SNIPPETS (39)- BY SUMAILA UMAISHA

_From my chats with writers_

A writer cannot avoid social commentary. But I also believe your chosen artistry must be well primed to convey and sustain your vision well into the future. Sensitive topics are what enduring literature is all about. Literature must be provocative; must attempt to probe into corners that are hidden and into things swept under the carpets. Writing must talk about social justice and critique its society. A writer is not meant to fan the ego of the establishment or seek to maintain the status quo. The way you tackle sensitive issues is important to the survival of your person as a writer and your art itself. My approach in tackling sensitive issues in my writings is to present my vision in an unassailable manner; provide enough realistic evidence, be truthful in a form suffused with humour and other kind of artistic playfulness. That is why in spite of the loads of criticism against Northern Nigeria in _Mairogo_, no one has called for my head.

Denja Abdullahi