Activist, union leader, and columnist, Owei Lakemfa, has explained the underlying issues that made the Super Eagles ordeal in Libya inevitable.

Read: World Bank to Nigerians: Don’t oppose, reverse current economic reforms

Also, he drew a parallel with the policy statement made by the World Bank concerning Nigeria.

According to Lakemfa, “The Super Eagles nightmare in Libya and, the World Bank insanely asking Nigerians to endure 15 more years of suffocation and pain, speak to a poverty of ideas.”

Recall that the ValueJet chartered aircraft conveying the Super Eagles team and officials was diverted from landing at the Benghazi Airport, and redirected to land at the unsued Al Abraq Airport.

The team and officials were subsequently left stranded at the Al Abraq Airport for more than 15 hours without food, water, and other basic supplies upon arrival on Sunday, October 13.

Owei Lakemfa

In his piece entitled ‘Poverty of thought, not thought of poverty,’ Owei Lakemfa said: “One of the fallouts of the Libyan invasion (in 2011 by NATO) was the enslavement of many Nigerians who were sold like commodities or abducted for ransom.

“Perhaps, I should add that as a result of the invasion of Libya arms ceaselessly flowed into many African countries, especially Nigeria.”

He added: “In the first place, by allowing the Eagles fly to Benghazi, the Nigerian government took a risk.

“Sadly, when our national team was in dire need of diplomatic leadership in Libya, Nigeria had no ambassador.

“Interestingly, Libya also had no ambassador in Nigeria! The lesson, fellow Nigerians, is that when the home of any African brother is on fire, we should endeavour to put out the fire, not to add petrol as we did in Libya.”

Read the full engaging piece by Owei Lakemfa HERE.

Vanguard News