Out of the (in)box
Just last August, this column debuted to loads of fanfare via tweets, Facebook posts, and even fancy newspaper ads. Along with fellow columnists, we were celebrated like rock stars. Fast-forward two months to today, and I must say I’ve gotten the hang of it. But as I rummaged through my inbox and read the emails sent by readers over the first nine installments (yes, nine!), I decided to share some of them with other readers. A warning, though: Some are nice, but others are not-so-nice. Also, it wasn’t easy sifting through and editing some of the messages, and curating the ones you’re about to read below, so I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did. Thanks, and see you again next week with another hot-button topic.
– Abdulkareem
Re: Covid-19 deniers and the rest of us
Your think piece on Covid-19 deniers hit all the right spots for me. But you didn’t hit the biggest Covid-19 denier in the world, President Donald Trump of the United States. Or are you afraid of being denied visa? Just kidding. Like you observed, the trouble with Nigerian ‘Covidiots’ stems from a deep distrust of government, and it will be tough to remedy. Anyways, well done and more grease to your elbows.
– Malami Musa, Samaru, Zaria.
Re: Tears for Katsina are tears for Nigeria
I enjoyed your sly, back-handed bashing of President Buhari over Katsina’s spiraling security woes, even if you say that’s not what it is. But honestly, you should’ve bashed Governor Aminu Masari: After all, he’s the Chief Security Officer of the state. All those photo ops with bandits, and the faux tears did nothing to move me. Elected officials should buckle up and do their jobs abeg!
– Jamil Hassan Faki, Kaduna.
Re: Fast and furious with armed bandits in Kaduna
Your account of a nasty encounter with bandits in Kaduna is indeed an eye-opener. As harrowing as it was, you still went easy on those whose job it is to keep us safe. I just hope you’re playing a long game, unfolding even more damning information via this column as time goes on. But I must thank Allah on your behalf for intervening in what could have been a tragic incident. Thanks for sharing the ordeal, as painful as it is, and may Allah forgive your late father his sins, amen.
– Maryam Musa Lalo, Garki, Abuja.
Re: Social media monsters and their enablers
Your take on Fani-Kayode tickled me so much I almost dropped my iPad while reading it. I’m just glad he’s getting a sort of comeuppance, one he has rightfully deserved for a long time. Also, what you said about enablers of toxic online personalities and the surge of cancel culture is as true as the sky is blue. We really need to add checks and balances to social media, even if the Federal Government’s approach to it is positively draconian. Again, thank you very much.
– Henrietta Bello, Kaduna.
Re: ‘Nigerian physics’ and the mosthated minister
I hated your piece on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, because it’s obvious you have a crush on her. Why else would you make her look like a smart, strong woman of integrity and values? Very few in the current administration’s cabinet are respectable, and she’s not one of them. I don’t think I’ll ever waste my time reading your rubbish column. Goodbye.
– Eugene Chukwukadibia, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Re: Nigerian police: Friends, or fiends?
To answer the question your headline asked, I’d definitely go with ‘fiends’. Why do I say so? Well, for starters, dictionaries describe a fiend as “evil spirit; demon; devil; person who is extremely wicked, especially in being very cruel or brutal”. Now isn’t that the spot-on description of SARS, or whatever they’re calling themselves these days? I do hope the much-needed legislation on that sector will actually help. The problem is, are Nigerians ready for that change?
– Tony Umeh, Abuja.
Re: Nasarawa’s growing ‘Bermuda Triangle’ for uniformed personnel
As a resident of one of Nasarawa’s peaceful areas, I must say I found your article on the growing security threat in the state quite timely. You made all the points needed, with grace, humour and required anger. But believe me when I say as wide as the piece was, it hasn’t even touched an inch of the real situation on the ground. Rural kidnappings, rape, robberies, and more are on the rise. Once-tranquil Nasarawa is now too hot to handle. And I will have to blame politicians. They should look within themselves and ask if they will rule over a crime-ridden society in chaos. God bless.
– Shuaibu S. Shauibu, Lafia.
Re: The internet, Nigerian litfests, and the rest of the world
I’m thrilled at the array of literary festivals available to me online this year due to Covid19 restrictions. Yes, nothing beats human interaction, but I love how the pandemic has forced a kind of democratization of the gatherings all around the world, and now everyone can enjoy a panel discussion, concert, art exhibition and more, at the touch of a button. Yes, data is expensive, but honestly it beats hanging out on Twitter battling trolls and idiots.
– Oghene Franklin, Abuja.