Socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has reacted to comments by Arise Television co-anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese, who argued that Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi receives greater public scrutiny because he consistently makes himself available to engage Nigerians.
The remarks were made during Wednesday’s edition of the Arise TV Morning Show while the presenters analysed Obi’s appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
According to Mairo-Essien, Obi attracts intense public examination because he is accessible and willing to answer questions from Nigerians.
“Peter Obi faces greater scrutiny because he always makes himself available for scrutiny and willing to engage Nigerians,” the television anchor said during the programme.
Reacting in a post on her X handle, Yesufu argued that many Nigerians undermine leaders capable of delivering good governance while allowing less accountable politicians to escape similar levels of criticism.
She wrote:
“Nigerians do not believe they are deserving of good governance and in trying to self sabotage they would scrutinise the one that can give them good governance so they can have their pity parties in peace.”
The activist further likened the situation to the biblical account of Jesus Christ, suggesting that those perceived as good often face harsher treatment than those viewed as bad.
“Nigeria is like Jews in the Bible, the good gets crucified & the bad sneaks away.
“The only way to get away in Nigeria is to be the Bad Guy,” she added.
Yesufu’s remarks have since generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics of Obi debating whether public officials and political leaders should be judged based on their accessibility, public engagements and policy positions.
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