Speaking Truth to Power Is Not Rebellion but Civic Responsibility — ELIP
The Emerging Leaders in Politics (ELIP), Kwara State Chapter notes the recent approval of ₦8.1 billion for the payment of gratuities to state and local government retirees and commends the Kwara State Government for taking the needful step, that has been long overdue. The development is a clear example of how constructive engagement and sincere advocacy can yield positive results for the people; especially where those who are to serve as the moral conscience of the society showed the expected courage to speak truth to power.
While we welcome the announcement with high expectations, we pray and hope the payment will be timely and fairly done to ensure that the unconventional practice of non transparent stargard payment that was the fate of similarly announced figure in the past does not continue.
It is equally expected that the question Kwara pensioners are asking about an initial N4b that was once announced should be answered with clear evidence of verifiable beneficiaries. In that way, the people of Kwara State will have the confidence that the newly announced N8b will be judiciously and fairly applied for the intended purpose.
That said, this development must also serve as a reminder that there is nothing wrong in speaking truth to power as the media handlers of the Kwara State Government earlier portrayed the call made by a very senior Christian cleric at the burial of the late former Governor of the State, Chief C.O Adebayo. It was that untoward response of disrespect for spiritual authority which the said official response of Kwara State governent represents that made us to issue our first statement of caution against the gradual introduction of the culture of disrespect to elders into Kwara polity.
It is worth being re-echoed that as citizens and Christian leaders, our duty is not to flatter those in authority but to guide them with honesty, support them in righteousness, and correct them in love when they go astray. Leadership is strengthened, not weakened, when surrounded by people who speak truth without fear.
Going forward, we therefore wish to again caution against the rising culture of sycophancy and blind loyalty, which has made some citizens believe that criticism is hatred or opposition. True loyalty is telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.
The Scripture calls us to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth—not silent observers when things go wrong.
In the same spirit, we urge the government’s media handlers and the so-called “Data Boys” to redirect their energy toward constructive engagement and positive communication. Their skills can be used to inform, educate, and enlighten, not to insult elders, attack clerics, or malign citizens who seek a better Kwara. Social media should be a platform for collaboration and accountability, not for propaganda or abuse.
ELIP calls for a new era where citizens, clerics, youth, and leaders work together in truth and humility. We can move Kwara forward only when feedback is welcomed, not suppressed; when truth is valued, not punished; and when every voice, spoken with sincerity, is heard and respected.
Signed,
Olamilekan IleriOluwa
Convener, Emerging Leaders in Politics (ELIP), Kwara State Chapter
For the Defence of Truth, Morality, and Godly Leadership in Kwara State
