Sworn irritants to the government of Anambra state are here again. Bound by the common desire to cause the Willie Obiano government image problem they allege anything under the sun to achieve this purpose.
Taking advantage of the unfettered information dissemination on the internet, where they write, edit and publish – bearing no responsibility for libel – they defame at will. They delude themselves with the notion of being critics even if they have little or no idea of the subject of discourse.
They push many buttons at a time in hope to trigger reactions that will impugn the fidelity of the government.
If the Obiano government has not abdicated its responsibility to the people, it is planning to relinquish power to an unpopular candidate. If the administration is unruffled by these infantile effusions, the wife of the governor must be brought into the fray to drive home the message.
If she is not accused of being overbearing, she stands indicted in a feud between officials of the government she is officially uninvolved.
Allegation of meddlesomeness in the conduct of government against the wives of governors and presidents did not start with Obiano’s government, especially if such couple enjoys reasonable bliss before office.
Eleanor Roosevelt was accused of overbearing attitude during the presidency of her husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eva Peron was not spared scathing criticisms while Don Juan Peron held court in Argentina.
Closer home, Maryam Babangida suffered no less in the hands of those who swore that she, rather than Babangida and Armed Forces Ruling Council, led Nigeria.
However, if the wife becomes too self effacing, doing nothing and saying nothing, it triggers unwholesome speculation.
The recent accusation of the wife of the governor of Anambra state over an issue her status as an unofficial of the government denies her involvement is at once risible and provocative.
Does Osodieme need to descend to the level of a revenue collector before she could make money if she were decided? What has she not been accused of? From appointing every Ogbunike person into government to sleeping on a golden bed. The golden bed accuser made the mistake of defaming the first family in print and had to recant with apology when he was called to account.
It may be difficult to exact justice on the false accusers of today because the privacy of the internet obviates every danger of libel.
However, it will be a waste of time to accord the rumour making round the uncensored media channels any attention for the simple reason that it is not just unfounded, but it is also the handiwork of malcontents.
It is not likely to get better in the days ahead as the race to Agu Awka intensifies. And it must be known – touts do not take prisoners and they don’t seem to want to change now.
For our peace – they are better ignored.
Ejike AnyadubaAbatete
