What encounter with a South African editor taught me about Nigeria, By Azu Ishiekwene

Nigerian officials recently called on the press to reduce coverage of banditry, a plea that resonated with Azu Ishiekwene, who recalled a similar situation years ago involving South African editor Tony Weaver. The current request by Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, and the Director General of the State Security, Adeola Ajayi, to downplay banditry reports, which have become a daily feature in Nigerian newspapers, reminded Ishiekwene of an earlier experience.

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Azu, Great piece, as usual. But you know, South Africans owe the Palestinians a lot for the role the PLO played in our struggle for freedom. DM does not support any premeditated violence against innocent people, but the sentiment in the country is hugely in favour of the Palestinians. I’m sorry we’ll be unable to publish your piece.

Ishiekwene had written an article for South Africa's Daily Maverick critical of the Hamas attack on Israel. When his piece was delayed, he learned from the Op-ed editor, Tony Weaver, that while the publication didn't support premeditated violence, "the sentiment in the country is hugely in favour of the Palestinians" due to the PLO's role in South Africa's struggle for freedom. This led Ishiekwene to reflect on how often his own writing might be motivated more by anger than by the consequences of publication.

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How many times have I written or published an article motivated more by anger and frustration with the system than by the consequences of the impact of what I have written or caused to be published?

The author uses this anecdote to critique the role of politicians in Nigeria's current challenges. He argues that politicians often exacerbate problems, such as poverty and radicalism, through their choices, particularly those exploiting culture and religion in Northern Nigeria. While acknowledging external factors like the situation in the Sahel and climate change, Ishiekwene emphasizes that political decisions have significantly contributed to the nation's insecurity, which has evolved from a north-east jihadist insurgency to a fragmented national crisis.

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If you mind politicians or public officials, you will offend God. Whether in the Middle East, Africa, Europe or America, politicians are mainly responsible for the mess we’re facing today, but are often quick to find scapegoats.