In a world where everyone is trying to be woke, sound “progressive” & be politically correct at all times — a world where obvious truths are masked in order to sound “modern”, I gravitate towards people who still have the audacity to say things as they are, without fear or favor.
There is no Abuja boy I have met that doesn’t have a project that has tied up his cash. Every single time! First few convos & they start yapping about expecting some payment in millions.
As a proper Kano babe, you’ll find that I broke pass you. One kobo you can’t scam from me.
I once squatted with one Ẹ̀gbọ́n, pending when school hostel would open. His girlfriend came around and I had to stroll out. He said he'll call me when the lady has gone. I just kept trekking and trekking around for three hours. When the coast wasn't clear still, I took a cab from Shomorin to Camp, Abeokuta to stay with some course mates for the night.
After seeing how Nigerian men try to buy love or throw money at women at every opportunity, they are in no position to lecture anyone, especially after making poor decisions themselves.
Most women live only in the present; they care only about today. As a man, it is your responsibility to think long term and say “no” to things that could harm your future plans.
Even when you choose to compromise, it should not be on matters that carry serious long-term ish.
Stop allowing "people" to pressure you.
If you cannot, tell her you cannot.
You are the man of the house - at least, I know this one.
Stand your ground.
"People" sometimes use her friends and their family situations to compare yours.
🚨VICTOR OSIMHEN RELEASES AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING COACH ERIC CHELLE’S POST-MATCH COMMENTS.
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“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy…”
My dear @AishaYesufu,
I remember when you retweeted this quote of mine which in full reads: "Defend ideas. Not people. Never defend people. People are fickle, complicated. And even when you defend ideas, interrogate them until they prove worthy, fit for purpose; refine them. Ideas will not sneak up on you and have scandals. They will not be greedy and betray you."
I am recalling this because I think that of all the people I know who are entering politics, you are one of the most honest in intention, one of the most passionate, one of the least driven by pecuniary and parochial interests. And I see now that you have been somewhat edged out of what should have been an opportunity to participate freely and fairly in the primary elections for the FCT Senate seat.
In a sane country, just based on your history and capacity, you should have won that primary or at least had the chance to fairly compete. But I fear that so fiercely attaching yourself to an individual, (who himself is flexible and moving where he thinks he stands a better chance of a ticket) is going to make you increasingly defend processes that cannot be defended, like the way your own race was handled. Of course loyalty in politics is important, however the person you are loyal to is increasingly being pragmatic and will align himself with people you will have to defend against many of your own stated principles. For example, if you were not part of this process you would have condemned the (selective) decision not to conduct primaries for the seat you were vying for as undemocratic.
I also remember, just weeks ago, how passionately you encouraged Nigerians to register for and fully support the ADC as the political entity that was capable of moving Nigeria to a better place. Today you are asking the same people to join the NDC which your principal has moved to. You have said that even though Obi is your principal you will speak your mind if something is not right. I still believe you. But what has changed? Is the NDC better? Does it believe more in democracy? Are there better, less corrupt politicians there? Or is it that any political party that Obi joins, suddenly becomes the party that will liberate Nigeria? Why should Nigerians support this new special purpose vehicle (as opposed to just holding their noses and looking for halfway decent candidates across party lines)?
Another question is, what is your threshold for speaking truth to power now that you have joined politics? When he teams up with people you know to be corrupt members of the same political elite you have spent years denouncing? When you have been undemocratically edged out of a seat you should have contested? When he aligns with someone you have called corrupt in the past will you still "focus on the bigger picture"?
As a person who wants to trust you (and for others who will support you in your political journey) what is the brand of politics we should expect from you? A person who will follow Obi no matter where he goes? An independent conscientious politician who defends ideas and democracy instead of personalities? Will you drop the Aisha Yesufu brand that we know and love: the one who fiercely defends democratic values and speaks truth to power regardless of who is involved? Or will you be a pragmatic politician, going where there is a likelihood of political success?
None of this is calling you out. These are real questions I have, and I write it because I know you are also the kind of person who will speak up even when people they know are involved. And I know you are capable of critical thought.
Yours in democratic solidarity,
EJ.