The article BENUE SSG: BRAWL, BRAIN AND TEARS, published by Ibechi.com has generated reactions from different strata of Igede society, both the political and non–political adherents. Are we sure Ibechi is wrong in his tone and pattern of presentation? Considering the points he advanced to justify his assertions, are there contemptible and unethical? Does he deserve to be insulted? Among the people criticizing/insulting, can we point to any superior arguments that counter the reasons he advanced? Can we say the critics are beclouded with sentiment and impulsive political allegiance? By the statement, does he mean malicious comparison or just a harmless reality worth considering as we project our candidates? Those insulting and profiling him as an unethical journalist that has crossed the red line– can we have the criteria you used for determination?
Journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion and delivering fearless and truthful news for the benefit of the people. They hold the powerful accountable and help citizens make informed decisions. James Ibechi has been at the forefront of projecting information about Igede nation for years and deserves our respect and thanks even when we feel otherwise. In a sane environment, people project intellectual reasons to prove why the other person is wrong and not by baseless labelling. Any society that tends to devour its selfless heroes and heroines at the slightest provocation is sitting on a time bomb that will shatter the base of the overall development.
Journalists often face insults, threats, and attacks when challenging a particular viewpoint. Insulting and casting aspersions on a journalist instead of constructive criticism and objective engagement is a dangerous trend that can have severe consequences on society, especially a minority tribe with few news platforms and struggling to place our local news on the global platform. Do we allow our eggheads to be dragged into the mud for no reason and then let people with no news platform have a field day? Reporting James Ibechi did more harm than good to Igede nation and our relevance in the social media space. When journalists face insults and attacks for doing their job, it sends a message that their work is not valued. Journalism is essential for a healthy democracy and must be protected and encouraged. Instead of attacking journalists, we should engage with them constructively and critically to help them deliver the most accurate and unbiased news to the public.
Away from that and back to the controversial article. James wrote, and I quote–“If Akume failed with the now deceased Ogiri Ajene he looks set to remedy his failure with the appointment of the deceased’s younger brother, Jacob as SSG, at least to pacify his soul in the grave. Going for Jacob Ajene is also his proven competence for the office. He is a trained lawyer and there is no doubt about his ability to deliver.
Dr. Isaac Egboja would have ranked high on the list but his defection from APC into Labour Party in 2022 is not in his favour while Professor John Enyi and Engr. Morgan Okwoche, appear above the rank by virtue of age, rating or social status.
Analysts believe that former legislator, Nick Eworo commands respect as much as Edo Egboja but their combined forces cannot withstand the Tsunami from Jacob Ajene.”
Let me now go to the main meat of my epistle today. Ladies and Gentlemen, we should endeavour to maintain our sanity and modesty and wear the lens of objectivity regardless of our personal interests and political leaning. We should be able to tell ourselves the truth, including those in power.
James Ibechi gave reasons for every assertion. Are you saying the reasons are not tenable? If you feel he is wrong, you should be able to tell us why you are right. If James Ibechi gave reasons why Mr A is better and may be preferred, and you get angry because you feel Mr B is better–what makes you unique and gave you the right to be angry–maybe, just maybe, you think Mr A is inferior, and James should understand and place your favourite Mr B ahead. James’ writing only pointed out the political influence and possible considerations to come into play as we jostle for the coveted Secretary to the State Government (SSG) position. Still, the reality is that when the actual table is set at the State level, the capacity/related experience of the candidates will not be waved aside.
Even among the eleven players in PSG, there is MESSI and NEYMAR; the two are good for specific tasks and accomplishments– MESSI ranked higher in titles and trophies, and that does not in any way undermine or constitute an insult to NEYMAR. SSG’s role is to interpret all government policies and programmes and coordinates the activities of all ministries, departments and agencies in line with the aspiration and policies of the government in power. SSG post is vital, and many considerations will be taken concerning the appointment. Let us not allow sentiment to clog our judgement. Like in soccer, a good defender may not be a good attacker in all situations. For that sensitive post, I think the party will be looking for a technocrat with requisite qualifications, which will be our focus for now. Let us also know that the TIV and IDOMA may not release it on a platter, and so we should be critical too and present only one candidate. Decisions at the level of party caucus may not be a straight line graph that will agree with our local interest and perception.
Let me shock you with an appalling narration about the SSG article. www.ibechi.com, James’ mother’s news website, was hacked, and his FaceBook professional timeline was restricted for some time–all in the wake of the reactions to the analysis of the SSG position. Those who believe in coincidence will need a lot of energy to convince some of us that the hacking/restriction is unconnected with the article. As a matter of fact, there were no two articles in circulation from James that period–sooo!!!. There is no proof that the people mentioned in the article may be the brain behind the hacking or any leading to them, but it will be fine if the person responsibly owns up and take responsibility for the act. I know James Ibechi is a refined Christian and gentleman and will forgive.
But joke apart, this is desperation and egocentrism on the prowl, a brewing rarity in our society where leaders of all hues and colourations are treated as demigods and should not be observed or talked to. Or are we heading to a reign of silence and too-big-to-be-accountable?
I think we owe James Ibechi a public apology unless someone can bring superior reasons why he is wrong and unprofessional. Personality attacks and social media bullying will not do us any good as a people. James Ibechi is a leading online news personality that is unrivalled, eminent and beyond comparison as far as Igede nation is concerned and deserves our respect. If we don’t understand his writing style, we should ask instead of branding and attack on his personality.
I am still waiting for someone to prove that the article is unwholesome.
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