By John Ogunsemore
Editor-in-chief of Leadership Newspapers, Azu Ishiekwene has narrated how an encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo nearly got him punched in the face.
The veteran journalist stated this in “Back story of Tinubu interview”, the latest installment of his weekly column.
Daily Sun reports that Ishiekwene was among an eminent team of eight journalists who anchored the maiden Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
Recounting his experience, the celebrated columnist said, “Apart from General Sani Abacha, I have met one-on-one with every Nigerian leader since 1992, from General Ibrahim Babangida.
“However, I have only participated in one televised live group media chat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“If you have met Obasanjo before – whether for an interview or anything else – you might agree that he’s a handful and more. You never know what to expect with Obasanjo, especially when he is in his lair.
“I narrowly missed being punched by the former president during an untelevised interview in his Library in the Villa in 2004 for asking why his government was letting a political outlaw, Chris Uba run amok in Anambra State.
“The combined effort of presidential aides, the late Remi Oyo and Professor Julius Ihonbvere, rescued me from Obasanjo’s fury.”
He said he incurred Obasanjo’s wrath again for asking another question the then president considered impertinent.
“My experience wasn’t very different during the live presidential media chat. I had asked him why he ordered a shoot-on-sight against members of the militant Yoruba self-determination group Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, which operated mainly in the South-West, Obasanjo’s home base.
“He was livid. He warned me, on air, that if I were going to bring the irreverence of my weekly column to the Villa, he would immediately throw me out of the panel.
“I insisted on an answer, to which he said: ‘If you’re a member of OPC, tell your people that I mean what I said!’” Ishiekwene stated.