Abati: A ghost attempting resurrection

By: Agim King

Although responding to Reuben Abati's unsavoury comments on Arise News's 'The Morning Show,' albeit on a subject that exposed his ineptitude, is likened to flogging a dead horse; it is important to clarify the unsuspecting public about the sinister motive of the infamous ex-aide of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Reputed for his hoodoo of allowing the usurpation of the media space by the opposition, leading to the failure of his Boss, then President Goodluck Jonathan; Reuben Abati's story is that of one who has lost his mettle and grappling with joblessneess.

Wallowing in his cocoon, after years of inactivity, muddled up with a history of financial improprieties, Abati's only way to resurrection was resorting to mudslinging a reputable gentleman in the person of Sir Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State,who has become a national reference point through his trailblazing strides in agro-industrialization and other policy thrusts of his administration.

Paraphrasing the words of Brendan Behan: "critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves." Our overrated journalist, Reuben Abati, was some years ago in a position to stamp his foot on the ground as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, given his acclaim in the media industry. Mr. 'Infallible' Abati, amongst other things, failed abysmally in delivering on his mandate.

For a man who could be adjudged to be personification of sycophancy and bootlicking through obsequious manner, the downtrodden Abati, had the effontry of name-callings on a man, who in all ramifications stands taller than the former.

In all his acclaimed erudition, howbeit in fields such as theatre, artistic embellishments, commentary, et cetera, Brother Abati threw caution to the wind by not questioning the integrity of Governor Ben Ayade, in blatant exhibition of overt rage and agitation.

But may I borrow the words of Mark Twain, when he cautioned: "One must not criticize other people on grounds where he cannot stand perpendicular himself.” Abati's scholarship in journalism should have kept him in good stead to apply his investigative skills instead of dabbling into criticizing the policies of the Ayade-led administration,he has no faint knowledge about.

With his verbal barbs on the newsstand of Vanguard Newspapers over the years, could not translate into meaningful success in his attempts to gain political prominence. No wonder he is wallowing in the chasms of political waterloo.

Abati's attempt to discredit a man of Ayade's pedigree, a scholar of impressive erudition, with scientific breakthroughs to his credit, gives credence to his crass incivility and ineptitude. Should Abati be trying to resurrect his ghost, which has been wondering in the wilderness of failure for years now, I advise him to backtrack to reviewing his unfitness that led to Africa's biggest political failure in 2015 (Goodluck Jonathan's defeat), rather than resorting to activities that would further cement his place in political oblivion.

I urge the people-oriented Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade not to be ditered by the shenanigans of Reuben Abati, restating the words of Zig Ziglar: "Do not be distracted by criticism. Remember – the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”

Kings writes from Calabar