By Alex Ter Adum, PhD
THE NATION NEWS PAPER’S SELECTIVE OUTRAGE: BEFORE AMAECHI, EXAMINE TINUBU’S OWN POLITICAL VOLTE-FACE.
The Nation Newspaper’s criticism of Rotimi Amaechi for allegedly making a political volte-face over the issue of serving as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate is a classic example of selective morality and partisan journalism.
If the newspaper genuinely wishes to interrogate political consistency, it should begin with the conduct of those within its own political camp before turning its guns on Amaechi.
For decades, a 1997 interview attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained part of Nigeria’s political discourse. In that interview, published by ThisDay and subsequently cited by numerous commentators and political actors, Tinubu was reported to have declared: “I don’t believe in One Nigeria” . The statement resurfaced repeatedly during his 2023 presidential bid and generated considerable public debate.
Yet, the same Tinubu who was reported to have expressed profound scepticism about the Nigerian project later sought the presidency of the same country, campaigned vigorously on a national platform, pledged to unite Nigerians, and today occupies the highest office in the land as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
If that evolution is not regarded as a contradiction, why should Amaechi’s alleged reconsideration of a vice-presidential offer suddenly become a moral catastrophe?
Politics is dynamic. Circumstances change. Alliances shift. Individuals review earlier positions in light of prevailing realities. Indeed, every major political figure in Nigeria has altered positions, formed unexpected alliances, and embraced causes they once opposed. To isolate Amaechi for criticism while excusing similar or even greater reversals by others is intellectually dishonest and morally reprehensible.
The central issue is not whether Amaechi changed his mind. The real issue is whether The Nation Newspaper is prepared to apply the same standards to all political actors regardless of partisan affiliation.
A newspaper that ignored, excused, or rationalised the political transformation and transmogrification of a man who reportedly moved from “I don’t believe in One Nigeria” to becoming President of Nigeria lacks the moral standing to feign outrage over Amaechi’s political calculations.
Consistency demands that the same measuring rod be applied to everyone. Anything less amounts to propaganda disguised as journalism.
Before lecturing Amaechi about political reversals, The Newspaper should first publish a comprehensive editorial on the far more consequential political evolution of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Only then can its criticism be taken seriously.
As the saying goes, what is sauce for the goose must also be sauce for the gander.
Alex Ter Adum, PhD
DDG THE NARRATIVE FORCE
alexadum45@gmail.com
