By Opeyemi Adeoti
In leadership, empathy and restraint are often the pillars that distinguish true statesmen from political power brokers.
Simon Sinek, the celebrated American author, once argued that “Great leaders don’t see themselves as great; they see themselves as human.” This sentiment underscores the expectation that public office holders, and those who serve them, must act with humility, fairness, and regard for the people they represent.
For several years, Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central in Nigeria’s Red Chamber, has been perceived as possessing the aforementioned qualities. This perception has strengthened the appeals from his supporters, urging him to pursue higher political responsibilities.
However, the recent conduct of one of his senior aides, Mallam Tunji Buhari Sulyman, now threatens to cast a troubling shadow over the Senator’s reputation.
Aide’s Legal Action Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from the arrest and remand of popular Kwara blogger Ajala Adeshina Shuaib, known widely as Manjala, who was picked up after publishing a Facebook post alleging that Tunji Buhari spent N200 million on his wedding ceremonies held in Ilorin and Abuja.
While Buhari Sulyman has the legal right to seek redress for perceived defamation, critics argue that political aides, who serve as the face and interface of their principals, must exercise a higher threshold of tolerance. By dragging a citizen and online journalist to court, observers say he has crossed ethical boundaries and undermined public trust.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the arrest has “sparked debate among journalists and civil rights activists, who warn that the action may have chilling effects on independent reporting and online journalism in the state.”
Implications for Saliu Mustapha’s Political Ambition
Indeed, this issue carries deeper implications than a mere dispute between an aide and a blogger. It strikes at the heart of press freedom, citizens’ journalism, and the political culture emerging around Senator Mustapha.
If an aide, acting under the authority of his principal, resorts to arrest and incarceration to silence criticism, it raises unavoidable questions about the Senator’s future leadership style should he ascend to a higher office.
Critics warn that such intolerance could set a dangerous precedent, one where political power becomes a tool to suppress scrutiny and dissent.
When aides behave in a heavy-handed manner, they invariably reflect on their principals. For a Senator whose public image has largely been built on accessibility, humility, and humanitarianism, this incident risks eroding hard-earned goodwill among the electorate.
Silencing Dissent is Threat to Democratic Norms
Suppressing citizens’ journalism, whether through intimidation, arrest, or the criminalisation of online expression, poses a direct threat to democracy. It instils fear, discourages public engagement, and undermines accountability. Worse still, it signals that intolerance for criticism may become entrenched within political circles in Kwara.
In a state where social media activism and grassroots reporting play crucial roles in shaping public discourse, the arrest of Manjala sends a dangerous message: criticism of political elites could lead to incarceration.
This is a path that no democratic society should entertain.
Call for Leadership, Restraint
Senator Mustapha, known for his calm demeanour and generosity, stands at a critical crossroads. To preserve his reputation and reaffirm his commitment to democratic values, he must rein in his aide and clearly distance himself from actions that could be interpreted as hostility toward the press or dissenting citizens.
As one popular adage warns: “If you stop to kick every barking dog, you won’t reach your destination.” Another adds: “Barking dogs don’t bite.”
For a man with growing political aspirations and a constituency watching closely, wisdom demands that he and his team rise above provocations rather than wield power to muzzle critics.
The people of Kwara deserve leadership founded on tolerance, transparency, and respect for fundamental freedoms, not one that quietly sanctions intimidation.
Adeoti is the Chairman, Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ)
