The story of Mr. Obafaiye Shame, and his infamous interview with Channel TV is a Nigerian thriller and nightmare combined. It is a uniquely Nigerian story. It thrills, it rivets, it shocks and it entertains all at once. It marks a new awareness of the power of the media as an instrument of democracy - true people's power to check power. The
ordinary people who were never allowed to be aware of the processes through which our public officials are hired and empowered are now able to go back in time and re-interview an official of government and score him in ways that could lead to the official losing the job he has once held.
But there ought to be more about this story. It has to do with the potential personal tragedy that Mr. Obafaiye Shem faces at this moment. A few days ago, he was a shinning star for the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. Today, he has become the laughing stock of all times. But we must not leave things at that. If we stop here and do nothing more, Mr. Shem could be destroyed permanently. Indeed, I learned that he has been suspended from his post, which could be an effort by those he referred to as the Oga at the top to cover up and prevent the public from knowing who they really are. I understand also that his wife and children and family members are overwhelmed by shame and shock as a result of what is happening to him.
Evidently, for good or for worse, Obafaiye Shem, has engaged the attention of the Nigerian people in ways that individuals don't normally do. His story should not end in the pains and ostracism he now suffers as an outcast and a butt of all jokes. We must use him and his experience to provide a continuing narrative about the Nigerian predicament. In so doing, we will bring out the good in the man, which I believe exists notwithstanding his miserable interview performance.
I am therefore seeking to reach out to Obafaiye Shem. I want to play a role in introducing him to the Nigerian youth from a different angle. Since his Oga at the top has rejected him the moment he got into trouble, I shall befriend him now and am sure that the Nigerian youth will be open-minded enough to get to know him better. This personal tragedy must be turned into some positive outcome for the people and for Shem.
Anyone with information on how I could contact Mr. Obafaiye Shem should please let me know.
"It was predictable that Mr. Obafaiye Shem's Oga at the top would fire him. But there is some good news to it. I am prepared to hire him in the Nigerian group that I am establishing. Ms. Shem's background could be adapted to a great use for our organization. The fact is that he already has an instant name recognition. He would be a great communicator to Nigerians. I can see a number of positions he would fit in well. With the right training, he could be my best staff.
"I really think that Mr. Shem's blunders on the TV could yet help recreate the man. I would love to have the opportunity to reinvent him. I see in him a star despite his terrible moment".
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Ephraim Emeka Ugwuonye, Esquire
ECULAW GROUP
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