The Charles Taylor saga is now inevitably in the court of the War Crimes Tribunal. But the court of public opinion must have its say. Between the two courts, a million words may play, and many souls may speak. The debate, certainly in Nigeria, is robust and vibrant. Now, the media is agog with news, counter news and allegations with counter theories. Expected.

Summary: African leaders, through Nigeria, decided that Taylor be handed in for his day in court. But remember that he agreed to a deal when he relinguished power to take assylum in Calabar. The parties? African Union, United Nations, United States, European Union, among others. And he was escorted, presidentially, to Abuja by his Brother African Leaders. In fairness to the Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo had said then that he would only return Charles Taylor to his fatherland when there is an elected (and stable?) government in Liberia.

Summary: Nigeria, on behalf of Africa and the International Community, helped to stabilize Liberia through forces, funds, lives and limbs. Being a responsible regional power, it was inevitable. So did it in Sierra Leone, and other nations far and near. The ECOWAS subregion will be dead without Nigeria. But not acting is absolutely no option. Moral? Nigeria's say must match its pay. Then, as Taylor's host, its views must underscore all things Liberia, all clouds Taylor.

Summary: The US stood by as Liberia burnt, despite (at least) its historical ties to Africa's oldest republic. It left the burden to the African neighbours - meaning, Nigeria. From this success, it seeks an undue glory. Now, it pressures the new government and predicates its further assistance on the arrest and trial of Charles Taylor. Import? The poor people of Liberia should make Taylor priority rather than nation-building! Then risk polarisation and even instability!! Moral? America is crying more than the bereaved. But, wait, in all fairness to President Bush, he has never stopped criticising Charles Taylor, asking him to stand down, telling him to leave the country and give peace a chance, and pointedly calling for his trial for war crimes, among others. Indeed using these points as constituting a barrier to America's intervention in the Liberian crisis. Always.

Insinuations: The spiritual father of Charles Taylor has announced that his ward was a pun on the chess board of Nigeria, Liberia and America. He reports that Nigeria tricked Taylor in an escape scheme designed to satisfy the US. They took him to the distant North, travelling all-night, only to release and arrest him on false charges of "fleeing". The presidential spokesman has denied and dismissed the allegations. He insists on the earlier charges, characterising this tale as "figment of his imagination". No matter.

Now how do you comment on this saga which has assumed the status of a running show? Dicey. Which is why I've cast it as above. Okay, I have questions:

a. What is right or wrong in the decisions of African leaders? Should Taylor not face justice, and clear himself? Do we have no confidence in the UN Tribunal?

b. Is the US wrong in seeking Taylor's trial, even if it has its pound of flesh as part-motive? As the world's sole superpower and self-appointed policeman is it out of place?

c. Did Presidents Obasanjo and Johnson-Sirleaf trade Charles Taylor for a mess of White House porridge? Some dollars for Liberia and tenure elongation for Obasanjo?

d. Has Charles Taylor always thought of a future without accountability? Can and should African leaders grant him immunity and or forgiveness? Was he smart or naive, satan or saint?

e. Timing: Right or wrong? Fair on Nigeria? Fair on Liberia? Is Taylor really a top item, right now?

f. Is America hypocritical? With Gitmo and its untried detainees? With its partnership with undemocratic regimes around the globe in the name of national security and war on terror? And its refusal to sign up to the International Criminal Court?

g. Is Africa facing facts and capable of acting firm when it must? Can leaders rule or act with both impunity and immunity?

I believe that Mr Charles Taylor should use the though-disputed opportunity to clear himself, account to Liberians, and shame his distractors. Or pay for his deeds, if so-due. I regret that there is this avoidable early/hasty controversy and mutually contrived suspicions all round. Pity. The US should draw its due lessons from this crisis. The end may not always justify the means. Tough.

African leaders must work with their peoples through their parliaments. If the Taylor case had been so handled, its due process would not be this testy. Nor would the imputed motives. Is the issue rested? Not by a long shot. We wait.