Until we learn to draw the sacred line between loyalty to the truth and blind followership, we will continue to exhibit the naive attributes of antagonism and misplaced allegiance. True loyalty is not flattery; it is courage wrapped in sincerity. When the truth is spoken to leadership, it does not erode respect, it refines it. To speak truth is not rebellion; it is a call to conscience.

The most challenging phenomenon beclouding many followers in today’s Nigeria is the twin evil of cowardice and sycophancy. Too many have been silenced by the fear of losing the crumbs from the table of privilege, forgetting that crumbs can never feed a nation. It is this timid mindset that has crippled accountability and turned genuine followership into a cult of praise-singers.

Let it be known to all who are still trapped in that illusion that time is fast spent. The tide is moving, with or without them. The journey toward national rebirth is not reserved for a few self-proclaimed messiahs; the path belongs to all who dare to stand for what is right. No individual or group holds a monopoly over wisdom or leadership the people themselves are the custodians of destiny.

Our conviction for loyalty, integrity, and respect must never be mistaken for ignorance or weakness. It is the foundation upon which the pillars of progress rest. And in the fullness of time, those who despised the truth will still be compelled to return to it, for truth has no color, tribe, or political leaning it stands eternally pure.

How long, then, shall we continue to love worthlessness, embrace deceit, and expect development to blossom? The destiny of a nation cannot be built on falsehood. Only when loyalty aligns with truth, and courage outweighs fear, will the dawn of genuine progress rise upon us.

He who remains loyal to truth will never be enslaved by power.

Comrade Danladi Boyis Hassan, FIICA.