The daily torch media
Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential aide and veteran journalist, has shared a chilling experience from his days in journalism that almost put his life at risk during the regime of late military ruler General Sani Abacha. Ojudu recounted how a routine investigation into Abacha’s family background nearly cost him his life.
Ojudu was sent to Kano to investigate Abacha’s family background, a task he described as sensitive and dangerous given the military government’s iron-fisted nature at the time. When he began talking to members of Abacha’s family, they informed Abacha about the journalist in Kano who was digging up information about him.
This incident highlights the climate of fear and suspicion that characterized Nigeria under Abacha’s rule. Merely making inquiries about the ruler’s family was considered a threat, and any journalist caught doing so could have faced dire consequences. Ojudu’s experience is a testament to the difficult terrain journalists navigated during Nigeria’s military dictatorship era.
Ojudu’s memoir, “Adventures of a Guerilla Journalist,” chronicles his experiences as a journalist during this period. The book sheds light on the dire consequences of standing by the truth in an era where truth could cost journalists their freedom and even their lives. It is a story of defiance and action over sheer spectator ship.
As a journalist under military rule, Ojudu faced numerous challenges, including censorship, harassment, and threats to his life. His experience is not unique, as many journalists during this period risked their lives to expose the truth and hold those in power accountable.
Reflecting on his experiences, Ojudu emphasizes the importance of journalism in challenging systems that make daily life harder for millions. He believes that journalists must continue to take risks to expose the truth, despite the dangers that come with the job.
