In the last couple of weeks, the British media has not been any equivocal about its choice of the next Prime Minister since the rise and fall and fall of Boris Johnson. One would wonder if the ownership factor, managerial ego trips and the merchandise that characterise the Nigerian media are any worthy parallel with the dignity and the altruism with which our colonial counterparts justly function as the 4th estate of the realm. I’ve actively observed British politics for about two decades now, since the heyday of the Labour party when I actually did vote for the fantastically uncouth Tony Blair for a second term. A few hours to the historic announcement, if you asked Nick Ferrari or Shelagh Fogarty, they’d most likely tell you their expectations from Liz Truss at Number 10. In three years, Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, stood firm with Ukraine, and brought the UK out of the jaws of Covid-19 but not without his Partygate and the vestiges of inflation and high cost of living. It got so bad that loads of citizens have almost made libraries their second homes. They just feel enough is enough.
Also, it’s been a long walk to Number 10. Sajid Javid’s resignation as health secretary and Rishi Sunak’s resignation as finance minister in early July were perhaps the last straw that broke the camel’s back bringing a bold-faced Boris to his breaking point. The 4th paragraph of Rishi’s resignation letter was instructive; However, the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning. Then the plethora of Tory aspirants. But they didn’t want Tom Tugendhat, or Jeremy Hunt. Penny Mordaunt and kemi Badenoch made it to the top 4 only that they were not good enough; not even with the wannabe Kemi Badenoch whose bigotry has since got her kicking against people of colour. Again, British media has been vocal all the way. Where trust is broken, leadership is damaged.
However, like Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak has had his tradeoffs, only that the citizens wouldn’t settle for anyone who cannot feel their pulse. A leader must not be disconnected from the people she seeks to lead. For a billionaire like Rishi, understanding the average British family would be a tall order. Yet, the media was not quiet about these realities. Tax cuts, energy supply, solving the inflation riddle, strengthening the NHS have been common grounds. Still Liz Truss needed to be more and indeed do more for her people. Her charisma has been a concern for the people she seeks to lead. Again, the media would not throw away the baby with the bath water. The British media has stuck out its neck to ring it again and again in the ears of anyone who cares to listen that she might just be the best choice at the moment to fully deliver on the 2019 mandate of the Tories.
I don’t have the crystal ball; and neither does the British media. After all said and done, we all have to wait for the announcement on Monday. It only suffices to commend the British media for not failing in their constitutional responsibility of holding their government accountable to the people. In all, they’ve been the voice of the people. And without fear or favour, they’ve proven beyond doubt, that of a truth, the media can be a veritable conveyor belt, that moves the dividends of democracy round all social strata.
In conclusion, this obligation certainly goes beyond the Nigerian media’s lip service to objectivity which is in reality handcuffed by the mostly brash and abrasive bourgeoisies. More needs to done by Nigerian and indeed African journalists in respect to a formidable team spirit. We must all look beyond the immediate and ever pressing legitimate needs to speak with one voice if at all, we have any interest in the people to whom we belong. As we approach the general elections, we must boldly push competence over convenience, efficiency over mere eloquence, and leadership over ‘dealership.’
One more thing. Would it be in order to congratulate Liz Truss ahead?
Victor Tolu Ojewunmi
Senior News Anchor
LAGOS, Nigeria
Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article, they’re strictly the writer’s
