When he has some special news to pass across, particularly if it is a story idea or breaking news, it is not difficult to know from his voice even on telephone. But he often adds an emphasis by saying, ‘I have something for you’, sometimes wanting you to plead with him to quickly come up with it.
So when early last week, Anayochukwu Agbo, general editor and head of Abuja bureau called Dipo Onabanjo, editorial director starting with the a giggle, Onabanjo knew he had something up his sleeve. He was therefore not surprised when Agbo announced that he and his colleague in Abuja, Tajudeen Suleiman, senior associate editor had got an appointment to speak with Balarabe Musa, the fiery second republic governor of Kaduna state.
Onabanjo quickly made relevant arrangements for the duo to travel to Kaduna. Apart from the fact that Musa’s words carry some weight, because he is one politician who always speaks truth to power, he is one of the few leaders known for his principle and doggedness. That confidence was not misplaced. By the time Agbo called Lagos after the interview, the editorial board was convinced that we have a cover material; thus, the decision to change cover for what we serve you in this edition, Buhari Is Not The Messiah.
Bombshell, you say? Then you have not heard enough. When the TELL team took up the former governor on his assertion that “every Nigerian leader is a thief without exception”, he made no effort to amend his statement. His response came with the usual candour you could get from only a Balarabe Musa. He said, “Even if I’m not a thief, I’m dependent on thieves!”
So if he thinks Buhari is not the messiah to fix Nigeria, why has he given him support all the time the general had been in the race for president? He said it was because the retired general is the ‘least risky’ of the lot. What we serve you is vintage Balarabe Musa, the same man who refused to compromise his stand during the second republic to retain office as governor, and has never been indicted for wrongdoing.
Standing with the interview this week is the editorial, which calls for caution on the way the war on corruption is being prosecuted. The magazine raises fear that culprits may end up evading justice, unless proper investigation is conducted by the relevant agencies. How Not To Kill Corruption is a warning against committing the same errors that make anti-corruption agencies bungle cases of graft against politically exposed persons.
The special report is on the likely gains of the ban on poultry products by the federal government. The story, Boom Time For Poultry Farmers? is written by Rukayat Yisau, reporter.
There are some other stories to collectively give you a pleasurable reading experience.
Do have a blessed week.
Click on www.evendornigeria.com to open an account that enables you to download and read the magazine on your device.
WhatsApp us