Why FFK will still be given maximum audience by journalists

FFK would continue with his tour as a “private citizen”. Don’t be surprised that he would be given maximum audience by journalists. In fact they may welcome him with drums and trumpets at the border of the next State he’s visiting.

I’m not shocking you, because you know this already.

Don’t expect anything different. How do you expect a journalist that has not received salaries for months to be treated or to treat himself? It was reported not long ago that journalists working with Daily Trust are under a 1500 Naira per published story contract. In this economy? So, you want such person to have great self-esteem? Stop na!

This is what we say about the economy. When the economy isn’t good, no profession can be good or treated with respect. Ask lawyers what they are facing at this period and you will have an epistle to write. What about Doctors?

Every professional body must know their role in the Nigeria of today. It is a jungle. It is not where you speak English and “condemn” with long and colourful press statements. The stand of anyone suffering must be with the masses. Seeking individual prosperity can not work.

What is so embarrassing is how these same journalists of most media houses seek every opportunity to lecture you on ethics of journalism when it comes to doing public interest stories and investigations. You will have to beg many times.

A journalist working for one of the biggest news outfit in Nigeria, who was assigned to keep reporting my ordeal with UNILAG Senate has once told me to calm down. He told me he was about starting a programme in UNILAG and they know him already as the reporter working with me. I don’t want to go into details but the ears of the journalist met the rough part of my tongue. Ethics of the profession!

While it is time to attend FFK’s type of Press conference, ethics is sent on a journey of no return.

At the right time, this whole mouthing of “ethics of journalism, balance and objectivity” would be thrown away, and everyone would put on the orange beret.

Na me talk am! “Do you know who I am?”

Adeyeye Olorunfemi