By: Habeeb Olokooba
In
With love in my heart, I dare not defy the law. Whether in gain or loss, let equilibrium be restored. Without prejudice to laid protocols and commanding words being spoken, I am once again out to pen destiny. Indeed, I shaped destiny, but many desire more than just that.
As a seeker of truth and a person of the moment, everyone harbors dreams of being somewhere, a destination I pray to reach someday. The essence of my cherished journalism is not to defame, taint, or cast a stain on people’s names. When the targeted audience struggles to comprehend, I believe an explanation is needed.
“He got paid to defame him,” echoed voices from afar. Can we please discard that notion? I didn’t hail from a wealthy family, yet I assure you I’m industrious enough to afford modest meals. What would be my gain in defaming my own kinsmen? I’ve never done so, and I won’t.
In my perspective, criticism is inherent in politics, and my intention was merely to provide standard journalist-to-politician critiques, having done the same to an outsider without issue. I believe criticism strengthens politicians; my goal is not to undermine dreams but to engage in a normal discourse.
Setting aside the above, the article isn’t defamatory. Loyalty is valued where I’m from, and questioning it is seen as betrayal. Why harm when you rise? My actions aren’t driven by personal grudges, despite public perception. The spirited opposition to my article is part of the discourse—we all express our views. No judgment on my part; I expect the same.
I only know that journalism extends beyond Public Relations. But the world said it should always be about Public Relations whether against outsiders or kinsmen. Now I know, and I recognize the diversity of opinions on the matter.
In conclusion, I wasn’t influenced by anyone and won’t be. My intent was to express my observations without personal or political animosity, especially considering I’m not a political enthusiast.