By Chukwudi Ebele
Human Rights Lawyer and Social Critic Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ejiofor Esq has in his article titled ‘THE TRAGEDY OF KENNETH OKONKWO: HOW CIVILITY WAS SACRIFICED ON THE ALTAR OF POLITICAL VITUPERATION’ called for a professional medical and psychological assessment of Nollywood Actor and political commentator, Kenneth Okonkwo if his reckless utterances against Mr Peter Obi continues.
The legal luminary faulted the noise, the fury, and futility of Kenneth Okonkwo’s war against political decorum.
According to Ejiofor, One of the enduring virtues of constitutional democracy, as inherited from the civilized traditions of democratic governance across the world, is its insistence on civility, decorum, and intellectual engagement in political contestation.
“Democracy was never designed to be a theatre of insults, nor a marketplace of reckless invective. Rather, it thrives on reasoned disagreement, principled opposition, ideological debates, and fact-based criticism of governmental policies and public officials.
“In every healthy democracy, opposition politics performs a vital constitutional function. It serves as a watchdog against executive excesses, exposes unpopular policies, amplifies the concerns of the citizenry, and enriches public discourse through constructive criticism. Indeed, many governments have recalibrated their policies after taking cognizance of legitimate concerns raised by opposition voices.
“Regrettably, what increasingly confronts Nigerians today is a disturbing departure from these cherished democratic norms. Instead of directing critical scrutiny toward those who presently wield state power and determine the policy trajectory of the nation, certain political actors have chosen to expend their energies launching relentless attacks against fellow opposition figures.
“This unfortunate trend finds perhaps one of its most dramatic manifestations in the routine media outings of Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo. His persistent and often intemperate commentaries directed at Mr. Peter Obi have become a subject of widespread public discussion and concern. While no democratic society should suppress dissenting opinions or robust political disagreement, there is an unmistakable distinction between constructive criticism and a sustained campaign of personal vilification.
“For many discerning observers, Mr. Okonkwo’s appearances across television and digital media platforms have projected less the image of a spokesperson engaged in principled political debate and more that of a man consumed by an inexplicable obsession. His language, disposition, and manner of engagement frequently transcend the boundaries of healthy political discourse and venture into territories that do little to elevate public conversation.
“One is inevitably compelled to ask: What exactly is driving this relentless fixation? Is it ideology? Is it principle? Is it political strategy? Or is it something far more personal and less comprehensible to the ordinary observer?
“Whatever the motivation may be, one fact remains undeniable: the tone and tenor of his public interventions have contributed little to the advancement of democratic dialogue. Instead, they have increasingly transformed serious political discussions into spectacles that often leave viewers bewildered rather than enlightened.
“Even more concerning is the potential damage such conduct inflicts upon those on whose behalf he ostensibly speaks. Political advocacy becomes counterproductive when excessive hostility overshadows substance. History is replete with examples of political surrogates whose uncontrolled rhetoric ultimately harmed the very causes and candidates they sought to promote.
“It is equally important to remind ourselves that Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo is not merely a politician. He is a legal practitioner, a profession that traditionally imposes higher standards of restraint, civility, and responsibility in public communication. Members of the legal profession are expected to embody intellectual discipline and measured expression, especially when engaging matters of public importance.
“No one disputes Mr. Okonkwo’s constitutional right to criticize political actors. Indeed, criticism is the lifeblood of democracy. However, criticism loses its legitimacy when it abandons facts for insults, reason for hostility, and persuasion for provocation. Political engagement should never degenerate into a contest of who can utter the harshest words or attract the loudest headlines.
“The Nigerian media space must equally exercise vigilance. Television stations and broadcast platforms should remain conscious of their obligations to promote responsible discourse. The airwaves should not become arenas where reckless utterances are normalized or rewarded merely because they generate momentary attention.
“Freedom of expression carries with it corresponding duties of responsibility, accuracy, and respect for public sensibilities.
“Political disagreements are inevitable; political hostility is not. One may oppose a candidate without demonizing him. One may challenge ideas without demeaning personalities. One may disagree passionately without abandoning civility.
“The tragedy of contemporary politics is not disagreement-it is the growing abandonment of dignity in disagreement.
“As Nigerians prepare for future political contests, we must collectively reject the normalization of toxic rhetoric. Public figures, irrespective of political affiliation, should aspire to elevate national conversations rather than degrade them. The electorate deserves arguments, not abuse; facts, not fury; persuasion, not personal vendettas.
“Should this disturbing pattern persist unabated, it may not be entirely unreasonable for concerned observers to call for a professional medical and psychological assessment of Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, with a view to determining whether there are underlying factors contributing to his increasingly troubling public conduct and utterances,” Ejiofor said.
About Author
