The gleaner-glimpser-glitterer continues his unique conversation with a fervent reader, who is also a uniquely critical judge of this column. The reader, a former journalist turned academic, had initially wished to remain anonymous but later agreed to disclose his identity. The gleaner presses him to share his experiences in journalism and academia, including his relationship with former military president Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
The Reader's Response
The reader explains that as a reporter in 1988, he was assigned to cover IBB's visit to Benue State. This was his closest media interaction with IBB. He notes that IBB, as a military president, specialized in military psychology, studying the minds of Nigerians. Drawing from Chinua Achebe's Anthills of the Savannah, the reader argues that Nigeria's problem has always been leadership, not the type of government. IBB's Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) exemplified this focus.
The reader, whose primary discipline is literature with a special interest in psychology, researches madness, emotion, memory, and attention in literature, as well as literature and medicine, and literature and law. He shares cognitive abilities with IBB, who was nicknamed "Maradona" for his ability to discern individual minds. The reader suggests that his escape from traps in journalism and academia mirrors IBB's attributes.
The Gleaner's Interjection
The gleaner remarks that the reader seems to portray himself as having a deceptive personality similar to IBB, a master manipulator. He asks if the conversation reveals the reader as such in both journalism and academia.
The reader vehemently denies this, asserting that his frankness and candor are qualities that vicious characters in life and fiction never tolerate. He states that truth-tellers are always treated viciously. He claims he was thrown out of journalism—or rather, jumped out—because of his truthfulness, and in academia, he has refused to be a prey to fortune-hunters.
Full Disclosure
The gleaner demands full disclosure. The reader promises to explain why he left journalism for academia, where his mettle has stood him in good stead despite the gross viciousness in academia. He identifies himself as Professor Owojecho Omoha, speaking for the audience. The conversation concludes with a promise to continue next week.
