My attention has been drawn to various headlines distributed by some media houses and credited to me, purporting that I am angry with President Muhammadu Buhari. These headlines, which are definitely the work of those hell-bent on putting my name into disrepute and stirring unnecessary strife, is not only malicious, but ultimately shows how low the standards of journalism have been reduced in Nigeria.
On the 12th of April 2016, I posted an untitled note on my Facebook page focused on why I am angry at the way youths have continually been sidelined in public affairs and policy, and provoking people of my generation and those younger to leave their political apathy and malaise, and begin to be more interested and active in governance and public policy. On the request of some media platforms, a member of my team sent out the piece as an article with the title “Audu Maikori is Angry with Nigerian Youths”. No part of my article, or the headline chosen later was an attack on the President, or mentioned that I was angry with him.
My piece put the responsibility of getting young people more active in politics and governance solely on the shoulders of the youths, so I was surprised and vexed when yesterday 17th of April 2016, I began to see my name being mentioned in articles titled “I Am Angry With Buhari – Audu Maikori” and “Audu Maikori: ‘I am angry with Buhari’, music exec reveals”.
Let me state unequivocally that this is a shameful and malicious portrayal of Nigerian journalism, and is meant to put myself, and the journalism profession in Nigeria into disrepute. It is sad that our young men and women who should be aiming to write as well as some of Nigeria’s best journalists such as Pa Anthony Enahoro, and the late Dele Giwa have now resorted to gutter journalism, and sensationalist headlines in a bid to gain hits on their websites and news platforms.
I am not on a war-path with President Buhari or his office, and any attempts to put me on a war-path with him or his esteemed office through malicious headlines and stories is purely the work of those bent on undermining my attempts to get youths involved in governance, and I will not hesitate to take legal action if need be.
As an individual and in my official capacities as the head of my various business concerns, I have maintained a very cordial relationship with the media, and appreciate all the help they have rendered. I however will draw a line where certain sections of the media, having direct access to me, go ahead to publish and disseminate malicious content to bring my name or those of my business concerns into disrepute.
You can view my original Facebook post here.
May God bless Nigeria, and the youths who make this country greater with each passing day.
Audu Maikori.
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