Nigeria: Presidency, the Cardinal and Many Truths

In Nigeria, the nation's leadership and media struggle with the concept of holding multiple truths simultaneously. Maturity, as Joshua J. OMOJUWA explains, is the ability to acknowledge that more than one truth can coexist, and this skill seems lacking among certain individuals involved in public discourse.

This issue is exemplified by Cardinal Onaiyekan, who, during an Arise TV interview, questioned the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi responded by criticizing the Cardinal for abusing his clerical privilege. OMOJUWA argues that stepping onto the platform of partisanship forfeits the immunity of neutrality, and an argument should be scrutinized regardless of the clothing one wears.

The confusion extends beyond a single individual. Some journalists have resorted to digging through old tweets to create a perception of hypocrisy, rather than addressing the actual argument at hand. This type of behavior creates a professional environment where personal biases dictate the narrative, and the ability to hold multiple perspectives becomes atrophied.

The consequences of this intellectual laziness are evident in the actions of politicians. Peter Obi, in his pursuit to become Nigeria's President, has resorted to using insults against the country he wants to lead. OMOJUWA emphasizes that it is unacceptable for a potential leader to recycle foreign insults as weapons in domestic disputes.

Furthermore, Obi's statement that "President Trump is free to have a go at our country" demonstrates a lack of distinction between criticizing one's own government and denigrating the nation itself. OMOJUWA asserts that holding two truths in one's mind is crucial for mature and rational public discourse, and this is sorely missing in Nigeria's political landscape.