By: Hon. Chief Alaezi Onyekwere John.
Every day, I reflect on why it seems we, as a people, find it difficult to come closer to power, influence, or administration. I have come to one painful but sincere conclusion: we are often the reason for our own setbacks.
Our behaviours, our reasoning, the way we talk, the way we carry one problem on top of another without seeking solutions, all contribute to our backwards steps. Instead of coming together to support those among us trying to lead and rebuild our lost glory, we tear them down with insults, gossip, and mockery.
Some of us believe nothing good can come from our elders or leaders. But I strongly disagree. Before we go online to attack our leaders or criticise them on social media, let us pause and ask: What are we gaining from this? Who are we helping? Are we truly doing it in the people’s interest, or out of personal bitterness?
Yes, some of our leaders are indeed part of the problem, but that doesn’t mean we should insult them or kill their image with harsh words, propaganda, or public embarrassment. They are still our own. There are other ways to address leadership failures without exposing ourselves to ridicule in the public domain. When we disgrace our leaders, we are also selling ourselves short.
We must understand that no one is perfect. Every leader has their strengths and weaknesses. While some may act out of personal interest, we must sometimes look deeper, what we call “personal interest” might, in some cases, lead to public benefit. Without a personal drive or interest, some leaders may not gain the influence or access needed to unlock opportunities that benefit the people.
That’s why we need to think deeply before rushing to condemn. Some people may speak out tirelessly in defence of certain individuals or decisions, not out of selfishness, but because they see a bigger picture. We must learn to reason and understand things beyond the surface. Not every voice defending a leader is doing so out of blind loyalty, sometimes it’s about hope.
I am speaking emotionally because it hurts how quickly we twist words, misinterpret intentions, and create division out of every sentence. We must stop this. It is totally condemnable.
Overzealousness, envy, jealousy, malice, and grudges are killing our unity and progress as a people. If we are truly agitating for a cause, let us go about it the right way, with wisdom, focus, and dignity, not by destroying our own in public spaces. Not by making a mockery of our heritage and hopes.
Every statement becomes a controversy. Every conversation becomes a battle. We read negative meanings into everything. How then can we progress?
We, the Igbo people, must learn to reason like one family. Let us stop fighting ourselves. Let us stop attacking those who represent us. Let us stop acting as if we know more than everyone else. That “I too know” attitude is a deep problem. If we don’t change it, things may get even worse for us.
Let us come together in understanding. Let us speak with one voice. Let us criticise constructively and support passionately. That is how other tribes gain power, and that is how we can too.
The time to change is now. Stop fighting your own. Stop insulting your leaders. Build, don’t break. Unite, don’t divide.
