By Comr. S.I. Aigbogun Esq. PNM
Legal Advocate/Political Analyst
The diatribe by John Mayaki against Pastor Barrister Eze Iyamu, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpbebholo, and Distinguished Senator Comr. Adam Oshiomhole is a blatant display of intellectual dishonesty and political desperation. Mayaki’s attempt to denigrate the impeccable social, political, economic, and infrastructural development contributions of these distinguished individuals is nothing short of calumny.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Iyamu’s alleged “war against education” is a gross misrepresentation of his stance on the importance of education in Edo State. His criticism of Asue Ighodalo’s eloquence and educational achievements is not a disparagement of education but rather a call for substance over form. Mayaki’s assertion that Iyamu is promoting an “illiterate candidate” is a baseless insult, as Okpbebholo’s leadership qualities and experience far surpass the mere ability to speak English.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Integrity is telling myself the truth, and honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Mayaki’s hypocrisy is exposed when he criticizes Iyamu for preaching in English while condemning Okpbebholo’s lack of eloquence. Does Mayaki not see the value in communicating effectively with a diverse audience, as Iyamu does in his sermons?
As Winston Churchill once said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it, ignorance may deride it, malice may distort it, but there it is.” The reference to European countries like France is a red herring, as the adoption of English as Nigeria’s official language is a historical and pragmatic choice, just like France’s adoption of Francien.
Mayaki’s demand for Iyamu to swear on the Bible that Okpbebholo is the most competent man in the race is a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the real issues. Can Mayaki swear that his paymasters are not using him to spread falsehoods and propaganda? As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
In conclusion, Mayaki’s article is a travesty of intellectual discourse, and his arguments are as vacuous as the “white noise” he accuses Okpbebholo of producing. We urge the public to see through this veil of deception and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Iyamu, Okpbebholo, and Oshiomhole to Edo State’s development. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
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