Section One
As Features Editor, Daily Times
*Golden Fleece? I think I got it! Sunday Times, April 8, 1979 (Centrespread): The autobiographical account of the writer’s sojourn in the United States of America for seven years. As he put it, “My story is actually the story of many Nigerians who came to the United State looking for the golden fleece and who returned with something that looks like it.”
On Alhaji Lateef Jakande: Press Snaps, Daily Times, April 25, 1979 (P.7): Discussed how Alahaji Jakande, chairman of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) handled the press briefing of NPN’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
The way We Are – Fear of sailing the Creek on the Waters of Abonnema: Daily Times, April 30, 1979 (P.7): A story of a sea ride to Abonnema from Port Harcourt. The experience of entering a boat for the first time, the fantasy of the ride and fear of the sea.
Still on Alhaji Jakande: Press Snaps, Daily Times, May 2, 1979, (P.7): Examines the dual role of Alhaji Jakande as chairman of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and governorship candidate for Lagos State.
Parable of the Fish: Daily Times, May 3, 1979 (P.7): Recounts a conversation between teo friends: One, a private citizen, the other, a civil servant, decrying the work ethics of an average Nigerian.
*Columns under this biobibliography marked with an asterisk (*) are published in full in this book, check contents page for wasy reference.
Amin: Maaster of Braggadocio: Parallax World, Daily Times, May 4, 1979 (P.7): Gives an analysis of Idi Amin’s reign of terror in Uganda.
*Angus Okoli:Press Snaps, Daily Times, May 9, 1979 (P.7): Draws attention to how increasing precarious the profession of journalism had become using the case of Angus Okoli, the News Editor of Daily Times: his encounters with the police.
The Bishop Who Would be PM: Daily Times, May 18, 1979 (P.7): Assesses the independence struggle of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) from Ian Smith’s days, the role played by the key characters in the struggle and the efforts of Britain in installing a government.
*The Problem of Living by the Pen: Press Snaps, Daily Times, May 23, 1979 (P.7): Argues that many in authority regarded journalists who reported the truth as attackers, and urged reporters to avoid arrogance in their fight for freedom of the press.
Santana at the Forum: Daily Times, May 24, 1979 (P.7): Describes a musical show organized at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA. The music of Carlos Santana, his Indian guru Sri Chimnoy, the stage setting, lighting and more so Santana’s lovely tunes that held his audience captive.
The Jerry Brown Show; Daily Times, May 25, 1979 (P.7): Writes on Jerry Brown, governor of the State of California, USA, his political quest to the White House and zeal to challenge President Jimmy Carter and how he created a buzz word as a campaign strategy.
Effective Reporting: Press Snaps, Daily Times, May 30, 1979 (P.7): Condemns journalists who were cowardly and ineffective, who did not chase and report news vigoriously as portrayed by journalists at a press luncheon with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the UPN presidential candidate.
Reporting the News: Press Snaps, Daily Times, June 6, 1979 (P.7): Reacts to Sola Akindele’s rejoinder to his article, “The Problem of lIving by the Pen,” and maintained that journalists should report news in clean, clear and simple prose.
Plumes Off the Peacock: Parallax World, Daily Times, June 8, 1979 (P.7): Comments on the reign of terror of Reza Muhammed Pahlavi, former Shah of Iran, his intelligence and torture outfit, SAVAK, and described the man and his throne as peacocky.
Sound of Silence: Daily Times, June 6, 1979 (P.7): Reviews the musical exploits of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Observed that while Paul Simon wrote most of the songs, Garfunkel, with salt and pepper voice, sang them; ranked the lyrics as high as the best poems of Donne, Byron and Ibsen.
*New Times: Press Snaps, Daily Times, June 13, 1979 (P.7): Looks at a new publication called New Times, which was published by Chief Chris Okolie, the publisher of the banned Newbreed. Saw New Times as a rebirth of Newbreed.
Ayatu (o) llah Is Not a Name: Parallax World, Daily Times, June 15, 1979 (P.7): Examines the Iranian revolution led by Ayatullah Khomeini, the Islamic saga of Iran, the Shah’s escape into exile in the US and the resultant diplomatic problem it created for the two countries.
Return to Mother Earth Jos: Daily Times, June 18, 1979 (P.7): Reports on the new site of the National Institute for policy and Strategy Studies (NIPSS) at Kuru near Jos, the construction work and the blend of cultures.
*Reporting Politics: Analysis of Strategy in a Game of Chance: Press Snaps, Daily Times, June 20, 1979 (P.7): Argues that reporters should take a critical look at the character and promises of the presidential candidates as they were of fundamental importance to the electorate; using the early writings of sports columnists, Esbee and Cee Kay, as a reference point in what he termed an ‘Analysis of Strategy in a Game of Chance.’
Whitehall’s Whitewash on Zimbabwe: Dele Times, June 21, 1979 (P.9): A critical analysis of Britain’s position on the independence struggle of Zimbabwe, its pretentious posture over Ian Smith’s recalcitrance and unilateral declaration of independence.
The Rumbling if Ghana’s Rawlings: Paralax World, Daily Times, June 22, 1979 (P.7): Attempts to examine Ghana’s new military ruler, Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings’ coup and counter-coup and the purpose of the young air force turned head of state.
The Alhaji Shehu Shagari Interview: Press Snaps, Daily Times, June 27, 1979 (P.7): Recall Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s interview with the Daily Times in which the National Party of Nigeria’s candidate clarified his stand on a number of national issues, including housing and revenue allocation. Called on presidential candidates of the parties to emulate Shagari’s gesture.
Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim: Press Snaps, Daily Times, July 4, 1979 (P.7): Focused on Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim as a late-comer to the luncheon otganised for him by the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and reporter on his intended package for the Nigerian press.
*Died on Active Service: Press Snaps, Daily Times, July 4, 1979 (P.7): Identifies the danger facing journalists in their bid to get news for the people, cited an American television reporter’s death (Bill Stewart) as an example.
Blues and Jazz & Disco of Ayres: Daily Times, July 7, 1979 (P.7) (with Richard Ikiebe): Surveys modern music: the blues, jazz abd disco, looking at the works of Roy Ayres, an American jazz music star, and his incursion into disco.
Bokassa – Black Man’s Burden: Parallax World, Daily Times, July 8, 1979 (P.7): Reflects on the leadership style of President Jean Bedel Bokassa of Central African Republic: a tyrant.
Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim Press Snaps, Daily Times, July 11, 1979 (P.7).
* Shades of Black: Parallax World, Daily Times, July 13, 1979 (P.7): Appaises white journalists and pseudo-journalists who came to Africa for off-beat stories and make Africa conforn to their prejudices, illustrating with the case of Colin Legum, a British journalist.
*How Western Journalists Cover Africa: Press Snaps, Daily Times, July 18, 1979 (P.7): Demonstrated how western journalists fabricated stories about Africa as done by a Reuter’s correspondent during an OAU Summit in Liberia.
Africa’s Shadow of Shame: Parallax World, Daily Times, July 20, 1979 (P.7): Addresses the problems created by the dicators of the African continent: Bokassa of Cantral African Republic, Marcias Nguema of Equitorial Guinea, Mobutu Sese Sekou of Zaire and former Ugandan leader, Idi Amin Dada.
*Two of a Kind: Press Snaps, Daily Times, July 25, 1979 (P.7): Likens Colin Legum’s rude manners to that of Marie Joaniedes, exposing their contemptuous disregard for blacks.
Demise of a Fascist: Parallax World, Daily Times, July 27, 1979 (P.7): Examines the shameful exit of the once fascist leader of Nicaragua, Somoza, and his flight into exile in the US.
Carter Goes Up the Mountain: Parallax World, Daily Times, August 3, 1979 (P.7): Reviews Jimmy Carter’s leadership style, his mid-term self examination at Camp David – up in thr mountains of Maryland – and how he handled the energy crisis that hit America when OPEC decided to hike the price of crude oil.
*Row Over BP: Press Snaps, Daily Times, Auggust 8, 1979 (P.7): Urges Nigerian journalists to strive to explain to the public the significance of Nigeria’s hardline measures in its foreign policy and not only to report the issues; cited the Nigeria-British row over the nationalization of the British Petroleum in Nigeria by the Obasanjo administration and the need for journalists to be more committed in defending the nation’s interest.
One Down, More to Go: Parallax World, Daily Times, August 10, 1979 (P.7): Sees the overthrow of the Equitorial Guinea’s dictator, Marcias Nguema, as a blessing arguing that like other presidents-for-life, Nguema was suffering from acute megalomania.
*Nobody Likes the journalist’: Press Snaps, Daily Times, August 15, 1979 (P.7): Discusses the misfortune of a Yugoslav journalist who got locked up in Lagos for three days for rntering Nigeria without a visa; reported also on General Obasanjo’s effort to build a bridge of understanding between Nigeria and America journalists; and Ibsanjo’s friendly reaction to a Washington Post’s reporter, Leon Dash, who mistakenly addressed him as ‘Mr.’: I am a General,’ the Head of State corrected.
Muldergate Is Pregnant Again: Parallax World, Daily Times, August 17, 1979 (P.7): Writes on the scandal named after Cornelius Mulder, the South African former information minister, whose secret plan was to buy into newspapers in the US, Europe and Africa so as to influence world opinion in favour of apartheid as against majority rule.
The Number 13 and 12 2/3 Controversy: Press Snaps, Daily Times, August 22, 1979 (P.7): Comments on the outcome of the controversy and the quality of people to be appointed as cabinet members. Advised reporters not to base their reports only on press releases emanating from President Shehu Shagari’s men but to dig into the background of possible appointees and make relevant facts available to the public as was expected of the press.
Young Just Too Nice: Parallax World, Daily Times, August 24, 1979 (P.7): Attempts to capture the circumstances leading to the resignation of Mr. Andrew Young as America’s permanent representatives to the Uinted Nations; touched on his character, attitude to the job and his place in US black history.
Hypocrisy of the Western Media: Insult to Nigeria: Press Snaps, Daily Times, August 29, 1979 (P.7): Condemns the way the Western media reported news concerning blacks as was shown in Time and Newsweek magazines in the case of Andy Young’s resignation, portraying a negative disposition towards him; accused Time on insulting Nigeria in its cheeky and condescending reporting of the Nigerian elections.
In the Heat of Sahara: Parallax World, Daily Times, August 31, 1979 (P.7) Frowns at King Hassan of Morocco’s desperate attempt to colonise Western Sahara, a little old Spanish colony rich in mineral resources.
Death on the Road: Daily Times, September 6, 1979 (P.7): Worries about the insensitive attitude of those in authority over the issue of dead bodies abandoned on our roads, the disrespect for human life as regards public executions and finally the disregard for the rule of law and fair play in our society.
Footnote to Andy Young’s Exit: Parallax World, Daily Times, September 7, 1979 (P.7): Takes a close look at Andy Young’s resignation as America’s permanent representative to the United Nations and the controversies dogging it, vis-à-vis Jewish influence on American policies, especially concerning the Arab-Israel diplomatic debacle.
*Reporting Shagari: Press Snaps, Daily Times, September 12, 1979 (P.7): Points out that Alhaji Shagari, as president-elect, needed an effective press coverage to keep Nigerians abreast of his programmes as Nigeria’s future depended entirely on him. Challenged the office of te president-elect on what preparations were underway to take over from the military and advised the media to assign full-time correspondents to cover the presidency.
The Dog Who Has A Bone: Parallax View, Daily Times, September 14, 1979 (P.7) Discussed the political effect of the exit of Andrew Young from the United Nations; the political gains the whole episode had wrought for him and more especially for President Jimmy Carter in his bid for a second term at the White House.
*Covering the Presidential Tribunals: Press Snaps, Daily Times, September 19, 1979 (P.7): Condemns the lopsided report by many newspapers on the judgment of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal in favour of Alhaji Shagari; chided them for not making Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s view public and urged reporters to sit up.
Memoril to President Neto: Parallax View, Daily Times, September 21, 1979 (P.7): Pays tribute to a great African leader, Augustino Neto, the former president of Angola, and reviewed his struggle for the independence of his country.
Something Happened, But What?: Parallax View, Daily Times, September 28, 1979 (P.7): Examines the Supreme Court judgment on the Federal Electoral Commission’s declaration of Shehu Shagari as winner of the 1979 presidential election following an appeal by Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria. Criticised the coverage of the judgment by the electronic media, most especially the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Dear Mr. President: Daily Times, October 1, 1979 (P.7): Dele writes to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the first executive president of Nigeria, advising him on the quality of men and women to appoint as his ministers; reminding him of his promise to run an open government; and urging him to provide dynamic leadership, aware of the fact that the buck stopped at his desk.
The Civil Service Looks After Itself: Daily Times, October 1, 1979 (P.7): Takes a critical look at the bloated civil service being inherited by President Shehu Shagari and suggested a sweeping reorganization in order to enhance efficiency and productivity.
*The Press and the Second Republic: Press Snaps, Daily Times, October 3, 1979 (P.7): Regrets that reporters assigned to cover the presidential campaign failed substantially to unveil to the public the candidates’ strengths and inconsistencies; urged them to show fresgness and clear-headedness in analyzing the working of government when reporting the president (Shagari) and the legislature.
*Selling Nigeria Abroad: Parallax Snaps, Daily Times, October 10, 1979 (P.7): Outlines the need for a good public relations and information office in the United States to handle information on Nigeria; sought to sell Nigeria positively to the outside world.
Everybody Meet Brother ‘Don’: Parallax View, Daily Times, October 12, 1979 (P.7): Explains the meeting of the delagates from Nigeria (including the writer) with Mr. Donald Mchenry’s perception of his new job and spoke of the importance of efficient information management in increasing public awareness of Nigeria.
Press Makes and Breaks: Press Snaps, From American File, Daily Times, October 24, 1979 (P.7): Writes on how the American press created a contest between Ted Kennedy and Jimmy Carter and how their reports to the electorate favoured Kennedy as a man of theatre and romance. Examined the role of the press in the making and breaking of a president.
A Ride to Platoland: Parallax View, From American File, Daily Times, October 26, 1979 (P.7): Recounts a humorous conversation between an American taxi driver and his passengers in Wshington, DC, USA, covering from the sublime to the mundane.
Romance of Fidel Castro: Press Snaps, Daily Time, October 31, 1979 (P.7): Writes about the Cuban strongman, Fidel Castro, a man that has battled many a president of the United States of America. Observed that despite his seeming negative image, most Americans loved him, especially his theatrical qualities.
Murky Waters of Zimbabwe: Parallax Views, Daily Times, November 2, 1979 (P.7): Focuses on a press conference a British envoy, Honourable Mr. Richard Luce, had with journalists from Daily Times newspapers; stressed his penchant for a evading hard questions, especially on the British government’s attitude to the Zimbabwe elections.
*Like Going to War: Press Snaps, Daily Times, November 7, 1979 (P.7): Point to journalism as dangerous work that was akin to going to war everyday; illustrated it with the death by accident of Idowu Oyegoke and Yinka Oke while on official assignment with the Lagos State governor.
Terminal Illness of a party: Parallax World, Daily Times, November 9, 1979 (P.7): Reporter onthe events that led to the break-up of the Great Nigeria People’s Party; Alhaji Waziri’s insistence to be both its chairman and the presidential candidate, including claims of expulsion and counter-expulsion.
Slow Journey to Madness: Daily Times, November 12, 1979 (P.7): Considers the social malady facing many a young person, especially cases of mental instability which, he argued, were on the increase, particularly among the wealthy.
Zik, The Political Animal: Press Snaps, Daily Times, November 14, 1979 (P.7): Reports on Dr. Azikiwe’s ability to negotiate and his high-wire political manoeuvres; citing the joint press conference by Azikiwe, Waziri and Awolowo as an example.
National Malaise: Press Snaps, Daily Times, November 21, 1979 (P.7): Condemns the legislators’ demand for outrageous emoluments and other perquisites, decried their juvenility and inability to understand what their duties and responsibilities were and persuaded the president to dissociate himself from their unthinkable excesses and offer his own bill on their salaries as an alternative.
Mr. Ume Ezeoke’s Recklessness: Press Snaps, Daily Times, November 28, 1979 (P.7): Criticises Mr. Ume Ezeoke’s rudeness to the public and threat to the press; traced his arrogance to the public’s belief that legislators’ emoluments were simply outrageous; and demanded that he apologized to the people.
ACN’s Gift to Aviation Center: Parallax View, Daily Times, November 30, 1979 (P.7): Comments on the donation of a small plane to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria, by the Aero Contractors Limited, an aviation charter service company jointly owned by Nigerians and Europeans.
*The Peter Pan Story, Prologue; Press Snaps, Daily Times, December 5, 1979 (P.7): Reflects on his interview with Peter Enahoro and the circumstances that lead to his self-exile.
Question of Democracy: Parallax View, Daily Times, December 7, 1979 (P.7): Examines Nigeria’s attempt at democracy and the presidential system. Offered suggestions to the major players on how the system could be operated with minimum friction.
*The Peter Pan Story, Fate: Press Snaps, Daily Times, December 12, 1979 (P.7): Discusses Peter Enahoro’s career from his days at the Federal Ministry of Information to Daily Times, Daily Times to Rediffusion Company in Ibadan,and from Rediffusion Company back to Daily Times.
* ‘Editorial’ Mr. Wayas Didn’t Read: Parallax View, Daily Times, December 14, 1979 (P.7): Comments on Mr. Joseph Wayas’ summon on Oatrick Dele Cole and Tony Momoh, Managing Director and Editor of the Daily Times respectively, to the National Assembly following an article on the Speaker’s rudeness to the public, said Mr. Wayas mistook the article for an editorial, accusing Daily Times of trying to undermine the Federal Government.
*The Peter Pan Story, Epilogue: Press Snaps, Daily Times, December 19, 1979 (P.7): Celebrates the multi-talented life of Peter Enahoro as an irrepressible columnist, courageous political commentator, powerful and influential leader-writer at the Times, and hightlighted the write-up that forced him into self-exile.
President Shagari and the Press: Press Snaps, Daily Times, December 26, 1979 (P.7): Indicates the gap between President Shagari and the press posited that without an astute publicity outfit the electorate would not be aware of his efforts.
*First DAY Back Home: Press Snaps, Daily Times, January 2, 1980 (P.7): Criticises the way Customs officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, made things difficult for him on his first day back home after seven years’ sojourn in the US.
The First 100 Days Gimmick: Press Snaps, Daily Times, January 11, 1980 (P.7): Disagrees with the critics of President Shagari on what he achieved during his first 100 days in office: maintained that his action was slowed down by difficult in constituting his cabinet due to the manipulations of the legislators; urged the critics to be considerate, constructive and optimistic for Nigeria was a complex nation to govern.
Meet Governor Mbakwe: Parallax View, Daily Times, January 18, 1980 (P.7): Writes on the first Executive Governor of Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the precarious state of affairs in his state, his style of governance and his emotions.
Forgive Us … Mbakwe: Press Snaps, Daily Times, January 23, 1980 (P.7): Discusses Governor Mbakwe’s press conference onn his first 100 days in office, and his twisted method od answering questions put to him by journalists.
Ugly Mouths of the Soil: Parallax View, Daily Times, January 25, 1980 (P.7): Dwells on erosion menace, especially its devastating effect on the economy and the people of the area affected. Saw this problem as highly pronounced in Imo Sta which needed federak assistance to fight it.
The Sop in Zimbabwe: Press Snaps, Daily Times, January 30, 1980 (P.7): Ponders on the road to independence in Zimbabwe. Accused Britain of refusing to support the right cause and criticized the Western press for their bias reporting on the activities of freedom fighters in Zimbabwe.
*Coming to the Times: Daily Times, February 7, 1980 (P.7): Dele Giwa reveals how he came to the Times: The various roles played by Alhaji Saka Fagbo, Patrick Dele Cole and Stanley Macebuh.
