In any thriving democracy, social criticism plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable, exposing injustices, and advocating for positive change. Constructive criticism, rooted in logic, facts, and reasoned argumentation, has historically been a force for progress in Nigeria and across the world. However, in recent times, there has been a concerning rise in destructive and toxic criticism, one that is neither objective nor solution driven but rather fueled by personal vendettas, misinformation, and political bitterness.
Social critics all over the world are highly intelligent people who analyzes and evaluates societal issues, norms, and structures, often addressing injustices, inequalities, and problems in their country through various forms of expression, such as writing, speaking, or art. They seek to provoke thought and inspire change, often using evidence and reasoned argumentation to support their viewpoints. While criticism sometimes can be harsh, it is usually must be based on facts, logic, and principles.
Someone who resorts to insults, abusive language, and uncouth remarks is not engaging in meaningful social critique but rather in emotional outbursts or propaganda. True social criticism focuses on policies, governance, and accountability, not personal attacks or derogatory language.
When an individual who has failed in an election becomes a vocal social critic, it can reflect a variety of motives and approaches. This person may use their platform to critique societal issues, potentially out of a sense of responsibility, vindictive or frustration with the political system. It is important to consider whether their critiques are rooted in genuine concern or if they are driven by resentment or bitterness over personal failure.
Negative criticism involves attacking a person’s character, using derogatory language, and engaging in personal vendettas rather than addressing systemic issues. It is emotionally charged and often lacks substantive content. Making extreme or unsubstantiated claims about individuals or groups, often without evidence, such statements can damage reputations and divert attention from valid criticisms.
While social criticism aims to foster understanding and drive positive change, abusive language, condemnation and unsubstantiated accusations detract from meaningful discourse. The distinction lies in the intent and method of communication whether it aims to enhance people awareness or merely to attack and undermine an individual’s reputation.
In Nigeria, a social critic ought to be someone who actively analyzes, evaluates, and often speaks out against societal issues, government policies, and injustices. They use various platforms such as traditional media, social media, books, and public forums to express their opinions and advocate for reforms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is certainly not averse to constructive criticism, blindly condemning every government policy however does not make one a social critic. A genuine social critic evaluates government policies based on merit, using logic, facts, and constructive reasoning. Criticism should be aimed at promoting accountability and better governance, not just opposing for opposition’s sake.
Well meaning citizens of this country should be worried and concerned about the nature of social criticism and the ethical boundaries that should guide public discourse. people must distinguish between constructive social criticism rooted in reason, facts, and logic and baseless, abusive rhetoric that serves no real purpose beyond stirring emotions and division.
The impact of public discourse on younger generations is particularly relevant, as it speaks to the values we pass on in our political culture. When elders celebrates a young school leaver (Youth Corp member) for insulting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic, it raises serious concerns about values, mentorship, and responsible discourse.
Leadership and governance should be scrutinized, but there is a clear difference between constructive criticism and outright insults. Encouraging disrespect instead of informed debate only weakens democratic engagement and sets a bad precedent for younger generations.
A constructive social critic engages with issues thoughtfully, offering well reasoned critiques of government policies and societal challenges. They highlight flaws but also propose viable solutions, fostering national discourse that leads to meaningful change. Their approach is rooted in a sincere desire to see Nigeria improve, and their arguments are based on facts rather than emotions or personal grievances.
Negative and damaging critics focus solely on tearing down leaders and institutions without any fair assessment of policies or contributions. These critics often engage in baseless accusations rather than evidence based arguments, resort to insults and derogatory language rather than intellectual discourse, reject all government actions outright, regardless of merit, promote division and cynicism instead of solutions and national unity.
With the rise of social media, the line between legitimate critique and reckless propaganda has been blurred. While the digital space allows for free expression, it has also given a platform to those who spread misinformation, manipulate narratives, and incite public unrest. Some individuals have built entire careers on attacking the government, not because they have a superior vision for Nigeria, but because it serves their personal or political interests.
It is also common to see politicians who have failed at the ballot box or of a dashed expectations suddenly transform into full time government critics. While constructive opposition is healthy in a democracy, it becomes questionable when such individuals attack every government policy without exception. It is important to ask: Are they critiquing out of genuine concern, or are they merely bitter over their own political failures? True statesmanship requires fairness—acknowledging both the successes and failures of any government.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture where we need patriotic, informed, and balanced discourse. Citizens, especially those in positions of influence, must reflect deeply on how they engage in national conversations. The goal should be to build, not destroy; to refine policies, not incite chaos; to hold leaders accountable with fairness, not out of vendetta.
Democracy thrives on debate, but that debate must be civil, logical, and constructive. Nigeria needs social critics who challenge the government with intelligence and integrity, not those who spread division and hatred. It is time for a collective soul-searching by citizens, politicians, the media, and influencers on how we engage in national discourse. Our focus should be on progress, unity, and accountability, not destruction and vendettas. It is the height of irresponsibility to go before an international platform to insult and abuse the President of Nigeria or tell the world some untrue ugly stories
about your country.
The time for responsible criticism is now. The time for destructive rhetoric must end.
– Hon. Musa Asiru Bakare, Member, Tinubu Support Group (TSG), writes from Lokoja, Kogi state capital.
