Jesaya Nyamu, one of the leaders of the new Rally for Democracy and Progress should be under no illusion at all – he has no right whatsoever to verbally abuse journalists let alone anyone.
As a public figure, Nyamu should know better that respect and tolerance are the hallmarks of good leadership and a civilised society. Our reporter Kuvee Kangueehi was a victim of Nyamu’s tantrums this week.
Like a street fighter, the RDP leader subjected Kangueehi to all kinds of humiliation, calling the reporter a liar and stupid before slamming down the telephone on him. It is not the first time that Nyamu has behaved in this unbecoming manner.
Last year, Nyamu granted Kangueehi an interview after his expulsion from Swapo. At his house, Nyamu castigated Kangueehi for allegedly being a (Sam) Nujoma lackey before unceremoniously chasing him out of his house. The interview never took place and seemingly Nyamu agreed to have Kangueehi come to his house in order to humiliate him and thus satisfy his ego.
In the latest incident, Nyamu flatly denied that he had registered the RDP and accused the reporter of spreading lies. “You are the biggest liar and you continue to tell the Namibian people lies every day. And do not call me again, stupid,” Nyamu said before slamming down the phone on the reporter.
Now, who is telling lies here? Nyamu knew he had registered the RDP but denied doing so only to make an announcement the following day. But even then, why insult the reporter?
Nyamu could have simply refused to comment on the issue without resorting to insults. A man his age cannot be told about good manners and politeness because ordinarily, he is expected to behave as such.
Needless to say, Nyamu’s conduct borders on plain arrogance. By picking a fight with the reporter, who was simply doing his job, he barked at the wrong tree. This reporter and the newspaper he works for have nothing to do with Nyamu’s political woes and thus, he should know where to vent his anger and frustration.
The RDP leader being the democrat that he claims to be should be the wiser. Is democracy not about openness and transparency? Is it not about agreeing to disagree?
It is strange but not surprising that a man who claims to be fighting for democracy would be intolerant of others to a point where he would lose his head and insult those who look upon him for wisdom. And if this is what the RDP is about, then the party is off to a bad start.
That said, it is baffling that institutions that are supposed to represent and protect the rights of media practitioners are conspicuously silent when a politician insults and intimidates a journalist whose only crime is to have asked the right question.
What has happened to the many organisations that claim to stand for media freedom and human rights? Why the double standards?
In conclusion, we dare say that had the insults and intimidation meted out to our journalist been directed at a journalist from one of the more favoured newspapers and worse still if this had come from a leader in Government, Heaven knows.