The Nigerian Press cannot be the friends of Nigerian Politicians. Never...if the political class does not mend its ways!
It is therefore only in the constitution that the press can find and anchor its security, its sanity, its sustenance and ...its salvation. Not with the politician!
I have more robust and ambitious, if provocative, propositions for the future of this Fourth Estate of the Realm. It's for another day...soon. Right now, there is a short agenda the media must pursue - in all our interest, and in the light of the goings-on in the land.
If I were the Nigerian Press, the fearless Nigerian Media, I will send a high-level, high-powered, delegation to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, The Senate & House Leaderships, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (as the Three Arms of Government) on the under-listed urgent matters:
a) The immediate passing of the Freedom of Information Bill into law
b) The immediate removal of ALL impediments to ICT propagation, Book Development and Printing/Publishing Sector survival, and transportation infrastructure - through fiscal and legislative interventions (starting with zero-taxation)
c) Immediate establishment of a first class "Cluster-Matrix National Library and Archives"
d) Establishment of National Ombudsman Service with States' Counterparts negotiated
These are concise self-evident lapses that need to be redressed/addressed asap.
As a servant-leader, I can see every reason why the president will join forces with the media to actualise this urgent agenda without any qualms or misgiving. With the judiciary, no problem. It is of the legislature that we must be wary and wily! Why? C'mon, I shall not be tempted!
So, if I were the Nigerian Media, I will drop darkly hints - sweet but unnerving - with all the humility in da world, as our delegation departs them legislative chambers!
Since we may not, do not, cannot, and must not trade our integrity, a word shall be enough for the wise. And, pray silence, aren't they WISE in them places!!!
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