By Musa Bakare
In every society, elders are expected to be custodians of wisdom, moderation, and truth. They ought to serve as the moral compass, reminding the younger generation of values that build rather than destroy.
But in Nigeria today, it is disheartening to watch some former governors, elder statesmen, women, and politicians, who should know better descend into reckless falsehood and irresponsible utterances against the President and the Government of Nigeria.
This is not politics. It is a tragedy of character, raising questions about their motives, their judgment, and, in some cases, even their state of mind.
Traditionally, the voice of an elder carries authority. It should calm storms, not create them; build bridges, not burn them. Elders by virtue of age and experience, should guide leaders in power, offering constructive criticism and wise counsel.
When such voices turn to lies, propaganda, and baseless accusations, they betray not only themselves but also the sacred responsibility of leadership. They drag the institution of statesmanship into ridicule and set a poor example for generations watching.
Words are powerful, especially when they come from people of supposed influence. When a former governor, elder politician, or respected community leader spreads lies, it is not mere political talk. It destabilizes public trust, fans the embers of disunity, and misleads the people.
At a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing bold reforms, removing the cancer of fuel subsidy, stabilizing the exchange rate, attracting foreign investments, and laying the foundation for industrial revival, what Nigeria needs is encouragement, patience, and collective sacrifice.
Irresponsible utterances at a time like we are in do not help the people of Nigeria. They only serve selfish and parochial interests.
Much of this reckless talk by ethnic jingoists is not born out of love for the people of Nigeria. It is born out of bitterness, envy, vendetta, and frustration, disguised as politics. Some of these elder statesmen had their time in power and squandered it. They had the opportunity to transform their states, their people and Nigeria, but instead left behind legacies of debt, unpaid salaries, abandoned projects, and corruption.
Now, faced with a President who is confronting Nigeria’s problems head on, they resort to lies and blackmail in the hope of distracting him or poisoning public opinion ahead of 2027 presidential election. But Nigerians are wiser today. They know the difference between patriotic criticism and reckless mischief.
This is not the first time Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faced such attacks. From his days as Governor of Lagos State, he endured campaigns of calumny from those intimidated by his success. They called him names, tried to isolate him politically, and attempted to destroy his legacy. Yet Lagos is today Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, a testimony to his foresight and resilience.
President Tinubu has continued that same tradition of bold and necessary reforms. He is not distracted by noise. He has seen it all before. He knows that the judgment of history is more important than the careless lies of frustrated elders.
Nigeria is bigger than any individual, governance is too serious to be reduced to bitterness lies and propaganda. Those who once held high office should remember that their words carry some weight. To mislead the people at this critical juncture is not only irresponsible, it is unpatriotic.
Instead of reckless lies, let them offer constructive solutions. Instead of bitterness, let them encourage the younger generation to believe in Nigeria’s future. Anything else is a betrayal of the oath they once swore to serve the people.
When you see a former governor, an elderly man or woman, churning out reckless lies and careless statements against the President and the Government of Nigeria, know this: it is not politics. Something is certainly wrong, whether in their judgment, their conscience, or their sense of responsibility.
Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, President Tinubu and Nigerians cannot afford any form of continued distraction. President Tinubu has chosen the suitable road of reform, and Nigerians must stand with him. History will not remember the lies of frustrated elders; it will remember the courage of a leader who, despite all odds, chose to fix his country.
– Musa Asiru Bakare, Member of APC and political analyst, writes from Lokoja Kogi state.
