“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The above quotation from the holy bible is a pointer to one of the problems facing majority of the political office holders and seekers in Nigeria.
Most of them have forgotten their background, their past and their history.
The love of money and power has caused most people nothing but pain, sorrow and regret after office. They will feel dejected and rejected. Most of them will not be able to associate and relate effectively; just because they have compromised the standard, they have gone astray and betrayed their conscience and emotions.
I want to believe that lack of self disciple and integrity is one of the major problems facing such people, because there is nothing bad to throw-in the towel when you observed that the boat is sailing towards the deadly ocean.
There is a Yoruba adage that says “ai mose ko omorogun, lomu ki ori bo omi gbigbona”; meaning that pestle lack of unwilling spirit makes it swim in hot water.
Dr. Reuben Abati is one of the highly respected Journalists and critic in Nigeria. His write-ups are of ‘A’ grade. Prior to his appointment as the Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati was seen by most of us as a dogged fighter, crusader, comrade and “PEN PINNER”. He uses the power of his pen to pin and pinch the wicked and the oppressors in the society.
Bashorun Dele Momodu is also an enigma in the industry; he is a force to reckon with when talking about journalistic profession in Nigeria. A politician, human right activist and a publisher of the OVATION MAGAZINE
Until recently, both giant in the pen profession have been good friends.
They have helped each other in one capacity or the other and they see each other as brothers. But as we know, some of the things that can easily turn the back of brothers against each other are money and politics.
Unfortunately, Reuben and Bob Dee (Dele Momodu) are into politics and that is causing them problems. Reuben was involved in politics trough appointment while Bob Dee was involved in active politics. As a Nigerian both men have right under the constitution to do what they are doing but on the moral ground, some are of the opinion that Reuben has crossed the part to another realm.
Now, I have seen both men (Reuben and Dele Momodu) writing articles against each other, involving wife and personal issues like ……. “even his wife who followed him to the polling booth voted for someone else - Goodluck Jonathan, most probably”. Why would Reuben ever drag my wife (a woman who had fed us all in our poverty-stricken days) in the mud?. I have seen them exposing themselves. I then now wonder if Journalists are now taking cue from Fuji musicians that usually abuse each other to the extent of saying …..you came to my house hungry and I gave you Amala and Ewedu.
Personally, it is a sad development and I want to believe that both men should not be washing their dirty lineal outside. As friends they can resolve their differences without bringing the profession into mud.
I have been to court and see how lawyers treat themselves. We should not allow Political Jobbers use money to turn us against each other. I mean writing negatively about our colleague and brother because of money and power.
I think Dele Momodu should know that much load will be on Reuben for now and he should advise him as a friend. Reuben on his part should also remember that he is occupying a position that has timeline; he should not break the wall he has built over the years. He should also learn not to reply all comments about him because of the office he is occupying.
One thing that I want (Dr.) Reuben Abati to know is that on a personal note when he was appointed as the Presidential Spokesman, I told a much superior officer that the Reuben Abati I know will not accept the offer based on his previous articles about the government and Goodluck Jonathan. I said he would contradict himself and compromise the standard he has set for himself.
While replying me, the man who is also directly or indirectly into politics told me point blank that I knew nothing. He said Reuben as a Yoruba man in that position is a plus to the South-West people because there is nobody from the region on the protocol list from 1-10. My mouth was left wide open, he also went ahead to say what do I mean by loyalty, integrity and commitment when there is no money? He added that do I know how Reuben has been paying his rent, sort his bills and other things? He said what is the essence of criticism?
Though, it was true that there was no Yoruba man there but I was looking at the personality of Reuben and the position, I was looking at him like someone who has achieved a lot in the industry and some people now gave him the position of the boot licker to rubbish his past records.
However, considering his intelligence I said to myself that he would use his experience to help the government and if he finds out that things are not going towards the right direction he would quit.
That was my opinion about him but some may not reason that way, some may say since he was known as a critic that fraternized more with the progressives; He shouldn’t have taken up the offer. Even if he takes it up, he shouldn’t have replied his colleagues that are castigating him since he is still in the office.
I think Bob Dee should also stop the open attack because some people will also see him as someone that seeks the downfall of his friend for selfish reason. Aside from that, what legacy are they leaving behind for some of us that are coming behind?
As a pen pusher, we are called the pace setters and we should be setting the pace and keep the standard of the profession by doing what is right, be disciplined, respect our colleagues and not this perceived dance of shame.
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