Sunday, August 26, 2012

Reuben Abati - The Jonathan they don't know (A Critique)


Responding to Mr. Abati's article The Jonathan they don't know

Mr. Abati:
''When he spoke about not wearing shoes as a child, he meant that as a metaphor for the disparities in the Nigerian system, and the urgent need to address inequalities.''


The Humbled Nigerian:

When Jonathan spoke about not wearing shoes as a kid, he wasn't being literary about it. He meant it literally. It is however very possible that he used that as a metaphor to represent disparity in the society as Mr. Abati pointed out. Accordingly, I must say that there's absolutely nothing wrong with a President who has a history of shoelessness. Jonathan however has refuted this belief from the performance of his administration so far. Based on this, I still believe that if you cannot buy shoes or borrow one from a friend, DO NOT CONTEST FOR ANY ELECTION!


Mr. Abati:
''We are not allowed to touch alcohol. Alcohol is not served during official duties. Yes, when there is an international function, wine is served, but nobody gets drunk around here. That will amount to an act of indiscipline. The President himself does not allow alcohol to be served at his table.''


The Humbled Nigerian:

Nigerians do not know for sure (just because Mr Abati said) if Jonathan drinks alcohol or not. Peronally I strongly feel he doesn't(My patriotism must not go unnoticed).
What difference does it make? The fact that he drinks or not has not and will not affect anything in any way. Really Nigerians would prefer a drunken leader who delivers to one who doesn't. How will a leader deliver? That is very far from our concerns. He should just get the job done! We voted for him. He had the people's mandate for crying out
loud


Mr. Abati
''I have enjoyed the privilege of eating at the President's table. What does he eat? Fish pepper soup. Cassava Bread. Slices of yam. Rice. Boiled plantain. Fruits and vegetables. He fasts when he chooses, and fasts all month during Ramadan and Lent. And because he takes his exercises and keep fit regime seriously, he eats very little. Okay, he drinks coffee... This President is not a glutton.''

The Humbled Nigerian:

The president is not a glutton. Alright Nigerians believe. Is the Presidency happy now? The list of the president's meal is very mouth watering. ''Fish pepper soup. Cassava Bread. Slices of yam. Rice. Boiled plantain. Fruits and vegetables.''

A single meal? I just checked for the definition of ''glutton'' and guess what? Somebody in Asorock fits the description my dictionary gave me.

Mr. Abati goes on explain ''He fasts when he chooses, and fasts all month during Ramadan and Lent.''

So? Well it is essential to state at this point that a lot of Nigerians fast too. The difference however is that they do not fast when they choose. They have no choice. Children in the boondocks die everyday from starvation. If they had half of what Jonathan takes at a single meal in a one day, it's gonna be a big relief to their families.

Government should be working not writing stories like this. We know you are a jounalist at heart and we respect your love for writing. But we do not need this at this time.

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