"Kadaria
Ahmed - 'The Real Slay Queen': 2019 Presidential Candidates and The 'Devil's
Advocate'" - written by SMB Sesan Johnson
#Note: #RealSlayMamas/Queens is my adopted word
for real and great women who are contributing positively to the development
trajectory of the society.
With
about 16 days to the presidential election, the accentuation in political
tension is already reaching its apogee. Put differently, the electioneering
process had reached its crescendo beyond political rallies and town hall
meetings. A couple of the so-called leading candidates boycotted the BON
Debates only to meet their 'Waterloo' at Kadaria's 'The Candidates'. With
yesterday's appearance of the PDP candidates; Kadaria's methodology has come
under serious criticisms.
The
'Atikulated' had since yesterday's grilling of Atiku and Obi labelled Kadaria a
'Buharist' or an 'APCist'. To them, she was acting a prepared script in her
questioning. She was also accused of not asking Buhari and Osinbajo sensitive
and high level questions. So they concluded she is working for the APC. Whereas
they showered encomiums on her when she drilled Buhari to the extent that
Osinbajo got no option than to bail baba out. Whose script was she acting then?
For me,
Kadaria is doing her job. I do not expect her to ask all the candidates the
same questions. The candidates, the party, the ambience and other
conditionalities determines the questions. Significantly, as a professional
journalist with expertise in investigative journalism, I think Kadaria is
expected to play the 'Devil's advocate'. Without mincing words, on behalf of
the Nigerian state and the masses, Kadaria has been doing her best, so far so
good. A censorious diagnosis of the 'The Candidates' so far showed that it has
been a hot seat; not only for the candidates who had appeared but also for
their supporters. I commend Kadaria for sharpening the course of national
discourse via-a-vis 'The Candidates', even as we prepare to immerse ourselves
into 2019 Elections come February.
Kadaria
is currently trending because she is being bashed left and right by both the
Buharists and the Atikulated fellows. Using my Yoruba's sense, I think Kadaria
is just fulfilling her 'kadara' (destiny). Madam, you are a heroine, continue
to SLAY them with your muse and mouth-watering grilling. I think your style is
bringing the best out the candidates.
If you
care to know, Kadaria Ahmed is a Nigerian journalist, media entrepreneur, and
television host. She started her career at the BBC in London and has worked in
print, radio, television, online and social media platforms.
Kadaria
Ahmed is currently a member of the judging panel of the Wole Soyinka Centre for
Investigative Journalism.
