“Stop Acting Like a Saint — Journalist Slams Ogah Over Intolerance to Criticism

Broadcast journalist and native of Okpuitumo, Ikwo LGA, Mr. Azubuike Nwali, has called on Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah, member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, to show greater tolerance for public criticism, noting that even the best-performing politicians are not immune to scrutiny in a democratic society.

Nwali questioned why Comrade Ogah appears to react harshly to criticism, despite his widely acknowledged record of philanthropy and community development.

“Why does Comrade Chinedu Ogah get angry whenever he is criticised? Does he want to be a perfect politician?” Nwali wrote, stressing that “it is not disputable that he is working. In fact, if half of Africa’s politicians were like him, the continent would be in a better shape. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be criticised.”

Nwali recounted a personal experience that left him disillusioned. According to him, he once approached Ogah for academic assistance but was met with suspicion and public embarrassment.

“He asked for evidence of my claims, which was fine. But his approach turned me off. He called me a fraudster in front of his visitors and even threw away the attestation letter from my HOD that I presented,” Nwali narrated.

He added that although Ogah later gave him ₦5,000 and requested more documentation, the initial humiliation led him to seek help elsewhere.

Despite the encounter, Nwali clarified that he does not doubt Ogah’s generosity or sincerity.

“That doesn’t mean he is not a good philanthropist. He has helped many people, including some from my area. But the way he treated me made me value my dignity over the assistance.”

Nwali warned Ogah’s supporters against blind loyalty, urging them to welcome constructive criticism rather than dismissing it as hate.

“To those who rise in defense of Comrade Ogah at every slight verbal attack, you are behaving like sycophants. You may be the first to abandon him should things go wrong,” he cautioned.

He also appealed to critics to maintain civility in their assessments, emphasizing that criticism should not be laced with malice or jealousy but rather aimed at improving leadership and governance.

“There is no perfect politician—not even Nelson Mandela was loved by all. Democracy thrives on criticism. Praise-singing is a fool’s paradise, and frankly, it’s boring,” he concluded.