Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
LAGOS, Nigeria — Social commentator and public affairs analyst Rashwal Rashwal has issued a pointed critique of former presidential candidate Peter Obi and his supporters within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, condemning what he describes as the practice of “demarketing” Nigeria while seeking political leadership. Rashwal’s remarks, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, frame the issue as a matter of patriotism, political ethics, and leadership responsibility.
In his statement, Rashwal sharply criticized individuals who, according to him, consistently denigrate Nigeria’s institutions, pray for its collapse, celebrate sanctions, and call for foreign intervention, yet expect public support and electoral victory. “You cannot spend every day demarketing Nigeria, praying for its collapse, calling it a failed state, begging foreign powers to intervene — and then suddenly expect Nigerians to hand you the keys to lead it. That is not patriotism. That is political hypocrisy,” he wrote.
Rashwal singled out the online behavior of IPOB supporters aligned with Peter Obi, alleging that they insult citizens who disagree with them, spread hate, abuse ethnic groups, call Nigeria irredeemable, and openly celebrate instability. He argued that such actions undermine the credibility of anyone aspiring to govern a nation, warning that leadership cannot be built on online extremism or moral grandstanding.
“Leadership is not Twitter noise. Leadership is not moral grandstanding. Leadership is not calling everyone stupid and expecting applause,” Rashwal emphasized. He stressed that political success and governance require coalition-building, persuasion, respect for dissent, and the ability to unify diverse populations, not online rage or anger.
The social commentator challenged Peter Obi and his supporters to become ambassadors for Nigeria rather than its critics, urging them to focus on uniting citizens, respecting pluralism, and promoting constructive dialogue. Rashwal noted, “If your movement survives only on rage and insults, it is not a government-in-waiting. It is just noise waiting to fade.”
Rashwal concluded by underscoring the potential electoral consequences of such behavior, reminding citizens that actions and silence regarding the demarketing of the country would be evaluated by voters. He wrote, “Nigerians are watching, and every of these acts of IPOB and Peter Obi’s silence will be rewarded by February next year. God bless Naija.”
The post has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users engaging in discussions about patriotism, political rhetoric, and the responsibility of leaders and their supporters to balance criticism with constructive engagement. Analysts note that Rashwal’s comments reflect broader concerns about the influence of online activism on electoral outcomes and national cohesion.
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