Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s statement offers a strong and timely critique of the role of ethnic sentiment in Nigeria’s political discourse. By urging politicians and stakeholders to pivot away from ethnic blackmail and instead focus on the nation’s real challenges—like inflation, insecurity, and governance—he underscores a call for political maturity and national unity.
Key takeaways from his message:
- Rejecting Ethnic Framing: He strongly rebuffs claims that President Tinubu’s administration is driven by ethnic bias, citing Tinubu’s electoral loss in Lagos as proof that Yoruba loyalty isn’t monolithic and shouldn’t be weaponized politically.
- Call for Competence: Nigerians, he argues, are more concerned with competent leadership than with tribal affiliations—a sentiment reinforced by diverse voting patterns in recent elections.
- Political Evolution: By highlighting past examples like the 1993 Abiola-Tofa race and the 2023 election dynamics in Lagos, Olawepo-Hashim paints a picture of an electorate that’s moving toward merit-based politics.
- Real Issues at Hand: He smartly redirects the conversation to what really matters—rampant inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship—emphasizing that identity politics only distracts from these urgent matters.
His comments are not just a defense of the current administration but a broader appeal for a more constructive and future-focused political culture. It’s the kind of message that resonates with citizens who are tired of the same old rhetoric and are looking for substance over sentiment.
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