Like Fayose, like Danjuma, et al

Today, I have devoted the whole space here to the readers, especially those who found time to interact with me on last week’s column.

I did not know it will generate so much interests because since the newspaper hit the streets on Sunday morning, my phone had kept ringing, even till now that this one is going to press. I received more calls than text messages. By and large, I thank all, particularly those who were ceaseless in their prayers.

I also thank ex-governor Ayo Fayose who sent me an SMS to explain himself. He was mature.

So readers, these are your views:

I read with delight an article on the above caption which now attracts my comments. I don’t know we still have some journalists in this country who can be so objective, fearless, transparent and hold tenaciously to the ethics of the pen profession without contradiction like you.

Nigerians are always in the habit of praising incumbents whether in politics, traditional offices, religious offices or high ranking public offices when they are serving in order to curry for favour and get juicy positions, influences, butter and bread. I am not writing to defend General Obasanjo, but to remind Nigerians as to how to condemn or commend where necessary, our leaders in politics, religion or traditional offices, as objectivity will always breed creativity, which is an ingredient to move a society forward.

How can we condemn a man who ruled a country for eight years without saying one good thing about him? We should allow the present set of leaders to have confidence in those they are leading for posterity.

Nigeria is a country of sycophants, who usually play to the gallery when a leader is still in control for the purpose of what they can get.

President Musa Yar’Adua is being praised presently for the rule of law and other attributes. They will still turn round to blame him for some of his shortcomings, forgetting that all these leaders are human beings like us and are liable to one mistake or the other.

Until Nigerians play politics without bitterness, sentiments, acrimony and hatred, democracy may not develop. OBJ and others are in the fore front in defense of democracy today in Nigeria and the worst civilian govt. is better than the best military regime that has no representation from the ward level to the apex body of political strata in the country.

Once again, I commend you for emulating the likes of Tola Adeniyi, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Segun Osoba, Lateef Jakande and Tunji Oseni, who usually bared their minds on national issues, not minding whose ox was gored. I want you to continue being transparent, honest, objective and be more hard working in your chosen career.
Ibrahim Kilani, Ikare - Akoko, Ondo State

Your article was an interesting and educative piece to read.I want you to bear one thing in mind and that is the fact that individuals are quite different from one an other.You are who you are, while others are who they are. I believe people can never mistake you for Ayo Fayose and the rest that seem to find fault in other people's action and inaction.You can imagine that when these people have bad dreams, they will attribute them to the handiwork of others. Leadership traits and qualities are innate and cannot be manufactured.Can’t you see those who claim to have the attributes of LATE CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO falling like a pack of cards?I am not surprised at whatever foul and bad languages that came from Ayo Fayose, Lam Adesina, among others.They are all failures.We are awaiting further development and others are watching too.
Pastor Adeniyi Adeleke, Social Secretary,
O. P. U, U.K

I just read your article of last Sunday, it is good. God bless.
Joe Ogunsemi, Ekiti

It is a crying shame that Rep. members from Edo, Delta and Eastern states cannot legislate on the Benin-Ore road a year after they assumed office. They are busy crucifying OBJ and enriching themselves. Rainy season is already here. They are no reps. 08056441381

Debo, I agree totally with you. These calibre of politicians are men of little minds. Your article was quite objective. Keep it up.
Sam, Festac

I read through your column every Sunday and you strike me as a honest journalist who is fair to all concerned. Your writeup is alwsys very balanced and today’s own was superb. I wish all journalists can balance their writeups this way. More grease to your elbow
08056059320

You are wrong to say that Tinubu was consistent in his anti Obasanjo style. Have you forgotten what he said to Nzeribe when he called for Obasanjo’s impeachment?
08079698632

Debo, your objectivity always make your weekend column a delight. I hope others will learn from you.
Wale Olawale, 08034011677

Debo, God bless you and your family on your today’s article: Like Fayose like Danjuma, you won my heart more ink to your pen, Olorun a tubo fun e se.
Wole, 08035668989

I find your piece today a good read. .
08023071106