Public commentator and Mayor of Fadeyi, Dr. Ope Banwo, has rejected claims that fairness is a disadvantage in Nigeria, warning that such arguments could legitimise ethnic bias and weaken democratic accountability.
Banwo was reacting to a widely circulated article suggesting that fairness may be counterproductive in Nigeria’s political environment.
Describing the claim as dangerous, he said reframing fairness as a liability risks encouraging leaders and supporters to prioritise ethnic loyalty over merit and transparency.
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“Calling fairness a curse is simply an attempt to justify what we once criticised in others,” he said.
He referenced ongoing national debates surrounding the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that public scrutiny of governance decisions remains a key part of democracy.
Banwo argued that criticism of government actions should not be dismissed as disloyalty or ethnic betrayal, stressing that accountability must apply regardless of who is in power.
“We cannot say something is wrong when others do it and suddenly defend it when it benefits us,” he said.
He warned that normalising what he described as “strategic tribalism” could deepen divisions and undermine national cohesion.
While acknowledging that ethnic considerations often influence Nigerian politics, Banwo insisted that intellectual leaders have a responsibility to rise above such tendencies.
He added that supporting a leader from one’s region is not inherently wrong, but must not override fairness and justice.
Banwo concluded that Nigeria’s progress depends on maintaining consistent standards in public life.
“Justice must not depend on which tribe holds power,” he said.
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