Naabu and Otiko’s actions were both wrong

As humans, we are bound to offend each other as we interact and work together. In other words, we make mistakes. But, when one makes a mistake, it is not a justification for the offended to capitalise on it to do worse. Again, when we make mistakes and render an unqualified apology in that regard, it is incumbent upon us to have big heart to forgive and forget. Even the Holy Bible entreats us to forgive those who trespass against us.

The recent banter between Hon. Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Gender and Social Protection Minister and Mr. Bugri Naabu, the NPP Northern Regional Chairman was unfortunate. I have read several posts condemning Otiko and leaving Naabu out. In the end, Otiko has been made to apologise.

But, we need to be honest with ourselves. Why should a whole Regional Chairman of a ruling party use Rambo style to disrupt a meeting, assuming Otiko erred by not informing him? This was the genesis of the whole issue. Any respected and law-abiding Chairman would have used diplomacy to resolve this simple issue. The reason behind the disruption of the meeting was in bad state.

Similarly, Otiko could also have used diplomacy to deal with Naabu's action instead of accusing the Chairman of bribery on air. Mr. Naabu's statements on air about the untimely death of a former Regional Chairman have worsened the problem.

It was therefore necessary for the President to summon the two to iron out their differences. "Mpanin se, Opanin ntena fie mma asedua mf? ampa". Sometimes, it takes only a little patience to save such embarrassing situation. You might be right initially but without patience, you might act wrongly and be judged wrongly by people. Two wrongs can never make a right.

I have personally met with Otiko in London during NPP-UK meetings and have interacted with her on the phone on a few occasions. She is a lovely woman who is determined to leave a good legacy for women. Let's encourage rather than discourage her since we all have our bad sides. Otiko is a mere mortal soul just like you and me.

My piece of advice to her is that, she should remain focused on the job and guard her utterances in order not to court public hatred for herself. With God on your side, you would greatly succeed. Enemies are not God, Hon. Otiko.