Nigeria, April 9 -- Growing up on the dusty streets of Sabon-Gari in Kano saw me take a liking to several newspaper columnists. One of these columnists is Sonala Olumhese. Perhaps, owing to his ability to deliver his message in simple yet flowery language, not minding whose ox is gored, his penchant for delving into topical issues, or his sense of humour, I always found his columns delightful, educative and insightful. I, therefore, was understandably perturbed, if not disheartened, reading his piece of 6 April, titled "We Have To Shut Down the State Security Service." I kept wondering if it was the same Sonala Olumhese who penned this piece. Or a hilarious parody?

Uncle Sonala, as I love to call him, began by narrating how, in August 20...