Every month, the government in Awka gives N10,000 each to reporters covering it to close their mouth from saying or publishing negative stories about Anambra.

A few days ago, one of the media aides of the governor called my correspondent in Awka to inform him that he has been blacklisted from the list of those who collect the monthly largesse. Reason? He sends critical reports to Casmir Igbokwe, who is not their friend.

For the avoidance of doubt, my new online publication, NewsProbe, is not in the habit of killing stories for any reason. The government in Awka considers me an enemy, hence the media team does not send press releases to me. Mr James Eze occasionally sends me Bob-Manuel Udokwu’s propaganda videos to show me that Willie is working. Few days ago, I was surprised that he sent me an opinion piece which I published because I’m not as petty as they are.

It is a tragedy that the government in Awka is in enmity with most of the stakeholders that brought it to power. The case of Mr Peter Obi is well known.

It is also a tragedy that a government that should try to make friends with the press and indeed with everybody is busy creating imaginary enemies everywhere. Does that show good leadership? Does that show good media management and public relations. When a leader begins to categorise some of his subjects as friends and some others as enemies, that leader does not deserve that position. Obiano is a serious mistake in Anambra and should be shown the way out on November 18.

So much to say. But let me stop here for now and await the response of paid e-rats in Agu Awka before I go full blast.

•Casmir Igbokwe, Publisher of NewsProbe, writes from Lagos.

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