The Fear Of Offending -By Gloria Ogo

The move I made a few months ago, to write the article about Nnamdi Kanu, to speak out, is one I do not regret.

And I will never regret.

It has cost me friends, who think I chose the wrong side of history.

But I have made my peace with that. After all, that is what the freedom we seek is all about. Freedom to make choices, freedom of association.

There are also friends who do not agree with my move, but they will stick with me through thick and thin.

Those are the friends worth having.

Those are the friends I value.

They come in private to air their views. I explain my reasons. We shake hands. We hug. We laugh. They even go a step ahead to donate to my writing despite our differences.

Then there are those who come out wholeheartedly to support me all the way, in every post, in every bit of me I share out here.

They hold a special spot. It is people like this who make writers seem brave.

I chose to speak on this side of history, not because I have any allegiance or tribal affiliations.

I chose this side of history because an injustice to one, is an injustice to all.

According to Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian:

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Today, it is Nnamdi Kanu

Tomorrow, it will be me

Next, will be you.