Nafiu Muhammad@nafiumohammad
When Madina Maishanu of BBC interviewed Governor Bago of Niger State, the governor lost his cool at some point because of the manner she posed her questions-- cold, straight and unminced.
She later interviewed Minister of Defense, Christopher Musa using the same tone. The General maintained a relaxed tempo.
And now, she has interviewed Senator Kwankwaso using the same style of questioning. I watched the video looking for signs of displeasure from Kwankwaso by her manner of approach, but I couldn't find any. Kwankwaso seemed okay with her tone and style and answered her questions as best as he could.
I now wonder why people are complaining about her style. She doesn't seem to selectively apply her methods. She applies it to everyone. And as far as the ethics of her profession goes, I don't suppose laughing and joking with a person you're interviewing is a requirement.
But I understand; given the fact that Maishanu's trajectory started on social media, and we watched how she grew from co-presenting with Abdulbaqi Jari; to having a show of her own and now to this. Some critics, perhaps feel they know her enough and consider it their right, that she remain as they want her to be in their minds.
The reality is, Madina has grown, and her ranking in the media space has put her in a place where she can not afford the niceties we knew her with. With growth comes more responsibility and expectations. She has to decide whether her focus should be more on her profession or pleasing her viewers. For now, she has chosen to focus more on her profession; and unless the persons above her, who assign her this task are unsatisfied, I don't expect any changes from her.
— Abdulrahman Baba Ahmed
