For most media observers, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, and his two sons have been under intensive media focus, for some time now. Alhaji Lamido, has been hard hit, because, his political rivals saw his children’s alleged infraction, as an opportunity to dim what they regarded as his rising political profile, which no doubt, has skyrocketed over the years, due to diligence, honesty, hard work and political sagacity.
Governor Lamido’s political opponents, genuinely have every reason(s) to be worried. If the outgoing governor of Jigawa state, who seems to have adopted “Freedom for all and Life more abundant”, as the central catch-phrase of his campaign efforts in Jigawa state, is ignored, and allowed to find his way to the political center of the nation’s governance, Alhaji Lamido, will become an instant hero of Nigerians. This must not be allowed to happen, hence the barrage of unwarranted negative media campaign, which amuses most discerning political watchers.
What the section of the media, which is championing this assault on Lamido’s persons, has however, failed to realise, is the fact that the children in question, are grown up adults, who are held accountable for each and every of their actions. For now, I would let this matter remain the way it is, since these cases are still before the courts of law. If God keeps us alive, no matter how long it takes; I shall return to this matter and dwell extensively on the details stating the merit and demerit of the trial of these children.
For an ambitious politician like Sule Lamido, these types of actions are not surprising and are minor irritants to distract attention. As far as he is concerned, Alhaji Lamido is focused and eager to submit his credentials to the Nigerian electorates at future elections, if and when his party deems it fit, to present him to the electorate. As a loyal and true party man, Governor Lamido is quick to tell whosoever cares to listen, that “his party’s decision is supreme to all that he does or intends to do politically for now”. One is however, not surprised, that in spite of the troubling stormy waters confronting him; he chooses to remain with the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP. This is the stuff politicians with ideology and focus are made of.
For over forty years, that I have practiced journalism in Nigeria, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly side of the Nigerian political life. I have also had cause to report varied political issues about Nigeria. What I have found most disgusting and unpleasant among other issues, however, is Nigeria’s passionate desire for ethnic hegemony. Also worrisome is the extreme intolerance of democratic norms and practices on the part of those in power. Fifty-four years after independence, I still cannot fathom the reason(s) why people who found themselves in power at the center alongside some regions and states, tend to detest the voice of dissent or opposition so much that they are prepared to go any length to harass and stifle such opponents.
My third take on this matter, is the fact that one of the major reasons why we seem not to be making any meaningful political (progress) in the country, is the complete absence of ideological direction on the part of those in government. In the absence of definite goals, which is bedeviled by the other two causes, one is not surprised that our ship of state has drifted to a sorry state since independence in the 1960 and has suffered a colossal wreck up till now in 2014. This situation cannot and must not be allowed to continue.
Fifty four years after independence is enough time for us as a nation to begin to mend the broken pieces. One of the first steps, if the present situation must change, is for all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring that genuine and astute politicians sensitive to people’s plight are placed in position of leadership in Nigeria. It is a known fact, that “Man is the sole dynamic in nature”. That being so, education is of utmost importance, the educated man, the man of Science and Technology, has been the initiator and pacesetter of human progress over the ages.
One is therefore, not surprised, as the chip of the old Talakawa block of Mallam Aminu Kano school of thought, the Lamido’s administration in Jigawa state, regarded free education as the fundamental right of all Nigerian children and every citizens including adults. This important programme has been the bedrock of his administration since he assumed power in the state in 2007. This has paid off well in Jigawa state.
The other three components of the Sule Lamido’s government in Jigawa state are a comprehensive integrated rural development policy; the provision of free health facilities for every Nigerian citizen, visible infrastructures, such as good roads network, schools and office complex and full and gainful employment for all able-bodied Nigerians in Jigawa State.
From what we have been able to see, thus far, Sule Lamido, has laid bare his political package for the Nigerian people to ponder, using Jigawa state as his example. So far, none of the people jostling for the country’s presidency in 2015, in all the political parties in Nigeria, have been able to come out so eloquently, to say this is what they will do, when given the opportunity to serve as President. Most of our would-be presidential candidates are still looking for the road-maps to get to the voters in precincts scattered all over the country. Enough of using Nigeria as a guinea pig, to political neophytes. Now is the time, for the people of Nigeria to make up their minds, and decide who will provide the much needed credible leadership in the years to come.
Now, back to the issue of Governor Lamido, his children, the media and crime reporting, I am firmly of the opinion, that the media must play an important role in shaping public opinion. But the way and manner this is done must be in line with the ethics of our cherished and revered profession.
The media definitely, has a very important role to play in the society: as an agenda setter; a force multiplier; a watchdog; as a gatekeeper; and as the fourth estate of the realm. This same media is specifically, expected to protect citizens from power abuse, and treating everyone fairly under established rules and laws. For media practitioner’s to be taken seriously anywhere in the world, they must be seen to treating all people with honesty and respect. Giving everyone equal opportunities to succeed, and celebrate the uniqueness and value of everyone. Making sure that citizens are not treated badly and portrayed in negative light. Of most importance, is making sure that everyone has the chance to succeed. This certainly has not been the case with Governor Lamido and his children. As media practitioners, we honestly need to re-examine some of the things we do. For me, this is the best way to go.
Mr. Omonhinmin is a Lagos based Media Consultant.
