The Guardian
By AbduRafiu
It sometimes occurs to me that for politicians there are no qualms in turning every avenue, every event and every little space and opportunity into politics. When they are in their mood, nothing can be said to be hallowed neither in their reckoning nor in their sight. Sensibilities can be assailed even where in place of hurt, compassion, caring, loving and prayerful thoughts are called for.
For us journalists, we know that publication of certain materials could be in bad taste which is why there is what editors call copy tasting and editorial judgment. Sharing certain ethos with the Rotarians, editors ask if a matter is the truth, and is it fair to all concerned? The copy-editor must worry about the fairness of a report so he ensures it is balanced. There is room for humour; there is room to poke fun. The editor is, however, expected to consider what price lies hidden that society may pay for in an ill-thought fun. The matter I am coming to present is not even funny, but what could drive a wedge between two political giants who are not rivals but friends, one adviser to the other. If they are friends, as Rotarians are wont to say, the fourth part of The Four-Way Test applies: “Will it build goodwill and better friendship?” Both Tinubu and Osoba have followers, some in the public glare, some covert, genuine or opportunistic.
Last week, my attention was drawn to an online publication captioned: “Unlike Tinubu, politicians abandon Osoba in London after knee surgery.”
The report says Nigerian politicians would appear unconcerned about the health of Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State who is in the United Kingdom for surgery in the knee whereas when Bola Tinubu had a similar health challenge, Nigerian politicians flew down in droves, turning his home into a Mecca of sorts. The report wonders why senior government functionaries and legislators in Ogun State have not flown down on a get-well visit to Osoba. “However, findings by our correspondent revealed that one month after Governor Abiodun announced Chief Osoba’s knee replacement surgery, no politician in Ogun State has deemed it necessary to visit the former governor. Either from Ogun State or other parts of the country, the octogenarian has not been visited, in their usual style, by politicians, especially his beneficiaries from the state.
“Though Abiodun said he had visited Osoba on September 30 after the surgery, our correspondent gathered that no new effort has since been made, either by Abiodun or the state government to pay solidarity visits to the elder statesman.”
The report, quoting a loyalist of Osoba in Abeokuta, goes on to add that former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun visited Tinubu in London. Why has he not done the same for Osoba? “If he could put aside his differences…
