Africa
Sowore’s Reckless Utterances: No One Is Bigger Than the Constitution -By Kelvin Adegbenga
Sowore’s political ambition has failed time and again at the ballot box. He should not now attempt to destabilize Nigeria through reckless propaganda and social media insults. Nigerians deserve constructive engagement, not baseless name-calling from a failed presidential candidate who seems more interested in chaos than progress.
In every democratic society, the constitution reigns supreme. No individual, no matter how loud, rebellious, or attention-seeking, should place himself above the law. Unfortunately, Omoyele Sowore, the perennial presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), continues to test the patience of Nigerians by his unguarded utterances, disdain for institutions, and utter lack of respect for authority.
Recently, Sowore described the Department of State Services (DSS) as “lawless, idle, and incompetent.” He went further to call President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “idle, tired, and a criminal Commander-in-Chief.” These are not mere criticisms but calculated insults designed to provoke instability and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Nigeria is a country governed by law, not by noise-makers or professional agitators. Sowore’s repeated denigration of state institutions and leaders is not activism; it is recklessness. To describe Nigerians as being “held hostage by a tiny, wicked, inhumane band of rogues” is not only irresponsible but also an affront to the resilience and intelligence of the Nigerian people.
It is worth stating that no well-brought-up Yoruba man will stoop so low as to constantly insult those who are old enough to be his father. Yoruba culture, like other rich traditions across Nigeria, upholds respect for elders and authority. Sowore, by his words and conduct, has strayed far from this value system.
If indeed he has grievances against the government, the courts are open, the parliament is functional, and legitimate channels for redress exist. But for him to consistently hurl abuses at the President and key security agencies shows not just irresponsibility but a deliberate attempt to fan the flames of anarchy.
It is time for the DSS and other security agencies to move beyond cautionary tolerance. Sowore must face the consequences of his utterances. Free speech is a right, but freedom without responsibility is a threat to democracy. No citizen, no matter how loud or frustrated, should be allowed to ridicule the highest office in the land with impunity.
Sowore’s political ambition has failed time and again at the ballot box. He should not now attempt to destabilize Nigeria through reckless propaganda and social media insults. Nigerians deserve constructive engagement, not baseless name-calling from a failed presidential candidate who seems more interested in chaos than progress.
The message is simple: no one is bigger than the constitution. Sowore must be made to understand that his rights end where the law begins.
Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Akure, Ondo State. e-mail: kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com @kelvinadegbenga
