[Auspicious]

Ref. Willy:

Yes, why did the The Guardian fail to publish Mr. Ndibe's last article, 'A tale of Three Candidates'? It appears you know something that the rest of us don't know, going by the obvious insinuation you made when you said "it looks that Emmanuel 'Andy' Uba war chest really knows no bounds". So, Mr. Willy, what do you know?

You further prognosticated by asserting that Dr. Abati's tenure as Chairman of the Guardian's Editorial Board may shamefully "undo the credibility of (that) flagship", and that his "personal credibility" may be on the line - again, for specific reasons only known to you. What, for crying out loud, do you know?

Will you be so kind to reveal to us your audience, what you may know or not know about Dr. Reuben Abati's personal integrity? Are you telling us that the Emmanuel 'Andy' Uba war machine has invaded the hallowed chambers of the Guardian Editorial Board? You will do well to answer these questions and more and let our minds rest.

I believe you could have raised the issue you raised without sounding so bitter - so personal - in your little submission above. You seem to be issuing Mr. Abati a threat over mere suspicions(?) on your part. Or maybe not. But are you personally in touch with Mr. Ndibe? If yes, has he complained to you, Willy, that his articles are being denied by Mr. Abati? Could this be for some other reason - maybe Ndibe never submitted it for publishing in The Guardian?

It is my belief that the Editorial Board of the Guardian excercises some sort of 'democracy' in its decision-making process. I don't want to believe that Mr. Abati weilds some Obasanjo-like power over his fellow board members. Unless you can prove to us your audience otherwise - unless you can tell us we don't know, we might have to believe that your criticism/veiled threats is only informed by personal prejudice.

Mr. Abati has been more of an asset to The Guardian and will most likely continue to be so, for his style of writing and preference of topics to opine on, remains the same. Like others who have commented on his latest piece here so far, I find the piece just as interesting as the others. "A Bonlekaja Presidency (7)" - seven long, interesting and occassionally funny series on the feud between Mr. Presisdent and his Vice! All that talk of Yam and Pap just sounds like Bad-Belle yarns, o jare!

Auspicious.