OUR, MERCY JOHNSON!

“LEADERS AREN’T BORN, THEY ARE MADE AND THEY ARE MADE JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, THROUGH HARD WORK. AND THAT’S THE PRICE WE’LL HAVE TO PAY TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL OR ANY GOAL.”- Vince Lombardi 

For many weeks, the name Mercy Johnson has heralded front pages like pure water in the desert. Most of these headlines so disheartening and sad. Annoying is even an understatement considering the level at which journalism has gone in the past couple of years.

Sometimes, I wondered what happened to OBF (objective, balance and fair) reports. What happened to keeping ethical standards? What do we gain when we sensationalize without right facts or it is just a hearsay? When we hear, do we call the subject to get her side? These are just a few of many questions the media need to address.

I know people would say, you-Asuquo, ‘master of sensationalism‘ but, frankly, if you check my reports it has always been factual, balance and objective. My mentors (in journalism) trained me in this line and believe it has kept me out of trouble. Lying or blackmail has never made anybody rich or popular; neither has it changed the price of garri in the market.

My angst is on the stories peddled about Mercy. I’m not her spin-doctor, but she’s someone I’ve met on several occasions and shared ideas. Mercy is like the everyday Nigerian girl. Hardworking, lively and passionate. She’s compassionate to a fault. Many say she’s promiscuous and moves around men, yes, it is possible, because she the last daughter in the house full of boys. She’s “a tomboy” is once told me and daddy's girl, for short!

Early in the year,when the man she loved dearly broke her heart, we had a heart-to-heart talk about it. She was so sincere throughout that day in Ojodu. She opened up and told me her tiniest secrets that I and millions of Nigerians never knew about her. That moment, my perception changed about her and many actresses. Although, i’m miffed by some of them who make themselves incommunicado that shouldn’t be an excuse to defame. The Press makes a mince-meal of those ‘posers’, proud and arrogant. shakara is an arathema in media.    

She told me about an orphanage that was in the pipeline; and I believe will be ready by next year. It was a laudable idea from someone we call “merciless” when it comes to men- Giving back to the society that hates her. But, I praise her courage, she’s waved these controversies aside, and continued with the project. Only few people can do this. People have found it difficult to separate real life from acting; that’s why any news about our stars becomes headliners. They live two lifes- celebrity (very tough) and personality (simple).  

I visited one of the site having many of these scandalous stories and I thank Nigerians and her fans who believe she’s being witch-hunted by some people. As i write this, I’ve not spoken to her for months and that has not changed my perception about her in any way. She’s got her life to live and really, I’m happy she’s taking the humanitarian project with all stride and strength. That’s my joy.

At just 25, sexy and talented, all she needs is encouragement from the media and all. I know of many 25 year-olds who earn millions yet don’t think of giving back to the society. This is a middle-class girl saying ‘my people first.’ While, we enjoy her role delivery, let’s make her dreams come true...she needs us...Mercy is ours!