The latest opinion article authored by Pastor Stanley Ajileye is yet another unfortunate reminder of how political propaganda can sometimes be presented under the guise of objective analysis. While every citizen has the constitutional right to express political opinions, such opinions must be anchored on facts, honesty, and evidence rather than deliberate distortions, unfounded allegations, and misleading narratives. Public commentary carries a responsibility, especially when coming from individuals who occupy respected positions in society.
It is particularly disappointing that someone who continually identifies himself as a pastor has, in my view, repeatedly engaged in narratives that appear more focused on political attacks than constructive engagement. A minister of the Gospel is expected to be a custodian of truth, integrity, humility, and righteousness. The Holy Scriptures emphasize the importance of speaking the truth and avoiding false witness against others. Therefore, anyone who occupies such a position must understand that words have consequences and must be guided by fairness and responsibility.
Unfortunately, Pastor Stanley Ajileye’s writings have increasingly become associated with sensational claims, political conjectures, and allegations that appear designed to influence public perception without sufficient evidence. His latest publication follows a familiar pattern of making sweeping statements, drawing conclusions from assumptions, and presenting political speculations as established facts. Such an approach does not strengthen democracy; rather, it creates unnecessary tension and distracts from the important issues that affect the lives of the people.
One of the most questionable claims in his article is the assertion that the current administration has failed to employ any graduate and has only resorted to political appointments for selfish reasons. This claim is not supported by reality. Under the administration of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State University, Kabba, has employed qualified graduates, including holders of Master’s degrees and Ph.D. qualifications, into various positions. These developments clearly contradict the claim that no graduate has benefited from employment opportunities under the current administration.
Beyond Kogi State University, Kabba, several government institutions and agencies have continued to engage qualified professionals in different sectors of public service. While no responsible government can claim to have completely eliminated unemployment, it is unfair and misleading to ignore existing employment initiatives and create the impression that nothing has been achieved. A balanced assessment of government performance requires acknowledging both challenges and progress rather than promoting narratives built on selective information.
Such claims naturally raise questions about the credibility of other assertions contained in Pastor Ajileye’s article. If facts that can easily be verified are ignored, it becomes difficult for the public to accept unverified claims about political conspiracies, secret alliances, and alleged plans surrounding future elections. Political discussions should be guided by evidence and facts, not assumptions and speculation.
Equally concerning is his attempt to portray the Kogi State Government as being anti-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This narrative lacks credibility and does not reflect the political reality. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elected on the platform of the party under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There has been no official action, policy, or pronouncement from the Kogi State Government indicating hostility toward the President or the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Ododo became Governor at a time when Asiwaju had already been elected and sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a development that clearly signaled the existing bond, confidence, and goodwill between the leadership at the federal and state levels. His emergence as Governor was within the same political family that produced the President, making it unreasonable for anyone to suggest that he would deliberately work against the interest of the President or undermine the administration that he is part of.
A right-thinking individual understands that Governor Ododo’s administration has a shared responsibility to support the vision, policies, and programmes of the President for the overall development of Nigeria. Any claim that he would act contrary to the President’s interest is not only illogical but also a reflection of a deliberate attempt to create unnecessary suspicion where none exists.
Those who advance such arguments appear to be detached from the realities of political relationships and governance, choosing instead to operate in a world of assumptions and misinformation. It is only people who live in the same imaginary planet as Pastor Ajileye that would believe Governor Ododo, whose political emergence came under the same progressive platform as the President, would seek to undermine the very leadership that gave him confidence and support.
The attempt to create an imaginary conflict between the Kogi State Government and the Federal Government is therefore unnecessary and politically counterproductive. Rather than promoting unity and cooperation, such narratives only create suspicion and division among party members and citizens. Those who genuinely desire progress for Kogi State should focus on development, empowerment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth instead of promoting political theories without evidence.
It is ironic that while accusing others of political maneuvering, Pastor Ajileye’s own article relies heavily on assumptions, unnamed sources, alleged consultations, and speculative scenarios presented as facts. A responsible public commentator must understand the difference between opinion and reality. Political analysis should not be reduced to emotional arguments or narratives designed to damage reputations. The people deserve informed discussions based on facts, fairness, and accountability.
It is equally troubling that someone who occupies the sacred office of a pastor would consistently engage in writings that, in the view of many, contribute to political tension rather than promote peace and understanding. Christianity teaches honesty, humility, peace, accountability, and faithfulness. These values are reflected in the fruits of the Spirit as recorded in Galatians 5:22–23 and should guide the conduct of every believer, especially those who present themselves as spiritual leaders.
Rather than promoting truth and unity, some of his writings appear to create suspicion and division. Instead of encouraging constructive debate, they often focus on political accusations and personal attacks. If Pastor Ajileye chooses to participate in political discussions, he has every right to do so, but such participation should be guided by facts, fairness, and responsibility. The title of pastor should represent a commitment to truth and integrity, not a platform for spreading narratives that cannot be substantiated.
The people of Kogi West are politically conscious and capable of distinguishing between genuine criticism and calculated propaganda. Democracy thrives when leaders and commentators engage with facts, acknowledge achievements where they exist, and provide constructive alternatives where improvements are needed. Political disagreements are normal, but they should never be built on misinformation or deliberate distortion of reality. Constructive criticism strengthens democracy, while false narratives weaken public trust.
Ultimately, no amount of propaganda can erase verifiable facts, and no campaign built on falsehood can permanently overcome the power of truth. Pastor Stanley Ajileye and every public commentator have a responsibility to contribute positively to the political development of Kogi State by promoting honesty, unity, and responsible debate. The future of Kogi State will not be determined by merchants of controversy but by the informed judgment of its people, who deserve facts instead of fiction, truth instead of deception, and progress instead of unnecessary political distractions.
– Abejide Silas wrote from Kabba.
