To say the least, I was very shocked today, when I came online to see the ballistic rejoinder my MP in the Nigeria House of Representatives, Barrister Legor Idagbo aimed at Agba Jalingo and myself. Speaking for me, my shock stemmed from the fact that in the last couple of years, I’ve had a cordial relationship with MP Legor.
In his response, he did his very best to gaslight me in front of the Northern Cross River crowd when he proclaimed me as an enemy and hater of Gov. Ayade. Since the Cross River National Assembly members split themselves into two camps about 18 months ago, I’ve been very deliberate in not outrightly supporting either of the factions.
Recently, I became irritated when I saw the media campaign launched by the other camp targeting Rep Legor. I felt it was bullying as he had the inalienable right to associate with any camp that he chose to roll with. I took it upon myself to stand in the way of such attacks. I used the little goodwill I command in the Cross River media space, to launder his image.
It was never at his instance – it was strictly because I felt he was entitled to aligning with the Governor and/or supporting the emergence of Acting -Senator Steven Odey – who by the way, is the only lawmaker in the Nigeria Senate, who looks over his shoulder every five minutes (24 hours a day) to see if Jarigbe is coming.
Yesterday was about the first time in a long while I was calling Legor out publicly. I simply asked him to come defend himself in the court of public opinion, with regards the brewing contract scandal – and I did it with the friendship or should I say, acquaintanceship I had with him in mind. I chose my words; I took time to fine-tune my prose to give him as much cushion/leverage as possible. All I got for that was …
Well, dear MP Legor, with due respect, I stand by what I wrote yesterday. I insist Sir, that you should hold a press conference and clear your name. I am your constituent; I am entitled to holding you to account.
Simon Utsu, is a Cross Riverian and writes from Lagos via simonutsu@yahoo.com
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Simon Utsu and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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