The allegation of rape by a celebrity photographer and wife of a popular gospel singer, Busayo Dakolo against stylish Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA church provided most Nigerians the much-needed shift of attention from the dreary government/political discourse. And did they feast on it? What with the salacious sexual details? Every other topic of discussion took the back burner. Many condemned the act and called for the head of the pastor, while others rose in his defense. And before you could say Jack Robinson, floodgate of other allegations of rape had opened against the same pastor and others. Stella Damasus, a popular actress tweeted that same pastor did same to her friend. Chika Unigwe, a respected author came out with her own rape story. Unidentified lady came out in video which went viral to accuse pastor TB Joshua of sexually abusing her. There were many others. This certainly wasn’t the best of time for the men of the pulpit. However, from Adamawa God sent a kind of reprieve from public prosecution through senator Elisha Abbo. The man who emerged Nigeria’s youngest member of the National Assembly upper chamber allegedly assaulted a nursing mother at a sex toy shop in Abuja. Attentions swiftly shifted from pastors and their raping curse to the beast of a senator. The exposed pastors and the yet-to-be exposed ones will be wringing their hands in gratitude to God for providing the much-needed diversion. Nigerians, after all, have short attention span. Pastor Fatoyinbo’s rape saga now seems to belong to yesterday. The one everyone wants to devour now is Sen. Abbo. This one too is just for a little while.
Thumbs down for Buhari in Miami
It was Friday last week. I had gone for the Juma’at prayer at the Islamic centre in Miami Gardens. As usual the mosque was packed. After the prayers, I moved around to exchange greetings, especially with familiar Nigerians. I saw this man whose dressing clearly showed that he is not only a Nigerian, but of Arewa stock. I greeted him warmly and introduced myself. He responded in same manner adding that he’s from Kastina. “Sai Baba”, I hailed and we both burst out laughing. Presently his expression changed and he said in a disapproving voice “But Baba has not really lived up to expectation. He has messed up. With all the news coming out of Nigeria, Buhari has not performed well, especially in the area of security. Even Katsina, his own state is a big security risk. It is one of states America has warned her citizens not to visit. Baba is a disappointment really.” I could only nod my agreement.
Missing home, missing Ilorin
This is the longest I have stayed out of the country since my working life. This is the longest I have stayed away from my immediate family and the longest I have stayed away from the beautiful town and people of Ilorin. And did I miss all these. I’m counting days. I can’t wait to breathe the air of Ilorin, can’t wait to be with my family and can’t wait to be with my wonderful colleagues in office. In Shaa Allah I will soon be back.
