In hushed tones and silent whispers to high pitched decibels, information filtering in from every angle surmises the concluding stages of the appointment of the erstwhile columnist and chairman of the editorial board of the Guardian newspaper Mr Reuben Abati. Reliable sources indicate that the former columnist is gearing up to assume his new position as the mouthpiece of Mr Jonathan's new administration. I am however at a loss whether to wish Abati well or to use this piece as a subtle warning to him for choosing to pitch his political tent with this administration.

Reuben for many years had stayed the course as a prolific and dexterous writer, highlighting the ills of society caused by successive governments and oftentimes appearing to take sides with the proletariats and the forgotten segment of society. He no doubt mesmerised us with his weekly columns on Fridays and Sundays; a space he so judiciously utilised to bring the attention of the nation to pivotal issues. His captivating and often well researched articles made reading his pieces a delight. He made the pen mightier than the sword and brought enlightenment into our homes. Abati in his own way fought successive governments not by political protests or strikes neither by instigating violence nor through arm struggle. He fought with his words, his analysis and his convictions. Abati brought realism through his thoughts that are meticulously laid out paragraph by paragraph. He awakened our consciousness to the splurge and extravagance of high office holders. Through his pen he highlighted the plights of ordinary Nigerians and the anomaly called Nigeria. Reuben indeed brought some sort of panache to Nigerian journalism.

Reuben could not be more critical than during the emperor's reign Mr Obasanjo, he lambasted and chided the Obasanjo administration at every opportunity. He wrote metaphorically, paradoxically and satirically throughout the long reign of the emperor. Abati through his columns represented an idealism that had died out or dying out in Nigeria; the idealism of enthroning dignity and honour above gain and aggrandisement. His critical evaluation of issues militating against the progress of a people that have been deprived and robbed by their own leaders; was a breath of fresh air to the many millions of Nigerians hoping someday for a permanent end to the gnawing poverty and utmost deprivation inflicted by a fragment of society occupying the upper echelons of power. Abati opposed through his articles corrupt officials and bad leadership models. He accentuated his belief in quality and participatory democracy. He campaigned for an egalitarian society that every Nigerian could and should be proud of. Abati endeared many readers to the Guardian newspaper because of his no- holds- barred comments and fearless analysis of nagging issues. His vituperation and opprobrium on leadership profligacy and ostentation elevated his status among the suffering masses strewn across the length and breadth of Nigeria as a crusader and upholder of justice and equity.

Abati's new position however portends grave concern for many observers that have followed him through his writings and columns over the years. I thought this man upheld certain philosophies in life that made him different from the regular Joe seeking to eke-out a living. Through his analyses these many years I thought he was a different breed with verve and vim for rationality and ethicality. Abati has closed ranks with the very people he criticised. He is now a political player in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. He is become a mouth piece to excuse inanity and perfunctory styles and systems of governance. Reuben no longer will seek the interest of the downtrodden and the oppressed of society. Abati's decision to be the mouthpiece for Jonathan's administration in my opinion is belittling and uncomplimentary to his past performances as an ace writer and intelligent columnist. Abati's new position I believe, will render him a pariah at the expiration of four years. His career as a journalist after this administration will never command the kind of followership and adoration he presently enjoys. Abati has chosen the wrong crowd to mingle with. He has chosen to swim in a politically shark infested waters; one only hopes he does not get badly bitten.

Perhaps Reuben needs be reminded of some of his predecessors that have made the same leap as he is determined to make. Each of those government mouthpieces always leave with their image either in tatters or just hanging by the teeth of their skin. Segun Adeniyi's experience in the just concluded administration will be a perfect apposite for Reuben's new penchant. Segun was caught in a moral dilemma when high level perfidy, intrigue and treachery began to play out at the height of Yar'A dua's government. Segun became a stooge for government; he had to save face by leaving the country for further studies. Segun's high sounding moral after his stint with the last government is simply medicine after death.

Perhaps Mr Reuben's inclusion in this administration could signal a new dawn for this political dispensation. Abati's perspicuity and erudition as a political commentator could come to the fore in engineering this administration towards creating political and social Eldorado for the countless Nigerians living in absolute abjection and petrifying squalor. One is also not ignorant of the fact that political commentaries are not tantamount to political achievements. Will Reuben create the needed rapprochement between the people and the state? Will he explain away frivolities and incompetence? Only time will tell.

Every man's price is simply determined by what is at stake I suppose for Reuben it is becoming a mouthpiece for the Jonathan administration. I cannot wait to see Ruben's justification and explanation of government failures and philistinism when it starts to play out. As it is often said "He who pays the piper must determine the tune".

I realise that every single individual in life desires to make progress and leave their mark in the annals of history but also important is how we choose to meet that end. How Reuben chooses to make progress and put himself in the chronicling of history is entirely Reuben's choice. One thing is certain, a large segment of society will miss his columns that he had for many years captivated us with. With Reuben moving on with his new assignment one can only hope that at the end of four years our man would have so changed this administration that he himself will not become the victim of his own vituperations and captiousness. Praemonitus Praemunitus: forewarned is forearmed.

Shalom

My dear, you still live in the past.
A new dawn beckons. GEJ is determined
to transform the country and needs good people
like Okonjo Iweala, Bath Nnaji, Reuben Abati etc to work with him.

Let that young man be.

@OP where you dey since? presidency has already refuted the claims

Suya man,
You can see how insincere a government can be. They are bunch of cro.oks,

SR was right then!!! God bless SR!