The editorial comment of a national newspaper of Sunday, September 25, titled, “The Abuse of Honorary Degrees,” has left many admirers of the newspaper wondering what their motive is in such sanctimonious editorializing that clearly targeted some Nigerians for attacks based on spurious premises. Bereft of logic and sound reasoning, the editorial comment, which should be the newspaper’s official position on issues, presents a good case study in self-negation, contradiction and double-speak.

IN 1976, as cadets, we were just allowedto see the Flag Ship NNS Nigeria (Obuma) from our Cadet Training Ship or from the jetty where she was berthed.

THE world over, a newspaper editorial represents the official position or sentiment of a particular news medium on societal issues. In other climes, where ownership allows the observance of standard editorial policies, the commentary could be read with devotional commitment. Of course, it is expected to be well-researched; hence, an informed commentary. But in today’s Nigeria, newspaper viewpoints have been trivialised; an indication that all is not well with the society.

IT was true when a famous writer of blessed memory, Harvey Firestone, said: “You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself”. Calvin Coolidge, another writer crowned it this way: “No person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave”.

THE overwhelming power of the media in shaping public perception of government policies and programmes is recognised all over the world. Needless to say that government appreciates these awesome powers and knows that what the media report about them can make or mar their policies, activities, success or failures.

EDUCATION being a major catalyst to an all round development to any nation cannot be over-emphasized, whether economically, socially, politically, culturally, religiously or technologically.

With the exit of a certain black sheep in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who was planted in the Commission during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s government by a godfather from Anambra State now heading a lucrative committee in one of the chambers of the National Assembly, many Nigerians, especially the people of Anambra North zone believe that it was time for the Commission to redeem its battered image over the controversial letter they wrote to the Senate leadership on June 3 to stop Senator Alphonsus Igbeke from being sworn in.

THE Holy Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) in the Holy Quran stated, inter-alia: “Man, seek knowledge, even if you have to trek to China”. The Holy Prophet was a believer in education, whether Western or Eastern knowledge. Also, in the same Holy Book of the Muslims, the Prophet cautioned man that “there is no compulsion in religion, meaning that you can not forcefully convert another person to your own faith.

Policy reserval is a disease common to our governments, military or civilian, since independence in 1960. It has been the bane of development in a way that rubbishes all the positives of perspective planning.

Are journalists in Ogun tate not worthy of appointments in the government of their state? Why is it that successive occupants of Igbein Hill Government House since 1999 (that was when I began active journalism in the State) have not been looking their ways for engagement, especially as media and information managers?