“You must stand for rationality, for values,” Professor Akinyemi stated, addressing the international implications of electing a candidate “convicted of 34 crimes” and one who “almost overturned an election.” The professor argued that such a choice by American voters goes against the principles that the U.S. has long championed on the world stage as a model of democracy, transparency, and fairness.
For Akinyemi, this development is especially troubling for nations like Nigeria and other countries in the Global South, where democracy, decency, and honesty are still developing ideals. “For us in Nigeria, in the Global South, who are supposed to be fighting for democracy, decency, and honesty, what message have you sent this morning?” he asked, pointing out the disconnect between American actions and the values it encourages other nations to adopt.
According to him, “You must stand for rationality, for values. How can you vote for somebody who’s been convicted of 34 crimes? How can you vote for somebody who almost overturned an election? What message are you sending to the rest of the world? For us in Nigeria, in the Global South, who are supposed to be fighting for democracy, decency, and honesty, what message have you sent this morning? So why should I say ‘good morning’?”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
