Few Minutes With The Chief Press Secretary
By Norbert Fidelis
Often times, I’ve heard it being said that, seeing is believing. I’ve also heard the saying, never judge somebody from what you’ve heard of him or mere assumptions, less it becomes a prejudice
Well, as a practising journalist, I’ve never really bothered to associate myself with events and happenings in the seat of power, (Government House) because of what I’ve heard and seen from my fellow colleagues.
However, I’ve always been chastised and reprimanded by some of my associates, to discard rumours and go see things, the way they are myself.
And so, on a cold Thur. morning of Aug10, I set out to govt. house Asaba , to see the Chief Press Secretary, Olorogun Festus Ahon myself. When I finally arrived at the White House, I asked for his office ,, and a young man at the protocol office directed me to the next building. Immediately I got there, I saw the sign showing the direction to his office and climbed upstairs. On getting there, I saw a young lady who greeted me politely and ushered me into the reception, there I saw three ladies waiting to receive me. One of them gave me a form to fill which I did, she then took it inside and gave the CPS. I thought to myself, I should have known earlier, this is where this journey will end as I will wait till eternity. Worstill, he is with visitors
However, to my surprise, six minutes later, I was asked to come in. I got up, cleared my throat and walked into his office. For the first time ,I saw the man I’ve been hearing his name ring bell among my fellow journalists and other civil servants. Immediately, I greeted him, introduced myself and stated my purpose of visit. To my greatest surprise, he acknowledged my electronic media . Again, during our discussion, I discovered that he’s quite unassuming,diplomatic and has a listening ear. For a moment, I felt foolish for thinking that most top govt. officials are not helpful, or even pay less attention to people they don’t know. Also, i notice that ,when he was talking to his staff on phone, he never shouted them down or intimidated them in any way. All these made me change my thinking and disposition towards some top govt. officials. Who knows, may be it’s some of my colleagues that has been playing the role of a green snake, under a green grass . Finally, as I was about leaving, he made a statement that shocked me, asking, what do you care for? I smiled and asked myself, is this a joke or something? I eventually ordered for a beverage drink which he asked his secretary to give me. Sensing that other visitors are also waiting to see him, I immediately got up and took my leave.
As I stepped into the reception, a young lady offered me a cold beverage drink. I drank it at three gulps, goofed , greeted them and walked out majestically to face the business of the day.
