As I listened to the song ‘Both
Side of the Story’ - by Phil Collins, something struck my mind, bordering on
the DINO MELAYE vs. REMI TINUBU (both senators) mini drama and I realised the
reactions have been one-sided. It seemed that most were quick to condemn
Melaye for what is called shameless conduct, and as such this piece couldn’t
have come at a better time.
I and couple of vibrant minds
brushed the discussion and have come with a critical (moral of progressive) view
to enhance our intellect and also, be a foundation for the legacies befitting a
progressive society that we are already part of. Like I said, so many reactions/responses
have crucified Melaye for ‘venturing the lion’s den’ but, let’s pause a
bit and view this from Melaye’s stand.
Not holding brief for either of
the senators, I have read and listened to the pro-Remi Tinubu camp screaming ‘---weaker
sex throats apologise----‘and I ask what about Remi Tinubu (does she not need
to do same)? Let us analyse some silent views that are critical to our overall
conclusion on matters of importance such as this, for there are questions I
would like to get answers from the pro-Remi Tinubu’s camp:
(a) Did
Mrs Tinubu actually call Melaye a tug and a dog – an African woman, a mother, a
distinguished senator of the Federal Republic, a respected figure of the
Christian faith and political household?
(b) Was
her act learned and supported by all the above institutions mentioned?
(c) What
help or harm had her action to the trouble and unsettled APC her husband is
managing/struggling to save?
(d) If
likely she did call him tug or dog would somebody brave up to tell her to
apologise to Nigerians, her husband the senator and the man in question?
(e) Why
is Melaye condemned for been man enough to teach Her Highness, Mrs Tinubu, a
thing or two about disrespecting other women’s men?
We all have mothers and as
Africans, they are known for respect, calm and honour in the discharge of their
duties with proper character and conduct. Not minding their privileged power,
fame and wealth that surround them.
Now, why were most people quick
to applaud the one who started it and condemn the man (wrongly), especially for
political and selfish gain? I have heard how quick those condemning Dino Melaye
that he said this and that, but what I haven’t heard are the exact things Remi
Tinubu said to trigger these words. Melaye may be controversial but he doesn’t
look insane to go about lurching abuses on women – given the fact that he, when
in the House of Rep, fought on the floor to save the skin of a woman.
Are we blaming Melaye for
defending his dignity and honour as a man, a senator and a leader representing
a voice? Who can say he so celestial to not react when lowered in such a tone?
Are we saying Remi Tinubu has immunity to insult anybody or member of the APC
because her husband is the national, and she gets applauded for it? Have we
forgotten quickly how much she disrespected Bukola Saraki during his
inauguration as senate president? Who is to say what would have happened if
Saraki had reacted – would this same group of people blame him like they now do
Melaye? Thank the spirits Melaye has been man enough to tell anyone who cares
to listen that he will never shy away from reacting to such insult, even if
it’s coming from the party’s national leader’s wife.
Verdict: call anyone – man or woman – a dog, and you will be handing
them the right to lurch abuses they deem satisfying. Only a few persons have
monopoly of such a gift of not reacting. The national leader can be adjudged to
have failed to call his wife to order. Besides, Remi Tinubu is married to a
Muslim from the Yoruba extraction who decorum without measure.