FFK: Arrogant disdain for responsibility taken too far

Lanre Atere

SIR: The recent outburst, open display of self-importance and vituperation of the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, towards a Daily Trust reporter, Eyo Charles, at a press conference in Akwa Ibom, is an affirmation of the brash and arrogant disdain with which Nigerian politicians view, not just citizens, but members of the 4th Estate of Realm.

It is quite unfortunate to watch a supposedly public figure and ‘leader’ react to a simple question in such erratic and uncivilised manner. The likes of Fani-Kayode have over the years arrogated to themselves the image of demi-gods that cannot be questioned or subjected to the will of the people. To put it plain, he sees himself as above the ordinary masses. That is why he arrogantly refused to answer the question that bothers on probity, but which if properly answered would enhance his so-called assessment tour of that state.

Nigeria, especially the Yoruba, from which Fani-Kayode hails, has a robust and a very rich culture, where respect and regard for others is in the unwritten rulebook. But this culture has gradually eroded and now being subsumed by a situation where society lionise and romanticise people based on the position they occupy, their wealth – even when the source is questionable. This has become the bane of our culture. In our past, positions are meant to serve the people judiciously and richness comes with sense of humanity, hard work and responsibility and not a clear display of irresponsibility and oppressive tendencies as epitomised by Femi Fani-Kayodes of this world.

It also must be said that the reporter, in the face of the opprobrious arrogance of his subject, did not cover himself in glory. By capitulating to the tyrant’s intimidation, harassment and abuses, he laid to waste the efforts of the fathers of the reputable profession in the glorious days of Nigerian journalist. True, he got nothing in the form of support from his colleagues, who failed woefully to back him.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom Chapter duly rose to the occasion by ordering a boycott of press briefings organised by the former minister. The decision of the national body in swiftly releasing a press statement condemning FFK, as it should be, is also very commendable.

The press must rise to the challenges by cutting to size big-for-nothing personalities who climb its shoulder to achieve their aims and then dump the ladder on them when they think they’ve reached the Olympian height.

• Lanre Atere

Tamworth, United Kingdom.