of Africa, especially those countries that are also victims: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. These are countries that did everything that South Africa needed to be free."
While commenting on the President Buhari’s travel to South Africa, he said, “I don’t think our president should have gone to South Africa at the time he did. For me it doesn’t matter, what bilateral issues were on the table - if they needed to push those issues, it should have been taken to a lower level and reschedule the visit of our president. I’m not suggesting that we hold on. You know I started by commending both countries for building a relationship in spite of the themes conflict, because even rescheduling the trip alone is a form of 'symbolism in foreign policy is as important as substance.' Indeed, in some instances - symbolism is more important than substance."
While speaking on the need for Nigeria to reposition itself in the international scene so that it will be treated with respect abroad and its citizens with dignity, Prof. Mimiko said, “The bottom line is that our country must reinvent itself. We must get back on the track of development. We must demonstrate that we are responsive. I keep saying it, a country where 13.2 million of her youths are on the streets and we haven’t declared that as an issue of emergency, that all of us should be on the streets to find a way to it within two years shows we are no responsible people; The governed and the government, all of us in this country. So we must do something about this. We must restructure our governance. Our regime in this country is to make it more inclusive, to allow the creativity of Nigerians to find its right state and to put our country on the track of development."
"If we are able to do all of this, our country will once again be respected abroad. I’m sure you know some countries whose citizens they wont attack because they know what implication it would have for them and for their government."
Similarly, The Head of Political Science Department, Prof. Bamisaye, while using the theory of essentialism existentialism to explain his position - he held that the situation in South Africa is as a result of the fact that expectations are too high. "Anything can exist, whether positively or negatively."
He further noted that “both South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries in Africa, we are still facing leadership problem and until the right person is chosen to do the right thing at the right time, the problem will still exist."
"In his concluding remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, while recounting the ugly experiences we have as a result of the bad projection abroad - he urged the government to make Nigeria their purpose. He aftewards expressed his appreciation to the Guest Speaker, HODs, lecturers, the organising committee and all those who attended. He held that the lecture series would continue, and at least five more would be held before the end of his tenure.
Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held a seminar on Xenophobia last week.
The seminar, which is the first of its series, had Internationally renowned scholar - department of Political Science's professor and former vice-chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State - Prof. Femi Mimiko, mni, presenting a lecture on “Xenophobia as Bogeyman: a deconstruction of the Post-Apartheid State of South Africa and the Challenges of Development and Regional Relevance."
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty noted that the seminar, which is part of the effort to put the Faculty at “the threshold of Spotlight," is also a testament that the Faculty is living up to expectations in terms of intellectual engagements on critical issues in the society.
While deploring the ceaseless attacks on Africans in South Africans, an attack that has led to loss of lives and properties, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe termed the occurrences as “regrettable” considering the support that was granted South Africa by other African states during the dark days of Apartheid.
While doing an historical and economic analysis of Xenophobia, Prof. Mimiko traced the phenomenon to 'New nationalism' which is also known in contemporary times as 'populism,' an orientation which makes a distinction between the 'self' and 'others.' It demonises the others, it glorifies the self, that is why in a political process, that kind of orientation often leads to violence. New nationalism is a concept that is insular, it speaks against globalism.
"The interesting thing about populism is that those who beat the drums of populism are not necessarily friends of the masses, they are not necessarily friends of the poor and the disadvantaged but they see that the anger, the frustration, the fear of those who have been left behind is a veritable platform that they can tap into to get political power," he noted.
He also traced the beginning of Xenophobia in South Africa to the decision not to dismantle economic apartheid, but to dismantle political apartheid alone. The government also fell short in its promise to redistribute land to South Africans, a fundamental issue that was the root of the campaign against Apartheid. “The social implications of all of these are that the promise of liberation was unmet, the better life that the South Africans were promised in the process of the liberation struggle was not delivered because of the decision of the ANC to retain the structure of Apartheid in economics."
"The standard of life that some of them had under Apartheid, they suddenly found out that it was better than what they were going through under the so called post-Apartheid government, that is a big paradox. And so mass anger began to grow. Frustration, desperation concerning the systemic failure that the South Africa economy was projecting and with this came a spike violence and against immigrants."
While speaking on the South African government reactions to Xenophobia, he noted that “They do this because it is a very good platform for them to explain away their failures. I use my words advisedly. For me, yes they have failed in bringing the promise of liberation to the blacks of South African. And so they need a bogeyman, they need a basics of explain, to justify, why they have failed."
Mimiko saw Xenophobia as a 'misplaced aggression' which has resulted in 'victims turning on victims' and while feigning non-existence of the oppressors.
Also, while he regarded the attacks as “a demonstration of the limited goodwill and respect for our country (Nigeria) in the comity of nations," Mimiko noted that the issue of disrespect of Nigerians abroad is also consequent upon the internal reality of the country.
“In measuring the power capability of a country you look at all of the variables: the economy - the political stability - the population, how well-mobilised. If you have 13.2 million of your children on the street, no country respects you. If you have 814 MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) – if not the highest, closest to the highest. People on the streets of South Africa, they know these things, and so when they move against you - it's because the respect is not there."
Furthermore, Mimiko deplored how the Nigerian government handled the situation. “I think our government was too eager to take the apology of South Africa. That Ramophosa did not think it was wise to send a convoy before our president sent one to South Africa - that, for me is nonsensical. And so when the guy came and was apologising, we should have given his country a bouquet of things that they should go and do. You must demonstrate for instance that you are picking those who are attacking people on the streets, you must give indications that the ministers who openly supported xenophobia was called to order, made to resign if possible. They must give indication that they are ready to pay compensations. They didn’t ask of this, they simply accepted the apology."
"We didn’t work well enough with other countries of Africa, especially those countries that are also victims: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. These are countries that did everything that South Africa needed to be free."
While commenting on the President Buhari’s travel to South Africa, he said, “I don’t think our president should have gone to South Africa at the time he did. For me it doesn’t matter, what bilateral issues were on the table - if they needed to push those issues, it should have been taken to a lower level and reschedule the visit of our president. I’m not suggesting that we hold on. You know I started by commending both countries for building a relationship in spite of the themes conflict, because even rescheduling the trip alone is a form of 'symbolism in foreign policy is as important as substance.' Indeed, in some instances - symbolism is more important than substance."
While speaking on the need for Nigeria to reposition itself in the international scene so that it will be treated with respect abroad and its citizens with dignity, Prof. Mimiko said, “The bottom line is that our country must reinvent itself. We must get back on the track of development. We must demonstrate that we are responsive. I keep saying it, a country where 13.2 million of her youths are on the streets and we haven’t declared that as an issue of emergency, that all of us should be on the streets to find a way to it within two years shows we are no responsible people; The governed and the government, all of us in this country. So we must do something about this. We must restructure our governance. Our regime in this country is to make it more inclusive, to allow the creativity of Nigerians to find its right state and to put our country on the track of development."
"If we are able to do all of this, our country will once again be respected abroad. I’m sure you know some countries whose citizens they wont attack because they know what implication it would have for them and for their government."
Similarly, The Head of Political Science Department, Prof. Bamisaye, while using the theory of essentialism existentialism to explain his position - he held that the situation in South Africa is as a result of the fact that expectations are too high. "Anything can exist, whether positively or negatively."
He further noted that “both South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries in Africa, we are still facing leadership problem and until the right person is chosen to do the right thing at the right time, the problem will still exist."
"In his concluding remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, while recounting the ugly experiences we have as a result of the bad projection abroad - he urged the government to make Nigeria their purpose. He aftewards expressed his appreciation to the Guest Speaker, HODs, lecturers, the organising committee and all those who attended. He held that the lecture series would continue, and at least five more would be held before the end of his tenure.aculty of Social Sciences Holds Seminar on Xenophobia
Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held a seminar on Xenophobia last week.
The seminar, which is the first of its series, had Internationally renowned scholar - department of Political Science's professor and former vice-chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State - Prof. Femi Mimiko, mni, presenting a lecture on “Xenophobia as Bogeyman: a deconstruction of the Post-Apartheid State of South Africa and the Challenges of Development and Regional Relevance."
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty noted that the seminar, which is part of the effort to put the Faculty at “the threshold of Spotlight," is also a testament that the Faculty is living up to expectations in terms of intellectual engagements on critical issues in the society.
While deploring the ceaseless attacks on Africans in South Africans, an attack that has led to loss of lives and properties, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe termed the occurrences as “regrettable” considering the support that was granted South Africa by other African states during the dark days of Apartheid.
While doing an historical and economic analysis of Xenophobia, Prof. Mimiko traced the phenomenon to 'New nationalism' which is also known in contemporary times as 'populism,' an orientation which makes a distinction between the 'self' and 'others.' It demonises the others, it glorifies the self, that is why in a political process, that kind of orientation often leads to violence. New nationalism is a concept that is insular, it speaks against globalism.
"The interesting thing about populism is that those who beat the drums of populism are not necessarily friends of the masses, they are not necessarily friends of the poor and the disadvantaged but they see that the anger, the frustration, the fear of those who have been left behind is a veritable platform that they can tap into to get political power," he noted.
He also traced the beginning of Xenophobia in South Africa to the decision not to dismantle economic apartheid, but to dismantle political apartheid alone. The government also fell short in its promise to redistribute land to South Africans, a fundamental issue that was the root of the campaign against Apartheid. “The social implications of all of these are that the promise of liberation was unmet, the better life that the South Africans were promised in the process of the liberation struggle was not delivered because of the decision of the ANC to retain the structure of Apartheid in economics."
"The standard of life that some of them had under Apartheid, they suddenly found out that it was better than what they were going through under the so called post-Apartheid government, that is a big paradox. And so mass anger began to grow. Frustration, desperation concerning the systemic failure that the South Africa economy was projecting and with this came a spike violence and against immigrants."
While speaking on the South African government reactions to Xenophobia, he noted that “They do this because it is a very good platform for them to explain away their failures. I use my words advisedly. For me, yes they have failed in bringing the promise of liberation to the blacks of South African. And so they need a bogeyman, they need a basics of explain, to justify, why they have failed."
Mimiko saw Xenophobia as a 'misplaced aggression' which has resulted in 'victims turning on victims' and while feigning non-existence of the oppressors.
Also, while he regarded the attacks as “a demonstration of the limited goodwill and respect for our country (Nigeria) in the comity of nations," Mimiko noted that the issue of disrespect of Nigerians abroad is also consequent upon the internal reality of the country.
“In measuring the power capability of a country you look at all of the variables: the economy - the political stability - the population, how well-mobilised. If you have 13.2 million of your children on the street, no country respects you. If you have 814 MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) – if not the highest, closest to the highest. People on the streets of South Africa, they know these things, and so when they move against you - it's because the respect is not there."
Furthermore, Mimiko deplored how the Nigerian government handled the situation. “I think our government was too eager to take the apology of South Africa. That Ramophosa did not think it was wise to send a convoy before our president sent one to South Africa - that, for me is nonsensical. And so when the guy came and was apologising, we should have given his country a bouquet of things that they should go and do. You must demonstrate for instance that you are picking those who are attacking people on the streets, you must give indications that the ministers who openly supported xenophobia was called to order, made to resign if possible. They must give indication that they are ready to pay compensations. They didn’t ask of this, they simply accepted the apology."
"We didn’t work well enough with other countries of Africa, especially those countries that are also victims: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. These are countries that did everything that South Africa needed to be free."
While commenting on the President Buhari’s travel to South Africa, he said, “I don’t think our president should have gone to South Africa at the time he did. For me it doesn’t matter, what bilateral issues were on the table - if they needed to push those issues, it should have been taken to a lower level and reschedule the visit of our president. I’m not suggesting that we hold on. You know I started by commending both countries for building a relationship in spite of the themes conflict, because even rescheduling the trip alone is a form of 'symbolism in foreign policy is as important as substance.' Indeed, in some instances - symbolism is more important than substance."
While speaking on the need for Nigeria to reposition itself in the international scene so that it will be treated with respect abroad and its citizens with dignity, Prof. Mimiko said, “The bottom line is that our country must reinvent itself. We must get back on the track of development. We must demonstrate that we are responsive. I keep saying it, a country where 13.2 million of her youths are on the streets and we haven’t declared that as an issue of emergency, that all of us should be on the streets to find a way to it within two years shows we are no responsible people; The governed and the government, all of us in this country. So we must do something about this. We must restructure our governance. Our regime in this country is to make it more inclusive, to allow the creativity of Nigerians to find its right state and to put our country on the track of development."
"If we are able to do all of this, our country will once again be respected abroad. I’m sure you know some countries whose citizens they wont attack because they know what implication it would have for them and for their government."
Similarly, The Head of Political Science Department, Prof. Bamisaye, while using the theory of essentialism existentialism to explain his position - he held that the situation in South Africa is as a result of the fact that expectations are too high. "Anything can exist, whether positively or negatively."
He further noted that “both South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries in Africa, we are still facing leadership problem and until the right person is chosen to do the right thing at the right time, the problem will still exist."
"In his concluding remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, while recounting the ugly experiences we have as a result of the bad projection abroad - he urged the government to make Nigeria their purpose. He aftewards expressed his appreciation to the Guest Speaker, HODs, lecturers, the organising committee and all those who attended. He held that the lecture series would continue, and at least five more would be held before the end of his tenure.
Comments
Post a Comment