It is good to have a good brand. It has been famously noted that while Nigeria imports what it has in abundance, it exports what it doesn’t have. Ever heard of Peter obi’s paradigm of state parsimony or the notorious fiscal frugality of the former governor of Anambra state?  Ever since Obi’s testimony about his niggardly disposition and exemplary financial prudence went viral, snooper has been quietly and furtively on duty.

Listening in to the debate among cyber rodents, one can say that the reaction has been mixed. While many applauded Obi’s stellar probity, others denounced him for pandering and for opportunism.  A few are unwilling to forgive him for the rank perfidy of abandoning the APGA submarine for a helping of pottage that never quite materialized under Jonathan.

Snooper must now weigh in on the debate without any further ado. Snooper snoops everywhere and at any time. As an international vagrant afflicted by the wandering disease of Sokugo, snooper often sleeps in Lagos only to wake up in far flung outreaches of the globe. Often this wanderlust yields encounters that are as surreal as they are outlandish.

Towards the very tail end of the month of August, snooper was prowling around the plush ambience of the Hilton Hotel at JFK Airport in New York, ogling at the bevy of oriental airline hostesses when a quiet altercation at the reception attracted his attention. Lo, it was the inevitable Peter Obi himself coolly and courteously arguing his way out of a tricky situation. Calling him governor did not deter the impertinent American girls who probably thought it was a nickname any way.

Apparently, Peter’s earlier booking had gone missing in the system and the girls were bent on slamming him with on the spot booking tariff. But the former governor was having none of this, insisting that they must look for the old booking. For a man of Peter’s famous fiscal discipline, the difference made a lot.

As the argument went back and forth, Snooper quietly excused himself to continue his vigil. When yours sincerely met up with the former governor at breakfast the next morning and asked how it went, Peter, dressed in a tracksuit, replied with a miserly grin that the girls eventually came to their senses.Needless to add that the breakfast was complimentary.Anyone for Peter?