My attention has been drawn to a rather dramatic press statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, in which he declared that “Fadina is history” and advised me to “lick my wounds quietly.”
Ordinarily, I would have ignored such theatrical commentary. However, when fiction begins to masquerade as fact and propaganda attempts to replace due process, silence can easily be mistaken for consent.
First, history is not an insult.
Every institution stands on the shoulders of its history. If indeed I am “history,” then I am proud to be part of the chapter that helped shape ATPN’s identity, credibility, and relevance within Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Ironically, those who dismiss history often end up becoming its footnotes.
What is most surprising is not the language used, but the timing. While issues concerning the leadership and governance of ATPN remain contentious and subject to legal scrutiny, some individuals have chosen to conduct a public coronation ceremony before the final whistle of the match has been blown.
In law, there is a principle that no person should appoint himself judge in his own cause. Yet what we are witnessing is a remarkable attempt to announce conclusions while the questions remain unresolved.
The public deserves facts, not slogans.
The stakeholders of ATPN deserve transparency, not political poetry.
The tourism industry deserves leadership, not media dramatization.
To suggest that a matter under dispute has been conclusively settled through press releases is akin to publishing the judgment before the court has sat. No amount of publicity can substitute for legitimacy. No number of headlines can replace due process.
The statement further asks stakeholders to recognize an “Acting President.” While individuals are entitled to their opinions, titles within professional associations derive their validity from constitutional provisions, lawful procedures, and institutional legitimacy—not from press conferences or repeated declarations.
A title announced loudly does not automatically become a fact.
A microphone is not a court order.
A press release is not a judgment.
And propaganda is not governance.
I find it particularly amusing that while some individuals urge me to “move on,” they continue to dedicate substantial energy, time, and media space discussing my person.
If I am truly irrelevant as claimed, then their continued obsession raises an interesting question: why does “history” still occupy so much of their present?
The ATPN I know and have served deserves better than division, personal attacks, and sensational headlines. Our members deserve professional discourse rooted in respect, integrity, and constitutional order.
Therefore, I urge all members, partners, tourism operators, government agencies, and stakeholders to remain calm, patient, and focused on the larger interests of the industry while all outstanding issues are addressed through appropriate institutional and legal channels.
At the end of the day, institutions endure because of principles, not personalities.
Truth requires no publicity campaign.
Legitimacy requires no propaganda.
And history, contrary to what some may think, has a habit of delivering the final verdict.