By Kelvin Adegbenga
There is a limit to political activism, and Omoyele Sowore has once again proven that he knows no boundaries.
Recently, Sowore descended into a shameful display of name-calling, branding the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, as a “drunkard, murderer, landgrabber, and thief Minister.” Such baseless and inflammatory words are not only reckless but also an insult to decency, governance, and the rule of law.
If Sowore truly has evidence that Wike stole land in Abuja, robbed the people of Rivers State, or masterminded the massacre of Igbos at Obigbo, then he should present such proof before a competent court of law.
Anything short of verifiable evidence amounts to blackmail and defamation. Leadership positions should not be subjected to endless smear campaigns on social media simply because one individual thrives on chaos and controversy.
Sowore must be reminded that freedom of speech is not freedom to defame. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees expression, but it does not shield anyone from the consequences of spreading falsehoods.
Coming to social media to throw around wild accusations without substantiation is unlawful and dangerous, not just to the individuals targeted but also to our democracy and national cohesion.
It is high time Sowore’s political madness is tamed before it escalates from the virtual space into the central market, causing disorder beyond control.
Our democracy thrives on debate and dissent, but never on lies and slander. Sowore must withdraw his derogatory remarks and tender an unreserved apology to Nyesom Wike.
Failure to do so should attract the full weight of the law because no one, no matter how loud, should be above accountability.
Nigeria deserves constructive criticism, not baseless character assassination. If Sowore truly desires to be taken seriously as a politician, he must rise above cheap insults and reckless allegations.
Otherwise, history will remember him not as a reformer but as a rabble-rouser whose words destroyed his credibility.
Kelvin Adegbenga is the National Coordinator of Integrity Youth Alliance and writes from Ikeja, Lagos. @kelvinadegbenga email: kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com
