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Flood of texts from Africa

Fiona Crack | 19:48 UK time, Tuesday, 21 March 2006

We got many texts and emails on the subjects of the Nigerian census and the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood. What did you think? Read your comments and tell us your thoughts on today's programme.

Kabiru Yusef, Bala Sanusi, Tunde and Samuel were our guests for the discussion on Nigeria's first national census for 15 years.

A selection of your texts:

This census will raise a growing concern by the international observers, I pray that the census officials will conduct it with God-fearing. Yusuf Karatu
Where I am now in Lagos, I've not been counted. But I think it's a good idea that we know exactly how many we are. Joe Emoyon, Lagos
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and the census is very important for the even distribution of their resources. Ian Kosgei
A census is vital to planning. I am however apprehensive about the honesty and transparency of the process... Jefta Dakat, Jos, Nigeria
I am not in favour of this census as the consequences will lead to discrimination at various levels, and it could provoke destabilisation in the region. Anon
Census is not the problem in Nigeria. The problem is our leaders and our image makers. It Is not going to make any changes. Thasseus Ejiofor, Abuja


The first day of the census is a complete failure in many places in Nigeria because of lack of adequate preparation.
Abdulahi from Maiduguri
It's a life time experience many young people are eager to be counted. M.M.Kumo, Gombe
The census is sham like the ill-fated ID-card project. Dare, Ibadan, Nigeria
Census taking is a normal thing. Why all this noise? Please let the people do their job in peace. Priscilla, Accra


Mel Feit, founder of the National Centre for Men and Debbie Klein of ACES - The Association for Children for Enforcement of Support representing the two sides of the argument about the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood. We also took your calls from Germany, the UK, the US, Liberia and Prague.

You responded with your comments:

It hard to believe that a parent would want to divorce himself from his daughter. Such a person deserve no blessing in an African setting. Martor Zubah, Liberia
Please tell that guy to take care of his child. If he had wanted not to take care he should not have developed the relationship. It is a shame. Lansana M Dumbuya
I can understand where he is coming from, after all women do have a choice to terminate a pregnancy if they do not wish to be a parent while men do not have any choice. However there are many ways to make sure that you don't become a parent, he should have thought about it before having sex. Sarah, Minneapolis
This is such a complex topic. On one hand, a father should have the right to refuse - this is the result of the sexual revolution women started 30 years ago. On the other hand, societies and families are held together by age-old responsibilities and duties. I side with being responsible about one's actions - this man should pay support. Lastly, I find it interesting that this issue, which shows deep confusion about roles and values, is taking place in the US, and no where else. Christian Hufnagel, Dayton, Ohio, USA
I think the man should have the right not to be the father if he had talked to her about it. We have so many women here in the USA who go on a rampage getting pregnant against the man's will and then making a living out of child support. This should come to an end. Men should have a right too. Kadie, Durham, North Carolina, USA
It amazes me that woman can have the choice to be a mother i.e., have an abortion or not, but women get their backs up when men want the same rights, where is the equality? Patrick Smith, Brno Czech Republic
In cases of developing countries like Uganda, taking care of a baby is done with both mum and dad. Julius, Uganda

We had planned to look at reaction to the talk of ETA laying down their arms. Priya Shah, one our producers made a lot of calls and found that people just weren't talking about it. We might return to it if we find out differently.

What are you talking about? What discussions do you want to hear? You can e-mail us with suggestions or leave your comments here.

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