By Barr (Dr.) UGOJI NWABUEZE; ODENIGBO. FORMER SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON NON INDIGENE AFFAIRS.
THE LINGERING MEDIA WAR IN CROSS RIVER STATE: APPEAL TO SAVE THE STATE FROM POLITICAL INSTABILITY.
In 2023 the struggle for the soul of the state shifted to the Central District of the state because peace and law abiding citizens believed that for the purpose of justice , equity and fairness the south should produce the Governor based on the existing equitable, socially just and politically acceptable zoning system .
So every effort and energy was geared towards its achievement. That was a purposeful venture for the goodness of the State that produced His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr. and the rest in 2023.
In 2025, too early in the year and far away from 2027 another media war started in the southern Senatorial District . Sadly and unfortunately, facts gathered from the social media platforms of merchants of discord and disunity, sycophants , praise and chorus singers, hallelujah boys and girls have it that the media war emanated from unfavourable sharing of offices to individuals.
The zoning threw up unfavourable reactions and support from both foot soldiers who currently are on the jugulars of each other .True, where there is true love and tolerance, issues like these can be amicably resolved with the interest and survival of the state at heart.
As this melodrama unfolds, with its seeming catastrophic tragedies hired fans and foot soldiers are intensifying efforts buying up social media, taking up available space, with damaging articles and mind blowing allegations on opponents. It’s a real war.
This certainly is sad and condemnable. All such wars on our eminent sons in the past by the vengeful Governors came in the second term when they had little or nothing to lose. But that we keep remembering the events showed that it belongs to our dark side of history.
What bothers all reasonable members of the state in this war is the timing which is absolutely ungodly, too early and destructive.
The dramatis personas are absolutely 5 star Generals in discharge and performances of their respective duties. They are brothers, junior and senior. Both understand the implications of this media war. Both are distinguished and emerging pillars of democracy in Nigeria and sub Saharan region. They should be called into the inner room and admonished or chastised by our elders. The apparent lack of unity and cohesiveness by the brothers can have far reaching effects on the State and its democratic structures and developments.
In doing so, the elders should not throw the baby away with the barth. Elders should call all those currently choking the burning fire to order.
The elders should ask all the gladiators with their battalions to sheathe their swords, cause all to stop all senseless media wars, name callings and vexatious accusations.