Being Nigerian is sadly a synonym of scams and corruption. So few good things are said about Nigeria to the frustration of good and respected Nigerian citizens.

This latest incident of terrorism involving a Nigerian citizen is bad luck for the whole country at a time when good people are trying to build a better reputation for the country. Abdul Mutallab did not help his country. Being Nigerian and Muslim is certainly difficult at this time. Prejudice will increase.

The losers in the whole affair are (1) the US for being embarassed for giving a visa to a man whose name was in their system as a potential terrorist, (2) the Nigerians, (3) the airline industry, and (4) the global economy. As the Mina of Togo say, “If you hurt the reputaion of another, you damage your own.”