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Economic Confidential,
May
2008
RE: If President Yar’Adua Dies
By Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu
The act of writing is quite uncommon among people. Those who have
the flare view it from different perspectives; to some, it is an
inspiration, others see it as a hobby or an academic exercise, while
a section believes it's a profession. No matter the group you
belong, one thing is central; passing information to the public, a
true one indeed.
Every individual is guided by the Fundamental Human Right, which
definitely do not derive from the constitution, in the sense that it
is the inalienable Right of every living individual. These among
others include the Right to Live and the Right to freedom of
expression. Fortunately for us, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria re-emphasized these Fundamental Human Rights.
Imperatively, this is where the media could lay credence to their
Freedom of Expression, pending the passage of the Information Bill
before the National Assembly.
Sadly enough, most media fans are oblivious of the fact that every
law, including the undeniable ones has limitations. The Right to
Live could be denied if an individual commits a criminal offence
that could warrant that, likewise Freedom of Expression, when an act
is quiet seditious.
It was the greatest shock when I set my eyes
on an article with a caption: "If President Yar'Adua Dies''
published on several online media including
www.nigeriavillagesquare.com
and
www.ChatAfrikArticles.com
when President Yar’Adua was in Germany for medical attention. I
started sweating profusely waddling through the article. It is
disgusting for a prolific writer, who has been in the media parlance
for so long to launch such an absurd and sensational topic with a
disdainful approach into the public gallery.
Isn't that seditious enough to tear this country apart? Or cause
disaffection between the president and his vice. SABELLA how could
you …? Even those that commented on the article did little or no
justice to it.
Come to the real sense, it is absolutely not strange for a president
to die on seat, after all there are clear instances highlighted ,
ranging from America to the Nigerian scenario where Sir Tafa Belewa,
Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, Gen. Muritala Mohammed and Gen Sani Abacha where
mentioned. It is obvious that President Yar' Adua's state of health
is no longer news to many Nigerians, but a story. Despite that, it
remains a sin before God to wish someone dead, simply on health
ground.
The choice and tone of this topic set me pondering why the editor(s)
of those websites found it worthy of publication. Maybe the writer
is a Nigerian in Diaspora, possibly using his freedom of expression
to fight a course. What is your own opinion? Preferably, I may say
that the presentation illuminates the ignominious perception of the
author about his country. Mind you, I have neither said all is well
nor painted a picture of roses.
On a very serious note, there are millions of issues to be discussed
about Nigeria- politically, socially and economically. Though, the
media have left no stone unturned. For the likes of Sabella, the
media as a watch dog should be used to sensitize the masses on
government policies and programmes, as well as inform the government
about the opinion of the masses concerning her policies and
programmes. It is also a vital instrument to correct the imbalances
in the polity by offering constructive criticisms. Thank God the
various media in Nigeria are doing just that, without being
sensational or inciting violence.
The collection, processing and dissemination of information should
be done with a healthy regard for the public interest. According to
the Code of Conduct for Media Practitioner, publishing information
about an individual should be deemed justifiable only if it is
directed at:
exposing crime or serious misdeameanour; exposing anti-social
conducts; protecting public health, morality and safety; preventing
the public from being misled by some statement or action of the
individual concerned.
Whether omission or by commission, it is certain that Yar' Adua and
Goodluck are the President and Vice President respectively, lets
leave that to fate. It will be preposterous to mime the existing
cordiality between the duos as a result of a junk emanating from an
unpopular source. The presidential seat is not vacant for now,
eventually if it does, the constitution prevails. It is an illusion
to cross a bridge before getting to it. Probably, I may humbly
suggest a psychiatric test for such an individual.
To be reticent, I'm speaking as a concerned citizen. Skimming
through the piece, possible interpretations could be given on where
Sabella was heading for. Could he be a freedom fighter, party
sympathizer or a tribal jingoist? If it eventually turns-out to be
the liberation of the Niger Delta or Resource Control enshrined in
the Niger Delta Bill of Right, personally I'm involved. Precisely,
the article had neither identified the political will of the region
nor proffer solution to her problems in the Nigerian political
landscape; rather it may complicate issues, especially if it is
viewed as a communiqué, instead of personal opinion.
As we all know, anything worth doing is worth doing well. If what he
means is bringing the Ijaws into focus, then he had not faired-well
to VP Goodluck Jonathan in his presentation. From all indication,
Dr. Jonathan never contributed to the flaws of his former boss,
Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and will never be instrumental of sort.
Adjusting our focus slightly, Nigerians have giving the President
four years mandate to serve, it is quite imprudent for anyone to
talk of eight years when he is barely one year in office, after all
the achievement of a president is not measured by the number of
years in office. Also, suggesting disintegration or military
incursion at this tender stage of our hard earned democracy will
only spell doom. It is high time we started talking of issues that
will be of paramount importance to the government and Nigerians in
general, rather than focusing on trivialities. What do you think?
Prince Nwaokugha Ikeokwu
princenwaoku@yahoo.com |
