The writings of Peter Enahoro who turned 80 recently played a part in my taking to journalism. I interviewed him in 1979 when he came back from a 13-year self –imposed exile. I also interviewed him in 1981 when he launched ‘Africa Now’, a pan African news magazine. These two interviews reveal a bit about his person and his craft. I have taken excerpts from them as my tribute to this icon of African journalism. Enjoy!

Rita Dominic: Rita Dominic’s heavenly skin is even more famous than her luscious lips, get-lost eyes and sweet voice and acting ability. Once asked the secret, she replies:

Imo State is one state where anyone who passes by would definitely ask questions. I am interested in one major question and that is: who is at the helm of affairs here? As simple as the question seems, it is indeed overloaded. I want to say, one would want to know the person or persons who are responsible for the developments or non-developments in the state. Should I say that I have asked the question, times without number; even though I think I know the answer.

The first time a woman came to us with a complaint that her husband was sexually abusing their three children—two girls and a boy—I told her: “Madam, two things, either you are mad to accuse your husband of such heinous deeds or your husband is mad to lay his hands on his own children.” Incest, specifically father-daughter liaison, has been with humankind for a long time. Lot not only slept with but deflowered his two daughters (please leave the drunkenness details for another day. Deflowering two virgins in two successive days without being conscious of the act must be one of the mysteries in the Bible) Genesis 19: 32-35.

It seems as if the minds of many Nigerians are finally fixed for the crucial election of February 14, 2015 even if some people have serious doubts about the ability of the electoral umpire to be fully ready for the show.