Holding guest accountable
Enakimio
Some of us grossly underestimate the IQ of the average Nigerian. We seem to think that, because we have a chain of degrees (some dubiously acquired), it makes us more discerning that other Nigerians. Laughter, Pain, Sadness, Smell, Taste, Deceit, Honesty… are not perceivable only by the educated. Even the seller of Agoin beans can tell them apart!
A GUEST has a right not to answer a journalist’s (tough) questions. He could simply say: No Comment. Or: I shall not answer that.
What can the journalist do? Tie the guest to a chair and shoot the guest? Waterboard the guest? What???
True, there is no art to tell the mind’s construction in the face but the audience may discern who is hedging, dodging, or lying…!
The tactful journalist can also device prompts to help them along in that understanding by presenting known fact.
But not through assaulting or merely seeking to disgrace the guest with unrelated issues – like, “last night you were seen in the red light district. Does you wife know you meet ashewo?”! That belittles the journalist himself!
Travelogue: LAGOS to Yenogoa by road
The truth may also be confirmed from other sources! Several years ago, CNN made a call through to (I think) a Nigerian minister – in Nigeria. Apparently, Professor Soyinka was live in the studio with the reporter. He was revealed (on camera) only after the official had spewed all his lies which were promptly refuted by WS who referred to the ifficial’s testimony as being “duplicitous”.
TACT! The interviewer had no need to resort to insults!
A journalist will encounter all breeds of animals in the line of duty but he must stand above the fray or fall into disrepute.
Truth is, many Nigerian journalists have accepted the licentiousness of many of the power elite for so long that it has becomes difficult to regain territory. Yet, territory will not be regain by brute force or terrorism. Journalists sat tight and watched Femi Fani-kayode assault, humiliate, verbally brutalized their colleague and did nothing. They sat there meekly and did not walk out on him.
Tell me, if anyone who witness the sorry scene insinuated that their servitude was in expectation of brown envelopes – in a ‘profession’ in which it is rumored that employers often expect their reporters to live off their I.D. cards – how can they refute it?
Ihria ‘Ehi Enakimio
