For former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the number ‘three’ has a special meaning.
Three times he escaped death when attempts were made on his life. Three times he was sacked as head of a government-owned newspaper and three times he was recalled to the post. It all happened during his sojourn in the world of journalism.
Osoba, a former Editor and Managing Director of Daily Times Nigeria Ltd during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babagida, has a lot to be grateful for.
He said: “I will call him by his name. Three times Babangida sacked me. Three times he re-instated me. At last, he converted my sack to resignation.”
Osoba said another Head-of-State, Gen. Sani Abacha, tried to kill him as a result of his connections with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). “Three times Abacha wanted to kill me. I was in hiding for one year,” he said.
The former governor, exceptional reporter and frontline newspaper manager spoke in Lagos at the launch of the book: Osoba: The Newspaper Years. It was co-authored by Mr Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe, former Editor-in-Chief and former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspaper.
Osoba disclosed that Abacha also tried to get former Head-of-State General Abdulsalami Abubakar removed from the Army for holding a meeting with NADECO members.
Osoba led some NADECO members to meet with Gen. Abubakar, then a senior military officer, following a crackdown on members of the group by government agents. Abacha was angry.
According to him, contrary to claims by some to be heroes of democracy, the likes of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who dared the military, are the heroes.
He recalled that Tinubu, elected a senator, attempted to convene the Senate under a military regime. “Tinubu was one of those who refused to sign away a ‘resolution’ for NADECO members to be freed.”
In an emotional voice, Osoba recalled how General Emmanuel Abisoye gave him a scoop following the coup that brought the late Murtala Muhammed to power.
“I asked him, ‘How much of this information can I use?’ He said he would stand by me whatever happens. That singular action contributed to what I am today,” he said.
There was a slight drama when Osoba referred to Gen. Abisoye as a colonel. The general, who Osoba invited to the podium, said: “I didn’t realise you are still as daft as you used to be. I was a General at the time, not a Colonel.” The audience burst into laughter.
Osoba said he would reveal more in his personal memoir, including his role in Babangida’s ‘kitchen cabinet’, his experiences as a NADECO member and his journalism odyssey.
President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Senator Ben Obi, described Osoba as a symbol of excellence and “a star reporter” who became “a star administrator” and “a star politician”.
He said the former governor is “an elder brother” to him, adding that he is also “a friendly member of the opposition camp.”
The President said his administration would continue to “recognise distinguished Nigerians who are accomplished in their various fields of endeavour”.
Gen. Babangida described Osoba as a wonderful patriot who would always attempt to break new grounds, and who deliberately goes for scoops “as a scoopist and not coupist”.
Osoba, he added, enjoyed the confidence of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, adding: “He also enjoys the confidence of my boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and, of course, Babangida,” the former military president said, wondering how Osoba was able to balance his work as a journalist with such trust.
Babangida praised Osoba’s wife, Derin for being able to tolerate her husband, who he called “a lady’s man.”
“He was to able define governance as a platform for service delivery. His sense of patriotism is uncommon. He achieved excellence in public service. He is a lesson for the next generation.
“If you want to be a good journalist, study Osoba. If you want to be a lady’s man, study Osoba,” Babangida said, eliciting general laughter.
“Our administration remains grateful to him for his insights and contributions. He is one of the most remarkable Nigerians of his generation,” the ex-General added.
Information Minister Labaran Maku said the fact that such eminent personalities turned out to honour Osoba indicates that one needs not be a President to achieve recognition.
“Do the little you can do and the society will recognise you,” Maku said.
Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan called Osoba his mentor, saying his administration would try to restore the concept in schools in the state. “Wherever we find ourselves, we must mentor those below us,” he said.
At the event were: General Abubakar; former Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan and Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).
Also present were: former Lagos State Governors Lateef Jakande and Asiwaju Tinubu; former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo; National Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, and former Defence Minister Demola Seriki.
Edo State Commissioner for Information Louis Odion represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Lagos Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello stood in for Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Anambra, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara and Ondo governors sent representatives.
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court George Oguntade; former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Senators Oluremi Tinubu, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Ganiyu Solomon, and former Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa were there.
Also on the roll call were: General Aliyu Gusau; businessmen Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chief Fola Adeola and eminent industrialist Oba Otudeko; Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, former Punch chairman Ajibola Ogunshola and Vanguard publisher Chief Sam Amuka Pemu.
Others are ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena, Alhaji Ismaila Isa, who chaired the event and Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV Tony Momoh, who reviewed the book.
“The book is a classic by all standards. It is excellent, the best work ever published on Osoba yet. You will not find a compilation like this anywhere else, at least not yet,” Momoh said.
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Useless recycled pieces of shi*
ReplyDeleteThat all robbed Nigeria and it's populace dry
May you all receive a bountiful of all the evil you turned this country to
Amen
We have heard u. Jack Bauer.
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