IBB's Meeting With Media Executives-A Rejoinder By Sunmi Smart-Cole

Goodday everyone. My name is Tobi Magnus Smart-Cole. I am the first son of Mr. Sunmi Percy Smart-Cole. I am writing this comment in response to the various baseless, pseudo-moralistic, non-evidential, and heathenish statements of the various pea-brained and seemingly uninformed submitters. Your myopia is second only to that of the Sahara 'Reporters', who seem to have chosen a good name for themselves since their minds, hearts, and staff seem to be based permanently in the Sahara Desert, from where they seem to do their 'reporting.' I have never seen such an impertinent excuse for journalistic reporting in my life and I never will. You have violated the basic mores and customs of the journalistic profession and have lost the respect of many journalists, photographers, and newsmen who hold Mr. Sunmi Smart-Cole in high regard for his integrity, generosity, persistence, diligence and also his 35 years of experience as an outstanding photographer who God has lifted to some of the highest echelons of Nigerian society. You and the various submitters of these comments are just a small sample of the hateful and uninformed portion of our population that seems to have Nigeria in its best interests but really is only out to realize its self interest and carnal lusts. My best advice to you is to get your facts straight before you publish something for the consumption of the general public. That is only common sense, something which you seem, so evidently, to lack.

Yours very truly,

Tobi Magnus Smart-Cole.

Sahara Repoters you guy should stop this your baseless accusations you are simply biased in your new you present to the world I must say I haate you.

...never associate yourself or avoid someone who is going down. They'll drag you down with them..... a word for baba Smart....

While I respect the right and freedom of everyone, It is important to stop for once and ask some pertinent questions.
12. Let us with respect disagree with each other if need be and spend more time finding solutions to our county's problems. It is possible that many people crying foul are part of the problem than being part of the solution. Many of us sorted our way through the universities, lied to secure traveling visas, defrauded our government of tax ( as most people do in Nigeria), failed to pay all our duties to the government, owe our foreign education to corrupt Nigerian money corruptly acquire by our sponsors directly or indirectly, were out-cheated by others, have had to offer the police/FRSC bribe in place of our incomplete vehicle papers, lied in school or elsewhere to get our way through, tried to get more viewers by distorting facts we post herein, got lawyers to lie on our behalf when we had a court case and so on. ARE WE PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION?

1. Is proper journalism creating unsubstantiated issues against somebody and then let him/her spend their time and resources defending his/her name?
2. Did Sahara-reporters make effort to cross-check their facts with the editors in Babangida's house t hear their side of the story and present the two sides?
3. Is it correct that some Nigerian's especially in diaspora derive joy (delusion) in painting the country as the worst in the world?
4. I am in diaspora and have seen what happens in other countries, is it not better to seek how we can make our country better (without condoning evil though) but by not being overly and sentimentally negative about it?
5. We condemn all the pat leaders, yet some of them were journalists crying foul before their election, were they the best leaders?
6. We may enjoy being revolutionaries but revolutionaries are not always the best leaders in history. they are good at being revolutionaries.
7. Every one who has been in administration know how difficult it is. Mr. Obama talked about changing the world but has he closed the Guantanamo Bay, prosecuted those illegally held without trial, repealed "don't ask don't tell" much as he would want to? There are factors in administration that are never easy to comprehend outside of it. I mean to show that we concentrate more on supporting our leaders without condoning corruption and evil but it does not seem it will be best done in the current negativism mode.
8. While I may not be IBB's friend, those who are his friends have freedom of association and have right to that. Querying them because I may not have like IBB is unjust and an authoritarian standpoint that they must agree with my views (a fact we set out to stop).
9. If I were IBB's friend, I see nothing bad in signing a birthday card for him irrespective of my profession.
10. As journalists, do you not follow news-makers? My guess is that IBB is among the 10 biggest news-makers and I do not see any evil in a journalist going to him. I will have problem if their association with him begins to influence what they report about him. We should also know that every report is tainted with bias of the reporter.
11. Mr Cole does not need to be smart in his rebuttal but to say the truth from his point of view. One of the greatest errors of this era is that being smart is more valuable than being true. It is a valueless and unethical stand that does justice great harm.

Baba Smart, it is called public mood. The mood against your friend is extremely hostile. We currently hold him responsible for our sorry state as a nation, therefore anyone seen with him is guilty by association.

At 69, if you cannot swim and sink with your friend of 40 years then something is wrong. I should imagine that anyone associating publicly with Babangida should be prepared for the consequences - public opprobrium.

Threatening law suit will compound your problem, it will in fact aggravate it, your many dirty past will surface, your family pain and struggles will suddenly be subject of public taunt, many of your friends will simply desert you, your children - if you have any - will be subject of scorn in the society. Your family name and your generation will forever be perceived as collaborators with thieves. Is that what you want for your unborn generation?

You can avoid Babangida and let him carry his cross alone. Let his children and children's children bear the burden alone. Nigerians that I know are so determined that he won't have his way in 2011. He won't mess up our lives again. This is war, and all is fair in war!

You'll need more than all the cash (Nigerian money) he's being giving you for 40 years to save you honor. At 69, BABA go and enjoy your share of loot with your children.

Cole has not asked anybody on SR about the propriety of his relationship with IBB. It is not our lot to choose who he makes friends with. All the gentleman is saying is that the report by SR was inaccurate. Now the questions for SR will be did you verify the facts in your report? After Cole's threat of legal action, do you still stand by your report? I particularly will always want to know what is happening and not what is not happening.

jounalist. You have no justification for associating yourself, and encouraging young journalists to associate, with a symbol of corruption, the most notorious enemy of democracy in our land (June 12 killing of democracy), a murderer of our finest journalists (Dele Giwa and many others), an intimidator of the masses (many defenceless protesters were killed on the street of lagos by IBB's intruments), and a calous, evil dictator (He called himself the evil Genius). You are simply a shame to the profession you claim to belong. The Nigerian Union of journalists must actually derobe you. You have proved yourself to be a persona non grata to the profession of journalism in Nigeria.

Mr Smart-Cole, You have a pile of untenable excuses. You simply failed to justify your CV as a jounalist. You have no justification for associating yourself, and encouraging young journalists to associate, with a symbol of corruption, the most notorious enemy of democracy in our land (June 12 killing of democracy), a murderer of our finest journalists (Dele Giwa and many others), an intimidator of the masses (many defenceless protesters were killed on the street of lagos by IBB's intruments), and a calous, evil dictator (He called himself the evil Genius). You are simply a shame to the profession you claim to belong. The Nigerian Union of journalists must actually derobe you. You have proved yourself to be a persona non grata to the profession of journalism in Nigeria.

The contributions to the this piece shows just how polarised we are as a nation and how ethnicity has torn us apart.If Obasanjo can be civillian President of Nigeria with the west's AD even failing to field a presidetial candidate in 2003 just to support 'our son' why not IBB.IBB is a saint when compared to OBJ.

Sunmi ought to know as a grand father, that Babangida is a liability. Why did he and others choose to fraternise with him? Why didnt they do same to Buhari or Ribadu ? There's more to it. Sunmi is only doing what we call in Warri as 'bone face'threathning legal action. Legal action my foot. This cross he will bear till the end of his time. What a way to end a hitherto Glorious Career.
For Babangida, i will 'vote' for him come the presidential elections. Yes, i will vote for him with STONES.

Sunmi Cole said no money was distributed while he was there, but the allegatrion was that Babangida gave money to the journalists. Cole, please come cleaner.

Babangida carries a cross and he needs smart guys around him. Who does not know that IBB is a liabilty? It takes a thief to befriend thief! Mr Smart carry on! Stones and verbal abuse are behind u!

There is something that is held sacrosanct in Journalism which is- facts are sacred but comments are free. I wish to draw the attention of Sahara reporters to this fact. Writing opinion as fact is not journalism. PLease stick to the facts in your reports and dont turn Sahara Reporters into a rag.

Let Summi (un)Smart Cole go ahead and sue saharareporters. I have instructed my Lawyers to be on standby. I will equally mobilize Nigerians, both home and abroad, to contribute their mites towards the defence as well as witness the trial. Haba! What is not good is not good! Uncle Summi has disappointed many of us who look up to him as a role model. That the press conference took place in the dead of the night shows the ulterior motive behind it. Then, it has come to light that the fired Punch Editor did not inform his employers about the invitation. Lastly, there are many close friends of the Babangida's alive who could have been at the parley, but were circumspect enough to stay away! Mr Cole should rather accept his faux pas than resorting to an empty threat of going to court as if he has the money to hire international reputable Lawyers! Enough of this monkey business, it is time we all got serious!

Let Summi (un)Smart Cole go ahead and sue saharareporters. I have instructed my Lawyers to be on standby. I will equally mobilize Nigerians, both home and abroad, to contribute their mites towards the defence as well as witness the trial. Haba! What is not good is not good! Uncle Summi has disappointed many of us who look up to him as a role model. That the press conference took place in the dead of the night shows the ulterior motive behind it. Then, it has come to light that the fired Punch Editor did not inform his employers about the invitation. Lastly, there are many close friends of the Babangida's alive who could have been at the parley, but were circumspect enough to stay away! Mr Cole should rather accept his faux pas than resorting to an empty threat of going to court as if he has the money to hire international reputable Lawyers! Enough of this monkey business, it is time we all got serious!

The report on Uncle cole was wrong, it was fabricated. this is very sad because it shows that even the almighty saharah reporters are compromising some how. have you asked yourself who is sponsuring such? some times ago there was a report about happenings in one of nigerias biggest financial organization, to my dismay, that report sudenly dissapeared, why? it appears as if this media has lost credibility, its now an instrument in the hands of some people whose purpose is to heat up the polity with crazy stories and fabricated reports to cloud the judgement of the the undecerning. finaly I want to ask all the FANATICS of saharah reporters..."how do you qualify a media that fabricates a story..."

....I am a true fan.

IT's only in Nigeria that press conference would be held at midnight. instead of Alagba Cole to apologise for his shameful act, he is threatining to sue Sowore for his reporting. Please go ahead and invite the wrath of Nigerians upon your family.
SAHARA REPORTERS is our last hope when all the nigeria politician owns most of the media houses.

There are many dimensions to this ambition. People are paying for it already --- losing jobs and soon dying. I hope IBB will respect the fact that this is an ill wind. Besides, pls do not join the fray. People are calling you names that should not mention your name except with awe. Whatever you do, pls do not join this fray

WHO TOLD YOU SUNMI IS SARO?HAVE U HEARD OF A SMART COLE FAMILY IN SIERRIA LEONE?THIS IBO?GUY SHOWS UP IN THE 60'S,SQUATS WITH THE NELSON COLE FAMILY IN YABA,AND THEN OPENS A BARBERS SHOP NEARBY AND SAYS HE IS SUNMI SMART COLE.LIKE TINUBU AND SOME OF THE USELESS LEADERS WE HAVE LIKE THE IBB MAN WHO RUMOURS SAY IS NOT FROM MINNA,THESE VPEOPLE HAVE NO BACKGROUND OR PEDIGREE,THEY SHOULD BE THROWN IN THE DIRT WHERE THEY BELONG

That is the whole crux of this corruption matter; those who are steeped in it have devised ways and means to make it impossible for them to be caught. For example, they insist on being giving cash no matter how big the amount it hence the several ghana-must-go bags that make uncountable rounds in their circles. Uncle Sunmi, with due respect, you are not ubiquitous so the fact that you did not see money shared while you were there does not mean or prove anything. With a big mansion like we hear the IBB's house is, anything could have been happening anywhere without your notice.

So sorry dear uncle. I can only humbly advice that next time you exercise more due circumspection when deciding which event to attend even in the name of professional journalism, which should be non-partisan.

Even late Tai Solarin, as non-corrupt as he claimed to have been, could not escape the lure of IBB to get out of his usual khaki!! That tarnished his image in no small measure.

Dear Uncle Smart,
I beg, sue.
I for one, I love Saharareporters, but I fear that they are sometimes no as professional as they can be.
A civil suit that will call them to order is amongst other things that may, God willing, force them to improve their quality of reporting.
Sadly, journalism in Nigeria has been a barometer of the times. Decades ago when I was in primary school, reading the national dailies was an exercise in good grammar, punctuation, and even prose. But today, not only is the English bad in our newspapers and news websites, but the professionalism is missing as well.
True journalism requires objectivity, research, and a balanced overview. What we have today, and especially on news websites, is unbridled sensationalism, possible just to draw the readers.
Uncle, sue them. We will pray for them but they need to learn.
Best regards,
A true fan of Saharareporters

Sunmi Smart-Cole, just want to be sure you are not going to make another mistake here by sueing the reporter whom you are porporting to have caused your client his job. in journalism, true pictures dont lie, they facts and remember he was 'there' with others.

why not look for another way to help that guy who was rather not too calculative, to secure another job rather than persuade the him to spend the little he has saved with which he could actually start a local monthly newspaper especially with clients like the IBBs! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA big laughter!

Mr Smart-Cole has a right to associate with whomever he pleases, however, surely he has heard of the adage: show me your friends...?

Come on, enough of this already. Why were they meeting in the dead of the night? Did these journalists (most of whom are based in Lagos) use their own money to book flight tickets and hotel rooms?

Virtually every Nigerian expressing emotions on this page knows at least ONE PERSON who lives above his known income, especially within our respective families. Have we all severed our relationship with those individuals???

Nigerians here seem to me to be too abusive & quite unintelligent at articulating/debating issues of interest. They must abuse, abuse, abuse!

No wonder your Leaders will never even like you!

For me, I find nothing wrong with Nigeria's Leaders. They did not drop from the sky. They are just a reflection of the society. A useless society made up of useless people begets useless leaders!

If since 1960 we have had about 14 Heads of State/Presidents, and over a thousand Ministers, & yet there is no visible developments then shouldnt we all think IT IS HIGH TIME TO LOOK AT THE SOCIETY ITSELF!

You are all bloody boring on this page.!!!

You see MR Cole the way angry nigerians have attacked you like Alkaida attacked NNS COLE in yehmen,and shiite attacked SUMNIS in iraq with precision guarded SMART missiles?.You have lost credibily and should better proceed on retirement and enjoy your ill gotten wealth

I am sure that Mr Cole as a father and possibly grandfather has had cause to advise his children and grandchildren that SILENCE is GOLDEN. He failed that basic test of maturity at the prime of his life. Is this because NEMESIS is catching up with him?
Before you embark on your lawsuit against SR you should remember whoever made the Hotel Reservation for the Journalists and paid the deposits can easily be ascertained and SR may already be in possession of copies of the hotel records. Please don't be a fool at 70

True I IBB remains a free main until proven guilty BUT we know that is the case in a society where JUSTICE prevails. NOT SO for the Nigerian scenario where the Judiciary is worse than the ARMED ROBBERS - They can not enforce JUSTICE so Sahara Report please KEEP UP the Good work in concert with all meaningful commentators of this website. With GOD we shall prevail!!! Our Leaders past and present STINKS....

Man ur the greatest fool ve come to know in life!! thought you ve anything to say, only to open your stinking mouth to vomit rot!! Please just shot up if you don't ve anything to say!!

@nnamdi&Khaleel, both of you are wrong and very wickedly wrong indeed. That IBB is still out on the streets campaigning is part of the failings of the Nigerian state. I was in School when IBB closed down schools, killed protesting students and just destroyed whatever we held dear. IBB cancelled June 12 without any reason, killed protesters, closed down newspaper houses and generally brought Nigeria to his knees. This is without his just stealing 12.4billion dollars! Haba!

All efforts to make him see sense(while cancelling the election) were firmly and brutally rebuffed. The luck we had then was that MKO was no faraah Aideed of somalia or charles Taylor of Liberia, because If he(MKO) were,Nigeria would be far worse than Somalia. This was surely a needless action by this devil called IBB. It just goes to show that IBB never minded the problem that his annulment would bring if not for a man like MKO who surely did not think like IBB.

This man is just evil.A man who killed a friend that he was the best man in his(the friend's) marriage and just destroyed the family. This man should be in Jail by now, but this is Nigeria where anything goes.

For Sunni smart cole to say he is a friend to this destroyer for 45 years says a lot about the integrity of this fool. For him to start claiming piety is reprehensible in all material fact.

How would any of you feel if the person that signed your death warant was your best man?

...A 69 years old foolish (non-smart) man kneeling down begging another 69 years old crook for peanuts. What a shame!